Dead Closer Walking, Trevor Hoffman
How much more can one team take? I will grant that Trevor Hoffman is one of the games greatest closers. That aside, he's touching on 43 years old and his fastball tops out at 88 MPH. Hoffman can no longer get major league hitters with any consistency.
In 2010, Trevor Hoffman has given up 19 runs and 21 hits in only 13 innings this season. He has as many blown saves as he has saves. Last season he had a total of four blown saves all year.
Clearly it is over for for Hoffman as a closer. Can he still pitch? Sure, but not as a closer. Ken Macha has some big decisions to make and how to replace a hall of fame closer won't be easy. With LaTroy Hawkins on the DL, there isn't many options for the Brewers.
The front-runner will be Carlos Villanueva. He has the stuff to be closer and he's an experienced pitcher. After him you have Todd Coffey, who once closed for the Reds in an injury-replacement role. He's been relatively ineffective.
The dark horse candidate for the job is recent AAA call-up Marco Estrada. He was a starter in the minors and has no closing experience. However, he has an excellent changeup, solid curveball, and a 93-94 MPH fastball with movement.
Whoever gets the job has big shoes to fill and will need to find success from the start. Ken Macha will have them on a short leash.
Listen to Todd "The True Guru"
Farino breakdown all the closer activity three times a week on Blog Talk Radio. Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 11pm PST. www.blogtalkradio.com/the-closer-report or download the podcast on ITunes!
In 2010, Trevor Hoffman has given up 19 runs and 21 hits in only 13 innings this season. He has as many blown saves as he has saves. Last season he had a total of four blown saves all year.
The front-runner will be Carlos Villanueva. He has the stuff to be closer and he's an experienced pitcher. After him you have Todd Coffey, who once closed for the Reds in an injury-replacement role. He's been relatively ineffective.
The dark horse candidate for the job is recent AAA call-up Marco Estrada. He was a starter in the minors and has no closing experience. However, he has an excellent changeup, solid curveball, and a 93-94 MPH fastball with movement.
Whoever gets the job has big shoes to fill and will need to find success from the start. Ken Macha will have them on a short leash.
Listen to Todd "The True Guru"
Farino breakdown all the closer activity three times a week on Blog Talk Radio. Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 11pm PST. www.blogtalkradio.com/the-closer-report or download the podcast on ITunes!
Labels: Trevor Hoffman
