Padres sign Brocail to add depth to bullpen

Originally Posted by ESPN

The San Diego Padres have reached agreement with right-handed reliever Doug Brocail on a one-year, $500,000 contract, according to a baseball source. The contract, which includes incentive bonuses, is conditional on Brocail passing a physical exam.

Brocail, 39, has a 39-42 record in 12 seasons as a setup man with San Diego, Houston, Detroit and Texas. He adds depth to a Padres bullpen that went 30-23 with a 3.42 ERA last season. Only the New York Mets had a lower bullpen ERA among National League clubs.


Brocail underwent an angioplasty in March after complaining of tightness in his chest during spring training. He had a second angioplasty in April when doctors found another coronary blockage, and rejoined the Padres in July after a three-month rehab.


The Padres are also working to complete a deal with second baseman Marcus Giles, according to a source. Giles became a free agent this week when the Atlanta Braves, in a cost-cutting move, declined to offer him a contract. Giles made $3.85 million last season, and probably would have earned more than $5 million in 2007 through salary arbitration.


The New York Mets and Boston Red Sox could have an interest in Giles, although both clubs have options at second base. New York re-signed second baseman Jose Valentin earlier this offseason, and Boston is likely to play Dustin Pedroia at the position in 2007.


If Giles signs with the Padres, he would join his brother Brian, an outfielder with San Diego since 2003. The Padres envision Marcus Giles as their likely replacement for the departed Dave Roberts in the leadoff spot.


Meanwhile, San Diego is trying to bring back pitcher David Wells, who has reconsidered his decision to retire. Padres manager Kevin Towers and Wells will have dinner Monday to discuss a new contract for the pitcher.


If Wells signs with the Padres, he would join Jake Peavy, Chris Young, Clay Hensley and Greg Maddux in the San Diego rotation. The San Francisco Giants, who recently hired former Padres manager Bruce Bochy, are also interested in Wells.

Jerry Crasnick covers Major League Baseball for ESPN Insider.