News
Brocail enjoying role as Astros' sage
Houston (52-53) vs. San Francisco (57-47), 7:05 p.m. CT
By Brian McTaggart / MLB.com
08/02/09 5:30 PM ET
ST. LOUIS -- Upon seeing fresh-faced rookie pitcher Bud Norris in the clubhouse for the first time last week, 42-year-old veteran Doug Brocail couldn't help but think about his age. "I need to send away for a new birth certificate," he joked. Brocail isn't thinking retirement as his 15th Major League season winds down, but the grizzled right-hander has a hard time believing it's been 17 years since he made his debut as a starter with the San Diego Padres in 1992. But when Norris, 24, was sitting by his locker before his first start Sunday, Brocail could still relate. "It's funny, because guys are like, 'Dang, man, you've been playing twentysomething years, and I just got to the big leagues,'" Brocail said. "When you sit back and think, it's really not that big of a deal. But when you think more you're like, 'Man, I'm old.'" Brocail has been limited to nine games this year thanks to two trips to the disabled list, the 13th and 14th of his career. He missed 14 games in April with a rotator cuff strain and 75 games from May 4 through July 29 with a left hamstring strain. He's pitched in 872 games in his career, covering 870 innings with the Padres, Tigers, Astros and Rangers. He's 52-58 with a 4.00 ERA. Brocail made his Major League debut on Sept. 8, 1992, against the Giants, the team that comes to Minute Mark Park to open a three-game series Monday. He gave up six hits and four runs in 3 2/3 innings and had a hit in his first at-bat, just like Norris. "I cheated a little bit and pushed a bunt to third," Brocail said. These days, the senior member of the team and one of the oldest players in the Majors is soaking up every day at the ballpark. And he enjoys giving advice when newcomers such as Norris walk through the door. "I just tell them, 'Listen, what got you here is good enough to keep you here. Don't put any added pressure on yourself, and throw the same pitches you've been throwing your whole life,'" Brocail said. Pitching matchupHOU: LHP Mike Hampton (6-8, 5.36 ERA)
Four of Hampton's six wins this seaason have come against the Pirates. He was rocked for eight hits and a season-high nine runs in his previous start Wednesday in Chicago, losing to the Cubs for the first time since 2000. He's 15-4 with a 3.59 ERA in 26 career appearances (23 starts) against the Giants. SF: RHP Matt Cain (12-2, 2.12 ERA)
Cain is certainly setting the pace for his fellow National League Cy Young Award candidates, teammate Tim Lincecum among them. Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cain allowed just three hits and whiffed four over nine innings of work but received a no-decision in the Giants' extra-inning victory. The right-hander has received 5.15 runs of support per game, the most among San Francisco's starters. He finished July with a 3-0 record and 1.23 ERA. In his lone start against the Houston Astros in 2008, Cain pitched eight innings and won. Tidbits
The Astros are 28-25 at home this year, but have lost two in a row at Minute Maid Park. ... Shortstop Miguel Tejada had his National League-leading 44th multi-hit game Sunday. ... Right-hander Sammy Gervacio has yet to appear in a game since being called up from Triple-A Round Rock on Friday. ... Outfielder Carlos Lee needs one home run to reach 300 for his career. Tickets
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• Tuesday: Astros (TBD) vs. Giants (Jonathan Sanchez, 4-9, 4.81), 7:05 p.m. CT
• Wednesday: Astros (Brian Moehler, 7-6, 4.99) vs. Giants (TBD), 1:05 p.m. CT
• Thursday: Off-day
Brian McTaggart is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
