Daily Graphing – Trevor Hoffman

After the Padres' insulting 2 year, 10 million dollar offer to Trevor Hoffman, there's a possibility the two might finally be parting ways after 13 years. The question on everyone's mind is, if he leaves San Diego, will his new team play AC/DC's “Hells Bells” when he comes out to close? He better make arrangements for that in his new contract! Let's see why Trevor Hoffman thinks he deserves more than the Padres are offering.

Looking at a closers best friend, his strikeouts per 9 innings (K/9), there has been some drop off in recent years, yet it still remains a strong 8.4. This should be perfectly adequate for him to continue closing at a high level as long as his walk rate remains low, which it has.

There is however one area I am slightly concerned about. As you can see from the graph above he's been pretty good at keeping the ball in the park, but for the last two years he has pitched in PETCO Park which is the most difficult park to hit home runs in. I can't help but feel that his home run total has been slightly suppressed, especially since he tends to be a fly ball pitcher.

When I saw Trevor Hoffman's blown save and loss in the 2005 opener, I was worried that it was the beginning of the end for him. Instead, he went on to compile 42 saves while only blowing an additional 2. I wouldn't bet against him in 2006.