Dodgers make offer to RHP Hoffman

Jan 7, 2009 - 2:37 PM LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Major League Baseball's all-time saves leader could be on his way to Hollywood.

The Los Angeles Times on Wednesday reported the Dodgers have offered free-agent closer Trevor Hoffman a one-year contract to move north from San Diego, where he has spent the last 15 1/2 seasons of his career.

According to the newspaper, the Dodgers' offer is in excess of the $4 million contract the Padres presented the righthander but withdrew in November. The 41-year-old made $7.5 million in 2008, when he went 3-6 with 30 saves and a 3.77 ERA in 48 appearances for San Diego.

Should Hoffman accept the offer, Los Angeles would move Jonathan Broxton into the setup role. Last season, the 24-year-old Broxton recorded 14 saves while filling in for injured closer Takashi Saito, who is now a free agent.

The Milwaukee Brewers also are courting Hoffman, who is expected to decide on his future this week but likely prefers Los Angeles considering he lives in San Diego County.

"He's got three young boys, so he could go home a lot more if he signs with Los Angeles," Brewers general manager Doug Melvin told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. "That's what free agency allows a player to do - pick where it's best suited for him to play."

The all-time saves leader with 554, Hoffman owns a career record of 56-66 with a 2.78 ERA in 930 relief appearances with the Florida Marlins and Padres. Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees is second on the career saves list with 482.