HOUSTON (AP) - The Houston Astros declined the club contract option on Doug Brocail, though general manager Ed Wade said the team would try to re-sign the 41-year-old reliever for next season.
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Brocail went 7-5 with a 3.93 ERA and two saves in a career-high 72 appearances for the Astros in 2008. He appeared in 47 games before the All-Star Break, one short of Juan Agosto's franchise record for first-half outings.
"Doug did a terrific job for us this year," Wade said. "He was a workhorse out of the bullpen and brought a solid veteran presence to our clubhouse. Although we've declined to exercise the 2009 option, it's our hope that we can get Doug back here for next season. I have already spoken with him, and he expressed definite interest in being with us."
Had the club picked up his option, the 14-year veteran would have made $3.25 million next season. Now, he's eligible to file for free agency.
Author:Fox Sports Author's Website:http://www.foxsports.com Added: October 1, 2008
