Free agent reliever Doug Brocail has re-signed with the Astros, CBSSports.com has learned.
Brocail will receive the same $2.5 million he got in 2008. The Astros had previously declined a $3.25 million option, and Monday they declined to offer arbitration. The 41-year-old right-hander made 72 appearances with a 3.93 ERA.
While there has been talk that Houston will have to cut payroll this winter, Astros officials have been telling people that so far that's not the case. As of now, they're not interested in trading closer Jose Valverde or third baseman Ty Wigginton, although they acknowledge that could change if owner Drayton McLane orders a budget cut.
For now, the Astros are still looking to add, at least a little. They weren't interested in dealing for Jake Peavy and they say they're not interested in signing Ben Sheets, but Monday, they reached agreement with left-hander Mike Hampton.
