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Trevor Hoffman

Debunking Angels Rumors

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MLB.com’s Lyle Spencer shoots down three recent Angels rumors, based on his talks with "an informed baseball source."  Spencer says the Halos are not interested in free agents Randy Johnson or Trevor Hoffman, nor are they talking to the Rockies about Garrett Atkins.

The Angels were never linked too seriously to the Big Unit, though I thought it was a good match.  Hoffman’s agent mentioned the Angels as a "potential interested party."  Both Rockies beat writers, Tracy Ringolsby and Troy Renck, have linked the Angels to Atkins recently.

The Trevor Hoffman Situation

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In a post on his blog, Padres exec Paul DePodesta outlines the progression of the Trevor Hoffman negotiations (and also explains why exercising Brian Giles’ option was an easy call).  Tom Krasovic also provides details, including quotes from Hoffman’s agent Rick Thurman.

  • Thurman believes the $4MM offer for ’09 (with a club option at the same salary for ’10) was insincere.  He feels the Padres never intended to sign Hoffman and calls the chances of a deal "miniscule."  Hoffman is also upset that owner John Moores did not want to meet with him.  Plus, Thurman seems annoyed that Towers contacted Hoffman directly regarding the Moores meeting.
  • On the Padres’ side, CEO Sandy Alderson notes that the offer was not of the "take it or leave it" variety and it is not common let an offer sit for a prolonged period of time.  Thurman did not a make a counteroffer, and the Padres never wanted these negotiations to be public.
  • This is not a black and white situation.  While the Padres’ initial offer was low, the two sides could’ve kept things private and met in the middle in the $5.75MM range.  I also think Moores should’ve been willing to meet with Hoffman, as this is not a normal player negotiation.
  • If Hoffman does leave, Thurman considers the Cardinals, Diamondbacks, Mets, Indians, Angels, and Rangers potential suitors.  Why no mention of the Tigers?  Jim Baumbach likes Hoffman for the Mets.

Hoffman, Padres Reach Impasse

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5:02pm: Padres exec Sandy Alderson told MLB.com’s Corey Brock he’s perfectly willing to talk to Hoffman.

10:53am: The door is closed on both sides, according to Olney.  Hoffman is upset with the Padres’ handling of the situation.

TUESDAY, 8:00am: Hoffman’s agent considers his client "the cream of the closers."  The Indians are expected to be one interested party, according to Barry Bloom and Corey Brock of MLB.com.  The Tigers at least inquired about some unknown players represented by the Beverly Hills Sports Council, possibly Hoffman.  Jon Paul Morosi says he fits their profile.

MONDAY, 10:34pm: Olney is now more emphatic in saying Hoffman "will not return to the Padres for 2009."

10:01pm: Tom Krasovic says the Padres withdrew their $4MM offer.

9:32pm: According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Padres and legendary closer Trevor Hoffman have reached an impasse in contract negotiations.  The team offered Hoffman $4MM plus incentives (perhaps with a club option for ’10).  Olney believes Hoffman’s Padres career is over, "barring a dramatic turn in negotiations."

The Cardinals don’t have Hoffman on the radar, but the Indians will give him a look.

Rosenthal’s Latest: Johnson, Peavy, Dempster

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Here’s a look at the latest from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

  • It doesn’t seem likely that Randy Johnson re-signs with the Diamondbacks, though Johnson is holding out filing for free agency until the possibility is exhausted.  The D’Backs hope he will take a significant hometown discount; they have roughly $10MM to spend for Johnson and a second baseman.  If a Mark Loretta type takes $2MM, will Johnson take $8MM after earning $15.1MM for a fine ’08 season?
  • The Braves are frustrated with the progress on the Jake Peavy talks, and will explore other options (especially once the free agent market opens Friday).  Rosenthal says the Padres sent revised proposals to the Cubs and Braves yesterday, but those teams intend to stick with their offers.  Will the Padres crack and make a deal before Friday?
  • Rosenthal criticizes the Padres for the classless farewell to Trevor Hoffman.  They pulled their reduced offer, and didn’t agree to the meeting with ownership he requested.
  • Suddenly there may be more solid free agent closers than teams seeking one.  The Mets have their pick.  To me this is a sign that K-Rod will fall short of five years, $75MM.
  • Rosenthal believes Kevin Gregg is next up on the trading block for the Marlins, with Jeremy Hermida another possibility.
  • Casey Blake doesn’t have any geographic leanings regarding his next destination.  His agent feels a three-year deal is reasonable.  The Twins and Indians are among seven teams eyeing Blake.
  • The Cubs offered Ryan Dempster something in the range of Kyle Lohse’s four years, $41MM.  Teams don’t like to use the Carlos Silva deal as a benchmark, because it was such a clear mistake.

