Hoffman could end up our next closer....

Since negotiations between the Padres and free agent closer Trevor Hoffman broke down, there have been reports linking the Mets to the veteran closer (source Star Ledger). I've pretty much dismissed most of these rumors as speculation or misdirection by the team and the players agent. After all, it's in Hoffman's best interest to have the Mets involved in his free agency and the Mets could use the competition in there pursuit of Fuentes or K-Rod. But under the premise; where there's smoke there's fire, I'm growing concerned that the Mets might just make Hoffman the next closer.

Now I know there are some who have argued that the Mets would be smart to sign Hoffman over the other closers, that the other closers are injury risks and the Mets should use Hoffman to groom their young pitchers (Parnell-Kunz-Muniz) and a set-up man ( Street) to become a closer. Even I've said the team needs a veteran reliever but I just don't see Hoffman being a good fit. I believe Hoffman is on the down side of a Hall of Fame career, but a career that has benefited from playing home games in Petco Park and in a very weak division.

Hoffman is coming off his worst season in years and still many pitchers would die for his numbers. In 48 games ( 41 innings) he had an ERA of 3.77 with a record of 3-6, 30-34 SVO while striking out 46 and walking 9. Hoffman's much chronicled struggles in the playoffs are really blown out of proportion. In his first two attempts he struggled; in 1996 in the division series he pitched 1.2 innings with a 10.80 ERA and then in 1998 in eight games he saved three games but also had a record of 0-1 with a 2.89 ERA. In two seasons (2005-2006) he pitched two innings with a 0.00 ERA, one save and only one hit.

It seems that the same theme keeps coming up in regards to why they could decide to sign Hoffman as the closer. The cost of Hoffman's contract would allow them to acquire other relievers and they think Hoffman would be an excellent guy to mentor young pitchers. Pitching coach Dan Warthen was a minor league pitching instructor and pitching coach from 1996-1997 with the Pads, not only is he familiar with Hoffman but has been campaigning for him. Posters at NYFS heard Warthen on XM and posted that he basically said (paraphrased); (Mets)Need a guy like Hoffman who will come cheaply and teach the young guys character.

A week ago the Poughkeepsie Journal was reporting that Hoffman was at the top of the list for the Mets closers position and now a week later, the NY Post has a report that Hoffman will meet with the Mets....

And according to one baseball executive, the Mets’ discussions seem to be leading them away from the top candidates and instead toward the possibility of signing San Diego’s Trevor Hoffman and acquiring a set-up man such as Colorado’s just-acquired Huston Street in a trade.According to one baseball official, the Mets have been actively discussing possible trades and are leaning toward the likes of Hoffman, source Poughkeepsie Journal

Trevor Hoffman's agent, Rick Thurman, told The Post yesterday there have been talks with the Mets about meeting with the free-agent closer in Las Vegas, in New York or perhaps both. The 41-year-old Hoffman, the all-time saves leader, had 30 saves and a 3.77 ERA last season with the Padres. The Mets may also meet with Fuentes, a Thurman client as well. source NY Post