The Milwaukee Brewers have placed a handful of players on waivers, including closer Trevor Hoffman.
Why on earth would I mention this on a Philadelphia sports website? Yeah, you already know. This move comes a day after Phillies pitcher Brad Lidge put his fingerprints on yet another blown save. The call to Lidge in the ninth anymore has become the you-can't-really-seriously-be-putting-him-in-this-game decision. It's bad, and I've defended Lidge for quite some time given the fact that no Lidge = no championship in 2008.
But something has to be done. Could the answer be a move for Hoffman? Forget all the insane career numbers and people talking about adding Hall of Famers. I don't usually like adding Hall of Famers. Why? Because they are usually old and can't play much anymore (See: #4 for the Vikings). I do like adding production however, and Hoffman's 27 saves in 29 opportunities is a much more attractive alternative to nine blown saves, an 0-6 record and a 7.33 ERA. By contrast, Hoffman has a 1-1 record (not that I really care about that stat) and a 1.89 ERA (I care about that one though).
Hoffman does have a no-trade clause in his contract and people say he's pretty happy in Milwaukee. He is open to return to the Brewers next year, but not as a setup man. Don't worry, Trevor, you won't be a setup man in Philly that's for sure.
What would it take to get Hoffman from the Brew Crew and what would you be willing to give up for the 41-year old closer?