Cardinals Rumors: Hudson, Lopez, Kennedy

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The Cardinals have moved on from Matt Holliday for the time being; let’s see what else is cooking.  Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has the latest.  Middle infield seems to be the primary concern now. 

One option is to pursue a trade for Kelly Johnson or Yunel Escobar of the Braves, but that will probably require Ryan Ludwick.  However, those talks must wait until the Braves resolve their chase of Jake Peavy.

On the free agent front, the Cardinals are interested in Orlando Hudson but not Felipe Lopez. Scott Boras seems to be aiming for a multiyear deal for Lopez. 

Adam Kennedy wants out of St. Louis, and the D’Backs may be interested.  GM John Mozeliak is said to be reluctant to eat a "significant piece" of Kennedy’s $4MM.  The D’Backs barely seem willing to spend that amount on Randy Johnson.

The bullpen is the other concern, but Trevor Hoffman is apparently not on the radar.

Olney’s Latest: Peavy, Hoffman, Sabathia

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Buster Olney has a new update on the Padres and a new article about the Giants.

Olney says there’s a growing feeling that Jake Peavy will be dealt “sometime before Thanksgiving.”

Trevor Hoffman hopes to meet with Padres executives soon to discuss the team’s direction. Olney says that the Indians are one of many teams who might be interested in Hoffman if he decides to reject the Padres one year $4MM offer.

Olney writes that the Giants shouldn’t let the Barry Zito signing stop them from going after C.C. Sabathia aggressively this offseason.

Hoffman Hopes To Meet With Padres Owner

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According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Trevor Hoffman requested 12 days ago to meet with Padres owner John Moores and CEO Sandy Alderson.  Hoffman’s agent says the Padres have not responded, though GM Kevin Towers said he left a voicemail.  Hoffman wants to talk about his role and the direction of the team.  He has reason to be concerned, with the Padres openly shopping Jake Peavy.

The Padres’ offer is not impressive: $4MM in ’09 and a club option at the same salary for ’10.  Hoffman’s taken less to remain in San Diego in the past; will he do it again?

More Odds And Ends: Padres, Francoeur, Manny, Phillies

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A few more notes from the MLBiverse…

  • Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune is reporting that the Padres have not set their ’09 payroll but that it could be as low as $40MM. Krasovic also notes that the Braves are not one of the teams that have inquired about Khalil Greene. Also, Kevin Towers continues to sound positive about the possibility of resigning Trevor Hoffman. The Padres have offered Hoffman a one-year deal for $4MM with a ’10 option at the same price.
  • Paul DePodesta comments about all of the rumors that are swirling on his personal blog.
  • We have heard this before, but now a Braves official is saying there have been no recent discussions involving Jeff Francoeur.
  • Jayson Stark discusses why a six-year deal for Manny Ramirez makes little sense.
  • Ken Mandel takes a closer look at the Phillies’ contract commitments and what they mean for the ’09 roster.

Cork Gaines writes for RaysIndex.com and can be reached here.

Indians Open To All Options At Closer

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According to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Indians GM Mark Shapiro is considering all options for the team’s closer job.

No free agents have been ruled out, even expensive closers like Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes.  The Indians’ #15 pick is protected, if they go that route.  Shapiro admitted to interest in Trevor Hoffman and Kerry Wood, if they are not retained by their old teams.  If the Indians can’t find a closer, they may add a late inning reliever to put in front of Jensen Lewis and Rafael Perez anyway.

On the trade front, the Indians have Huston Street on the radar.  Kevin Gregg could be another consideration.

Indians Interested In Blake

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According to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Indians have expressed interest in bringing third baseman Casey Blake back to Cleveland.  Blake stands out in a weak free agent market at the hot corner.  The Dodgers are also interested, but they may view other needs as a higher priority.  At the least, they should offer him arbitration as a Type B free agent.

Blake’s agent anticipates offers ranging from one to three years.  Blake brings the added benefit of versatility, as he can play first base and right field as well.

In other Indians news, agent Rick Thurman plans to meet with the Tribe to discuss his clients.  He has Brian Fuentes, Trevor Hoffman, and Jason Isringhausen.  The Indians almost signed Hoffman a few years ago.

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