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Astros make changes to coaching staff

Brocail named special assistant; Clark, Martinez will not have their contracts renewed

The Houston Astros have made three changes to their coaching staff regarding pitching coach Doug Brocail, first base coach Dave Clark and bullpen coach Dennis Martinez. Brocail has been named as a special assistant to the GM and will also serve as the club's senior pitching advisor. The Astros will not renew the contracts of Clark and Martinez. The announcement was made by Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow.

"It was a tough year on the field this year at the Major League level, despite the significant progress in continuing to build our player pipeline," said Luhnow. "Bo and I discussed how we can improve next year and came to the conclusion that bringing in a few new and different voices would help."

Brocail, 46, spent two full seasons as the Astros pitching coach after taking over the position on an interim basis in June of 2011. Prior to taking the Major League job, Brocail served nearly two years (2010-11) as a special assistant to the Astros general manager. Brocail had a long professional career (1986-2009), which included three stops in Houston (1995-96, 2001, 2008-09). A resident of nearby Missouri City, TX, Brocail has been with the organization in some capacity, as a player, special assistant or coach, since 2008.

"In Doug's new role, he will assist me in overseeing and guiding our pitchers and pitching coaches across the organization," said Luhnow. "His experience these last three years as a Major League pitching coach combined with his many years as a player makes him ideal for this role."

Clark, 51, spent five consecutive seasons on the Astros coaching staff, serving as the third base coach for four seasons (2009-12) and the club's first base coach in 2013.

"The Astros thank Dave Clark for his many years of service to the organization and wish him the best going forward," said Luhnow.

Martinez, 58, was with the Astros for the 2013 season, serving as the bullpen coach. Prior to joining the organization, Martinez worked as a pitching coach in the St. Louis Cardinals system for six seasons.

"We want our new pitching coach to be involved in selecting his bullpen coach, since they work so closely together." said Luhnow.

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