Doug Brocail Still Plays Baseball?

Yes. Yes, he does.

The Houston Astros and Doug Brocail (seen here palling around with Jake Peavy) agreed to a $2.5 million, one-year contract Tuesday, including a club option for 2009.

The 40-year-old righty, who pitched for the Astros in 1995-96, is back in action after 67 appearances with the San Diego Padres last season. As a reliever, he went 5-1 with a 3.05 ERA, holding opposing hitters to a .228 batting average.

During his mid-90s stint with Houston, he appeared in 59 games -- 11 starts -- and went 7-9 with one save and a 4.35 ERA. His veteran presence on the hill should be considered a positive for the Astros bullpen, at least until he breaks a hip.

[MLB]