Why didn’t the Brewers sign Coco Cordero last year instead of going out and pickup up broken down Eric Gagne? Luckily for Milwaukee Solomon Torres stepped into the closer’s job, and did a credible job – 28 saves, then he retired. So now, once again, the Brewers were without a closer, until they reached an agreement with the alltime career saves leader, Trevor Hoffman. Hoffman played his rookie year with the Marlins, but spent the last 15 years in Southern California, with the San Diego Padres. Last year he converted 30 of 34 opportunities, with a 3.82 ERA.
The 41 year old veteran signed a $6 million dollar one year deal, with an additional $1.5 million performance bonuses, based on games finished. Journeyman reliever Jorge Julio was brought in as insurance, but if Julio’s your insurance – Hell’s Bells!