Nov 5
RHP Doug Brocail's option was declined by the Astros, making the 42-year-old a free agent. Brocail pitched in just 20 games as a reliever in 2009, going on the disabled list three times.
Oct 30
The Astros declined their 2010 option on Brocail and will pay him a $250 thousand buyout, the Astros' official site reports.
Recommendation: Brocail spent a good portion of the season on injured reserve, and will become a free agent prior to the 2010 season. In 20 relief appearances, Brocail wnet 1-0 with a 4.58 ERA.