Astros release Francisco Cordero

The Astros have released veteran relief pitcher Francisco Cordero.

Houston acquired Cordero in the 10-player trade with Toronto in July. The deal also gave them Ben Francisco (now with the Rays) and five minor league prospects. Houston immediately used Cordero as their stop-gap closer, he struggled in his 5 innings pitched with Houston, and landed on the disabled list more than a month ago.

Cordero signed a one year, $4.5 million deal with Toronto in January to serve as their setup man behind Sergio Santos. Cordero has definitely had his worst season of his career in 2012, posting a 7.55 ERA in 39 1/3 innings.

Analysis: Well we had to see this coming. Cordero is obviously not part of the future and I thought that Houston would try to flip him to another team when they acquired him in July. He is definitely out of the prime of his career, but is still one of the more underrated closer's of his generation. It wouldn't surprise me if he retired because he doesn't have anything else to prove at this point.