Hoffman likely headed elsewhere

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Trevor Hoffman’s record-setting run as San Diego Padres closer is almost certainly over after the team withdrew its contract offer for 2009.

Hoffman, baseball’s career saves leader and the face of the franchise since Tony Gwynn retired following the 2001 season, was upset with the abrupt, impersonal way the club ended contract talks, agent Rick Thurman said Tuesday. Thurman doubts negotiations can be rekindled.

“I would say because of the way it was handled, it appears as though he’s done as a Padre,” Thurman said.

Hoffman’s appearances out of the bullpen were announced by the ominous gongs from AC/DC’s “Hells Bells.” The Padres apparently rang out the Hoffman era when they pulled their offer of $4 million for 2009 and a $4 million club option for 2010. Thurman said the club also refused the closer’s request for a meeting with top executives, who appear to be slashing salary because of owner John Moores’ ugly divorce.

The 41-year-old Hoffman has 554 career saves. He was in Puerto Rico on a Nike tour and wasn’t available for comment, Thurman said.

Brewers’ Torres retires

MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Salomon Torres retired Tuesday after 12 major league seasons.

The 36-year-old reliever issued a statement through the team saying he wanted to spent more time with his family and faith.

Torres was 7-5 with a 3.49 ERA and a career-high 28 saves in 71 relief appearances last season. He had a 44-58 career record with a 4.31 ERA and 57 saves for San Francisco, Seattle, Montreal, Pittsburgh and Milwaukee.

Tags: mlb, baseball, hoffman, padres