Word has it the Giants slapped a waiver claim on the Brewers' closer Trevor Hoffman, who despite being 63 years old and throwing 28 miles an hour, is once again one of the league's top relievers. He's doing it with good control, only 10 walks in 39 innings, and keeping the ball in the park -- only one home run allowed. One could argue he's been lucky and the luck might not continue for another month, but his low BABIP (.262) isn't that far from his career mark (.279).
Would he be a great addition down the stretch? Hells bells yeah. Would Brian Wilson pull a Papelbon and get huffy over Hoffy? Who cares. The Giants did themselves right when they acquired Roberto Hernandez to complement the scuffling Rod Beck down the stretch in 1997, and I don't see any downside to Wilson and Hoffman sharing ninth inning duties.
Now, whether Milwaukee will trade Hoffman is another matter. He'll be a Type A free agent this winter, and his excellent work this year will have him in demand again. So the Brewers could get draft pick compensation if they hang onto him and he signs elsewhere. That's probably how the Brewers will angle the discussions: What can you offer that's as good or better than the draft picks we'll get for Hoffman this winter?
Then again, after last night's work by Joe Martinez, the Giants might want to save their trade bullets for another starter. Then again, by my calucations the Giants will need a fifth starter four times next month thanks to several off-days. Instead of trading precious resources, they might be able to patch together enough extra help with the expanded roster and the possible return of Randy Johnson (who probably won't be able to go more than a few innings at a time).
Two of three from the Rockies this weekend, and the Giants are two games back. How much can the Giants pile on Tim Lincecum's shoulders? No lineups posted yet, but they might be without Molina or Sandoval's bats in the lineup yet again.
