Last modified Thursday, October 30, 2008 10:35 PM PDT PADRES: Hoffman files for free agency By NCT SAN DIEGO ---- Baseball's all-time saves leader has filed for free agency. Padres pitcher Trevor Hoffman, who has 554 career saves, including 30 last season, filed for free agency. The 16-year veteran was 3-6 with a 3.77 ERA in 48 appearances for the Padres as he reached the 30-save mark for the 13th time in 14 seasons. Both Hoffman and the Padres have indicated they would like the reliever to finish his career with the club. The right-hander, however, said he wished for negotiations to remain private. Hoffman didn't return a phone call seeking comment on Thursday. On Wednesday, general manager Kevin Towers said he didn't expect a quick resolution to Hoffman's contract status or that of outfielder Brian Giles, who is waiting on the club to decide whether or not to pick up his $9 million option. The Padres have 14 days from the close of the World Series to exercise Giles' option or buy out his contract for $3 million. Pitcher Mark Prior also filed for free agency. ---- Dan Hayes _______________________________ Holy crap! I guess Trevor figures if Jakes goes, he might go, too??
Thats the biggest reason why I can't get into baseball anymore. I grew up an Orioles fan but I also like the Padres. Both clubs have the worst owners in the world. Peter Angelos would charge you to use the bathroom if he could. Seems like John Moores got his new ball park so there's no need to spend money to build a winning team. The Padres really were not a good team in 2006 of 2007. They just didn't suck as bad as the rest of the teams in the division. Hopefully both Angelos and Moores will be forced to sell their teams and new owners will come in that care about winning!!
It's not shocking at all. Once the Padres season ended and the talk of Peavy being available started, that put anyone with big $$$ on the books on watch. Everything is for sale.
I wish he'd just retire. He's not what he used to be, so I'd rather not rely on him as the closer anymore, but I'd hate to see him pitching for some other team.
I just don’t see throwing that much money at someone whom I don’t trust anymore. He blew way too many opportunities this year. He won 3 and lost 6, isn’t that 9 blown opportunities? He should just retire, or is he just about the Money now?
He's brought in to tie games sometimes as well. He only had 4 blown saves last year. I thought it'd be more, but I just looked it up.
Leo, I have lost my trust in him. His Changeup is setup by his fast ball, and he does not have one anymore. He throws a curve once in a blue moon, and when he does throw it, its not of Major League quality. If he wants to continue to play, let him go another Team. It is time we turn the page and start to move on. That does not mean I have given up on Hoffy, he will be going into the Hall of Fame. And I have loved every save he has given us, that will never change. Old man father time is catching up with him. On a side note I called Juan Eichelberger out on strikes this year.
I've finally lost trust in him as well, which is why I expressed surprise in the number of blown saves, cuz I thought it would have been more. I was more pointing out the number of BS to express my surprise on the matter, but even his successful saves last year were very shaky and, unlike throughout his career, last year he did suck in non save situations. nice
I love Trevor and Hell's Bells but honestly it may be time for him to go, he isn't worth the $8 million or whatever he's looking for anymore. If he really wants to stay he has to be willing to accept less, Gwynn did. But I'm tired of him trying to force the Padres hand into overpaying him like they did last time.
I hope they bring him back with a fair incentive-laden contract. The man NEVER stops working and keeping himself in shape. This is a pic I took of him AFTER a game at Dudger Latrine, September 2 this year: The man is tireless. He went around and around the warning track. One more time, Padres, one more time.
I agree. His work ethic is unmatched. Great Picture...no matter what happens, he will be one of the most celebrated Padres of all time!
I'd love to see him brought back win an incentive laden contract. But if he demands a guaranteed extrodinate amount I don't know. I'd hate to see him go elsewhere, but a small market team just can't afford to invest a lot into a questionable player (which is what he is at this point, despite his tremendous work ethic.)
Hey Rexy, I am not questioning his work effort at all. What I am questioning is his ability to get people out. He has lost some velocity on his Fastball, and his Changeup is setup by that Fastball. Major League Hitters have a great eye, and if you sit on that Changeup, and it is not working, then location becomes a major factor, and Trevor was never considered as a pin point accurate Pitcher.
Trevor in his heyday was great. People knew the change up was coming and still couldn't hit it. (They knew it'd come in the at bat, the problem was they never knew when, which is what made it so good.)
Yes, he has definitely lost some velocity on his fastball. Guys were hitting him earlier in the year. I think he made some sort of adjustment, as he did better as the season progressed. So, he still has that ability to adjust. Personally, I dont think Heath Bell is physically or mentally ready to assume the closer's role full-time. Of course, if Trevor doesnt come back, he will have to. Also, when Trevor leaves, he is the only veteran leader-type in the bullpen. Heath is not. When both Linebrink and Brocail were in there, they were those type of lead-by-example veteran types. You need that presence in the bullpen.
