Dec. 3 -- FORGET BROCAIL

BY SCOTT LAUBER

Don't mean to distract from the arbitration conversation in the posts below, but wanted to mention that the Astros have re-signed Doug Brocail, one of the relievers who has drawn some interest from the Phils. Brocail, 41, has agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million contract after posting a 3.93 ERA in 72 games last season.

The Phillies remain interested in relievers Russ Springer (10-2, 2.24 ERA in 146 games over the past two years for the Cardinals), David Weathers (sub-4.00 ERA in each of the past four seasons for the Reds) and Juan Cruz (4-0 with a 2.61 ERA in 57 appearances last season for the Diamondbacks). Cruz, 30, is the youngest and most impressive of the group. But he also has been offered salary arbitration, so the Phillies would forfeit their 2009 first-round pick if they sign him. Springer, 41 and a 10-game loser with the Phillies way back in '96, wasn't offered arbitration. Weathers, 39, was, but as a Type B free agent, he wouldn't cost a first-round pick.