It may have taken over five months, but he finally did it. Trevor Hoffman, Major League Baseball’s all-time saves leader, recorded the 600th save of his career on Tuesday night in classic fashion. It was a long and very painful process for the 42-year old righty after being pulled mid season from the closer’s role because of a horrific start to the season. The delay made it that much more emotional.
I’m not going to plunge into Trevor’s career because it would take longer than most of you would prefer to read to get through his illustrious 18-year career. I just think it’s important to note the true character Hoffman displayed throughout the season and the difficult tasks people like John Axford and Ken Macha were faced with early on in the 2010 season. After blowing his fifth save on May 18th, Hoffman had only converted five out of a possible 10 saves and his ERA had ballooned to an unthinkable 12.21. In Axford’s first four appearances this season before recording his first save of the year, he had a 1.80 ERA. He was then given a chance to save on May 23rd. It’s hard to imagine the pressure Axford faced, knowing that he was being asked to take over the job of a future hall of famer and the all-time leader in saves. Not only this, but imagine the decision making process of manager Ken Macha. I hate Macha’s managerial style just as much as the rest of you, but even though the decision seems obvious, I don’t think there’s anyone who would enjoy telling Trevor Hoffman to step down from the closer’s role…FOUR saves away from 600. Finally, look at it from the perspective of the man who lost his job. Hoffman could’ve asked for his release, made a big deal about the situation or just flat out called it quits. He didn’t choose any of these options. Instead, Hoffman acted professionally and accepted his role in the bullpen. He even took Axford under his wing and probably had a major influence on the Ax Factor’s stunning numbers thus far in 2010 (7-1, 2.34 ERA, 20/22 SVs converted).
It was inevitable that Hoffman would get another chance as the season progressed and the Brewers accepted their fate as a non-contender. Slowly but surely, Hoffman began recording saves again after a discussion between Macha, Hoffman and Axford. The idea was that Hoff would get the opportunity to close out games in which the Brewers had a 3-run lead entering the ninth inning. Everyone thought it was a good suggestion, and who wouldn’t? Everyone was rooting for Hoffman to get to the coveted 600 save mark…especially if he could do it at Miller Park. Finally, the time had come and Hell’s Bells blared throughout the stadium. It was Trevor Time again in Milwaukee as Hoffman only had to face three batters in the top of the ninth with the Brewers leading 4-2. After the first batter reached, a double play ball was induced and just like that, only one hitter stood in the way. A ground ball to Counsell at short sealed the deal, and history was made. The celebration was emotional as Trevor’s family came out and he was congratulated by his teammates. Two fan favorites carried off Hoffman in his glory, reliever Todd Coffey and soon to be ex-Brewer Prince Fielder. It was a long time coming, but well worth the wait.
Well, since the Brewers don’t have too much else going for them, let’s move to the gridiron. It’s getting so close…the season is almost here…ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?! The NFL officially kicks off tonight when the Minnesota Vikings travel to New Orleans to face the Saints, a rematch of last season’s NFC Championship game. Packer fans across the globe will be rooting ferociously against the man wearing the purple number 4 jersey. Some will probably also be rooting for his decapitation or for his body to snap in two. Anyway, it should be a solid contest to start off the year and Who Dat nation will electrify the Superdome.
Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers are gearing up for the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday (without Spencer Havner…someone explain that cut please). Key players that have been battling injury and are looking questionable for the game (excluding Will Blackmon, Al Harris and Atari Bigby) are linebackers Desmond Bishop and Brady Poppinga and cornerback Brandon Underwood. Obviously, the defense is where many of the question marks lie and the injuries are eating this unit alive. Still, I believe that the Packers’ offense is simply too dominant to let this affect the Green and Gold’s chances to pull out a victory in Philly.
Finally, I managed to reach the playoffs in both of my fantasy baseball leagues and the first round matchups are taking place as I speak. Fantasy baseball is fun and all, but my focus will definitely turn to my four fantasy football leagues (one of which I missed the draft for because it was during my move in day…damn). I’ve got $10 riding on one of the leagues, which will inevitably cause my stress level to rise even more each Sunday. Gotta love sports.
I’ll have my picks up for this week’s slate of games coming up this weekend, but for now I’ll just pick tonight’s game. As the season goes along, I’ll be picking games with the spread along with my friend from high school, Kyle. Here are our picks:
Saints (-6.5) over Minnesota
Kyle: Saints
Dave: Saints
F*** ‘em up, Nawlens!
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