And What Becomes of Trevor Hoffman?
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Much will be made today of the epic one-game playoff last night: the poor performance by likely Cy Young winner Jake Peavy, the 10 pitchers used by Colorado, and the clutch hitting by the Rockies in the bottom of the 13th inning.
But my question is, what will become of Trevor Hoffman?
After blowing the save in a Wild Card-clinching opportunity against the Brewers Friday, Hoffman got another chance last night. And he blew it again.
Hoffman, who owns something like a 90% save conversion rate in his career, clanked the two free throws that could have won the game. He missed the extra point. Botched the tap-in.
"It happened so fast," Hoffman said in the AP story. "I didn't get it done."
As far as I can tell, Hoffman's contract includes a club option for 2008. Two weeks ago, Padres' GM Kevin Towers wouldn't have given it a second thought. Once the pain subsides, though, San Diego needs to consider whether it's time to put Hoffman out to pasture.
The man is nearly 40, and though he's still got a great changeup, his fastball is barely enough to make the change effective. But when it's all said and done, Hoffman still has more fire and courage than most of the closers out there (I'm talking to you, Brad Lidge).
Hoffman won't walk away, not with an ending like this. And for all he's done for this franchise in the past 15 years, he shouldn't have to, not without another shot next season.
