Arnsberg fired, Doug Brocail named interim Pitching Coach

Brad Arnsberg has been dismissed from his duties as the Astros Pitching Coach. Doug Brocail has been announced as Arnsberg’s successor on an interim basis. Arnsberg took over prior to last season and I thought he did a nice job. Arnsberg is a detail oriented coach with a tireless work ethic and was well-liked by his players. Arnsberg told reporters that he was not surprised by the move and said that the last few weeks had been difficult. The team cited “philosophical differences” as the reason for Arnsberg’s firing. The Astros have a team E.R.A. of 4.69 which ranks next to last in the National League.

Doug Brocail has remained a part of the Astros organization since retiring after the 2009 season, working in the areas of scouting and player evaluation. This will be Brocail’s first coaching  job. I have it on good authority that Brocail is a stand-up guy and is well respected by the players. Brocail pitched 15 seasons in the Majors, including two stints with Houston. He missed the 2001, 2002, and 2003 seasons with arm injuries. Brocail also came back to pitch in 2006 only four months after undergoing angioplasty surgery. Brocail is a big supporter of military members and their families and is an avid hunter and outdoorsman.