Hoffman's HOF Career Done In SD

[love_that_reefer]

ESPN - Sources: Trevor Hoffman done in SD as Padres pull offer

Trevor Hoffman, the all-time leaders in saves and the face of the San Diego franchise, will not return to the Padres for 2009. The team has withdrawn its contract offer for 2009 to Hoffman, who is eligible for free agency this fall.

The Padres are in the midst of making a dramatic cut to their payroll, at a time when owner John Moores is going through a difficult and costly divorce. The San Diego payroll was about $74 million in 2008, and if they complete a trade of pitcher Jake Peavy, as expected, and eventually swap outfielder Brian Giles, their payroll -- now reduced by the departure of Hoffman -- will be cut by about half.

Hoffman made $7 million last season, and the Padres' initial offer to him for 2009 was for $4 million, plus some incentive bonuses. Some friends of Hoffman felt San Diego's offer was a polite way to nudge him out the door; sources familiar with the Padres' offer said it reflected, to a degree, Hoffman's diminished performance in 2008.

But on Monday night, Hoffman was informed, formally, that the team has withdrawn that offer.

Sad to see Hoffman leave SD to play for another team. Hoffman is right behind Tony Gwynn as one of the best Padres of all-time. Hoffman is a no brainer for the HOF and will be missed. Cleveland has been rumored to be interested in Hoffman possibly on a two year deal. Hells Bells will never be played again.

[HollywoodLeo]

I wish he'd retire.

Another all time great face of a franchise playing out the past year or two of his career in another uniform.

[ljshorty89]

As much as I agree with the idea of a guy retiring while he's managed to play all but 35 innings of his career for one team......if he wants to come to the Mets, I'd be happy to hear Hells Bells in the 9th inning at Citi Field....

[realmofotalk]

As if it's not bad enough that the Mets have to steal another team's history and make it their own. Like the new Jackie Robinson rotunda. What the **** is that? Jackie Robinson never played a game for the Mets. He never played at Queens, New York.

[ljshorty89]

That's not the Mets claiming other teams' history. Thats a) celebrating the history of NY Baseball; and b) Mets' Owner Fred Wilpon celebrating his childhood love for the Dodgers.

[padrefanforever]

Don't be shocked if this still gets done

[NYgiantsfan5689]

Hoffman is an awesome guy and an amazing closer. HOF love for sure.

And don't hate on the Mets for putting up a Jackie Robinson tribute. That's just celebrating the history of baseball. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that. To think that they're stealing another team's history is the biggest load of BS I have ever heard. Why do you think the MLB has retired Jackie Robinson's number? Because he's integral to baseball. Nobody's stealing the history

[DirtyKash]

No Peavy, no Hoffman, soon no Giles. Going to be a freaking great season with just Gonzo and, uh, Kouz!

[NYgiantsfan5689]

don't forget Chris "I'm too tall for anyone to help me off the field when my face looks like it has been put through a wood-chipper" Young

[love_that_reefer]

Chase Headley will be fun to watch too especially if he gets to play third.

[HollywoodLeo]

soon no Giles.

Padres exercise $9 million option on veteran Giles - MLB - CBSSports.com Baseball

[love_that_reefer]

Padres are rumored to be trying to talk Giles in waiving his no trade clause to shed more salary.

[realmofotalk]

That's not the Mets claiming other teams' history. Thats a) celebrating the history of NY Baseball; and b) Mets' Owner Fred Wilpon celebrating his childhood love for the Dodgers.

If a) is the case, then I should expect a Babe Ruth rotunda and a statue of Willie Mays making his famous catch inside Citi Field as well.

[DirtyKash]

Padres exercise $9 million option on veteran Giles - MLB - CBSSports.com Baseball

Yes, but they'll likely get rid of him soon. It was $9 million to pick up the option or a $3 million buyout. Pretty easy decision.

[HollywoodLeo]

Yes, but they'll likely get rid of him soon. It was $9 million to pick up the option or a $3 million buyout. Pretty easy decision.

If it was so easy they wouldn't have picked up the option.