Hoffman joins Brew Crew

In a big shock to me Trevor Hoffman is no longer a member of the San Diego Padres. It was announced today that the Milwaukee Brewers and the first ballot Hall of Fame pitcher agreed to a one-year contract worth six million dollars. This shouldn’t really be a surprise as negotiations between the pitcher and the Padres were rough to begin with, but still I really expected them to work something out. The pitcher must of really felt disrespected as he left for not much more money.

The Padres were offering a four million dollar deal for 2009, with a club-option for 2010 at the same rate. The Brewers only offered two million more. For a player who has been in the league as long as he has that amount is minuscule. Especially with the tens of millions he made when at the top of his game. Regardless thou for the Padres this isn’t to big of a blow as they won’t be contending for anything. For the Brewers is this a great low cost, low risk signing.

One of the major weaknesses for the Brew Crew last season was their relief pitching. Anytime you have to throw Eric Gagne and Salomon Torres out there as your closers, you’re going to struggle. Despite those two bums they still made the playoffs but then got exposed. While some will argue Trevor is on the downside of his career, he’s still a better option those other two. If Torres saved 28 games for the Brewers, then you can easily expect Hoffman to be in the 30 to 35 range. Last season, he saved exactly 30, his 13th time saving 30 or more, a MLB record. He did have his highest era, 3.77 in well over a decade, but he still has that nasty changeup which can more then make up for his lacking fastball.

Does this keep the Brewers as a playoff team? No, but it surely helps them keep them in the race. The team has also added Jorge Julio to the pen and are really trying to strengthen the backend. It’s something they have to do as they will be going to the bullpen a lot more often with out C.C. Sabathia and Ben Sheets eating all those innings.

Remember thou this all still pending as he hasn’t passed his physical yet.

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Tags: Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, San Diego Padres