for $2.5 mm. The same as he made this year.

Brocails’ leadership skills, and chemistry over any other pitcher in the pen.

He exceeded my expectations. Given his age, I was concerned that his performance might fall through the floor. For next year, we have to wonder if an over-40 reliever can keep doing it. I like his fire, but realistically a pitcher’s chance of crashing increases in his 40s. His option is $2.5 million. One has to figure that Hawkins might cost close to the same neighborhood if the Astros try to bring him back. Could the Astros afford two relievers at that cost, plus Valverde who will be substantially more than that?

I would say loyalty to the team, he is a tough competitor, and a favorite with the Padres organization whom can’t say enough great things about him. Padres broadcaster Ted Leitner told a story one time that really showed Brocail’s intensity. After Brocail had the angioplasty, he was working on the exercise bike rehabbing from the surgery. The benches cleared between the Padres and their opponent, and Brocail who was watching the game on T.V. jumped off of the exercise bike and started putting on his jersey to go aid his team, he put the jersey on so that he wouldn’t be penalized for not being in uniform an being on the field.

He was nails in the first half and without his appearances in the first half, we wouldn’t be 3 GB now would we?