Houston Astros Hire Brad Arnsberg As New Pitching Coach

According to MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart, the Houston Astros have named Brad Arnsberg as their new pitching coach.

Arnsberg, who served as Toronto’s pitching coach the last five seasons, is the final piece to the coaching puzzle, as Houston hired Bobby Meacham as the first-base coach and Al Pedrique as the bench coach earlier today.

In addition, McTaggart is reporting that the Astros have reached an agreement with infielder Geoff Blum (one year, $1.5 million contract for 2010, with mutual option for 2011 worth $1.65 million).

News also broke today concerning the club’s decision to decline the option for pitcher Doug Brocail in 2010, leaving Brocail to ponder retirement.

“It’s one of those things I will talk over with the powers that be and see what they have to say,” Brocail told McTaggart on Friday, Oct. 30.

McTaggart is also reporting that the Astros front office may talk to Brocail about getting involved in player development.

With Arnsberg’s hiring, new Houston skipper Brad Mills now has a full coaching staff in place to help lead the Astros in 2010 and beyond.

Check back soon as the details begin to unravel on this latest breaking MLB news coming out of Houston.

Denton Ramsey may be reached via email at denton.ramsey@gmail.com

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

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