Free Agents: Doug Brocail to join the Astros

The Houston Astros announced the signing of veteran pitcher Doug Brocail. The tall righty will provide a solid veteran arm for the once-proud Houston bullpen, as mainstays Brad Lidge and Dan Wheeler have been traded away in the last six months. Those are some big shoes for Chad Qualls, Trever Miller and Geoff Geary to fill.

The soon-to-be 40-year old had a great season in 2007 (3.05 ERA), but that was at very pitcher-friendly PETCO Field. His K/9 numbers have also fallen off sharply the past two seasons. He is a prime candidate to blow up in 2008; not a good signing, IMO.