Since Brian Fuentes signed with the Los Angeles Angels, the market for a successful closer has significantly tightened. Last December, the Los Angeles Dodgers released closer Takashi Saito, citing his age and recent elbow injury as deciding factors. The Dodgers have struggled to fill this role all winter, on the fence as to whether young hurler Jonathan Broxton has the consistency that is needed. Now the organization is looking to all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman.
As the San Francisco Giants consider trumping the Dodgers’ offer to Manny Ramirez, the Dodgers have offered all-time save leader Trevor Hoffman a one-year contract to be their closer.
The Milwaukee Brewers also are in pursuit of Hoffman, who is expected to make his decision this week. It is uncertain whether the Brewers have offered a two-year guarantee to combat their geographical disadvantage, since Hoffman lives in northern San Diego county.
Hoffman made $7.5 million last season with the San Diego Padres, who withdrew a $4-million offer to him in November. The Dodgers’ offer exceeds $4 million.
He went 3-6 with a 3.77 earned-run average last season, including a 1.59 ERA after the All-Star break. He converted 30 of 34 saves but gave up one home run every 5.7 innings, the second-worst ratio of his career.
By signing Hoffman, the Dodgers would return Jonathan Broxton to a setup role and add a veteran arm to a bullpen that has lost Takashi Saito, Joe Beimel and Chan Ho Park.
At first glance, I’m not sure what to make of all this. The Dodgers are supposedly offering Hoffman at least $4 million, which is more than what Takashi Saito was asking. The two are both older players, with Hoffman at 41 and Saito at 39. Where talent is concerned, Saito was easily the best closer in the National League in ’06 and ’07. Hoffman, however, is the most consistent closer of all time. His all-time record of 554 saves is incredible, considering Mariano Rivera trails behind him at 500.
What it comes down to is past injuries. It’s remarkable that Hoffman has pitched so long without ever seriously hurting himself. Case in point, he’s still got it. He even managed to convert 30 of his 34 save opportunities last year with the support of a pathetic Padres offense. Saito, while dominant when he’s healthy, had career-altering Tommy John surgery last year and was unable to pitch in the NLCS.
The Dodgers and Hoffman are a good fit. He’s just the guy to mentor the young and wild Jonathan Broxton. After Broxton sets up Hoffman in the 8th inning, he can take notes while watching the saves leader in action.
