Hoffman talking to Brewers/Dodgers

[Havok1517]

There goes the Carlos Villanueva sleeper closer bandwagon... or in Havok's case I guess it just means he can get him a few rounds later. I guess that's what I'll do in my 20-team league, though I'll feel bad betting that a guy like Hoffman will fail.

Well, this move sure gives Heath Bell some value.

[Scooter1027]

Miller Park isn't as much a hitter's park as some seem to think. Baseball-reference has their multi-year park factor as an even 100, a.k.a pretty much right in the middle. It's average. It's a little home run happy, especially for lefties. Now of course Petco scores an 89, making it one of the bigger pitchers' parks in the leagues. Of course we all knew that. What's interesting (or concerning?) is that Hoffman was better on the road last year.

His peripherals still seem pretty solid...about a K/IP, 46 K with only 9 BB. HR rate was out of whack (8 HR in 45.3 IP), which is way over his career rate. It contributed pretty significantly to his ERA jump to 3.77. Could be a fluke, could end up being a trend. I guess we'll find out. Either way, it's only a 1 year deal, and it allows Villanueva to throw more innings in a 7th/8th inning, Carlos Marmol-like role.

[AuburnTigers]

There goes the Carlos Villanueva sleeper closer bandwagon... or in Havok's case I guess it just means he can get him a few rounds later. I guess that's what I'll do in my 20-team league, though I'll feel bad betting that a guy like Hoffman will fail.

Well, this move sure gives Heath Bell some value.

How valuable does Bell now become as the closer....top 20 closer?...top 15?

[kab21]

There goes the Carlos Villanueva sleeper closer bandwagon... or in Havok's case I guess it just means he can get him a few rounds later. I guess that's what I'll do in my 20-team league, though I'll feel bad betting that a guy like Hoffman will fail.

Well, this move sure gives Heath Bell some value.

I picked up Bell last year in my 20 team league because I though Hoffman would break down. Sadly he was probably my 3rd most valuable pitcher. What a disaster.

[Snakes Gould]

before everyone goes crazy, lets wait to see if the padres do something silly like trade for huston street or sign jason isringhausen.

[Old_Style]

before everyone goes crazy, lets wait to see if the padres do something silly like trade for huston street or sign jason isringhausen.

Any rumors?

[Havok1517]

before everyone goes crazy, lets wait to see if the padres do something silly like trade for huston street or sign jason isringhausen.

Any rumors?

Well, I'm not sure Izzy will be ready to start the season and the most interested team I hear is the Rangers. Also, I doubt the Rockies would trade Street to anyone in the NL West.

[Old_Style]

I mean any rumors about the Padres going out and trying to sign/trade for a closer. Not necessarily just Street or Isringhausen.

[kab21]

before everyone goes crazy, lets wait to see if the padres do something silly like trade for huston street or sign jason isringhausen.

I highly doubt the Padres are interested in spending money in the relief market this offseason. They know they are going to be bad, there's no reason to spend in order to save an extra 2 games. And I think there are some intriguing arms in their bullpen also.

[Snakes Gould]

before everyone goes crazy, lets wait to see if the padres do something silly like trade for huston street or sign jason isringhausen.

I highly doubt the Padres are interested in spending money in the relief market this offseason. They know they are going to be bad, there's no reason to spend in order to save an extra 2 games. And I think there are some intriguing arms in their bullpen also.

i completely agree and think heath bell is fully capable but hes never been a closer before and you know how managers and gm's can be when it comes to their closers.