Pitcher Doug Brocail and the Houston Astros agreed Tuesday to a $2.5 million, one-year contract, a deal that includes a team option for 2009. The 40-year-old right-hander played for the Astros in 1995 and 1996. He appeared in 59 games, making 11 starts, and went 7-9 with one save and a 4.35 ERA. Brocail appeared in 67 games for San Diego last season, all in relief, and went 5-1 with a 3.05 ERA. He held hitters to a .228 average. "Doug is a battle-tested, veteran reliever who will make our bullpen stronger," new Astros' General Manager Ed Wade said. "He's a great competitor and has shown the ability to pitch a lot while performing equally well against both left-handed and right-handed hitters."