Hoffman has Padres in tough spot

[Providence A's]

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/sullivan/20051106-9999-1s6sullivan.html.

The trouble with Trevor Hoffman is that he's no trouble.

He's not a conditioning risk, like Tony Gwynn. He's not a conduct problem, like Phil Nevin. Hoffman is as virtuous as the Boy Scout oath, as dependable as a doorknob, and perhaps only one season short of baseball's career saves record.

He gives the Padres no grounds to let him go except greenbacks.

"When you have a guy who has had the kind of special accomplishments that he has had – with his makeup and all the intangibles and what he means to this organization – it makes for a very difficult negotiation," Padres General Manager Kevin Towers said.

Sentiment says the Padres should sign Hoffman to ensure that Trevor Time remains a distinctly San Diego phenomenon. Reason argues that the pitcher's price tag makes this problematical.

Deadlines dictate that the Padres close a deal with their iconic closer by Friday or face the unfettered fury of open bidding on the free-agent market.

Frankly, the outlook is ominous. Though the Padres hired his brother, Glenn, to coach third base, Hoffman has already cleaned out his locker at Petco Park and has said he feels "betrayed" by the club's two-year, $10 million offer.

Who's going to close if Hoffman walks?

[DirtyKash]

Otsuka.

[Providence A's]

[HollywoodLeo]

Otsuka.

nope.

Linebrink

[padrefanforever]

Linebrink is correct......he's thought to the the future closer here already.....and will be damn good........but not yet........and I disagree with this article......I think it's the other way around......... by hiring his brother the Padres are in a great position with regards to Trevor.........Trevor wants to play with his brother before the window of opportunity closes on him, which is soon........Trevor wants to stay in San Diego........the money reported isn't far off........so this should be something they can close down soon......IMO......

and FYI guys........the "betrayed" bullshit was his agents word not Trevors....... Trevor & has said otherwise just doesn't do his business through the press, he leaves that to his agent........he said to the effect that it wasn't betrayal he felt, just curious what he was worth on the open market....... agents are full of shit.......you all should know this by now......and for a guy like Trevor to use the word "betrayed" yah.....sorry......not the kind of thing he'd say.......