Hoffman gets his fresh start

By: DAN HAYES - Staff Writer   | Saturday, February 16, 2008 11:43 PM PST ∞

PEORIA, Ariz. ---- A jovial Trevor Hoffman gladly ended his long offseason with a Saturday morning workout.

Four months and change after the Padres' closer blew two saves in the season's final three games ---- either of which could have clinched a postseason berth ---- Hoffman was eager to get 2008 under way. He participated with other Padres pitchers in the club's first official workout, an eight-minute throwing session.

"It's just good to be back in the clubhouse," Hoffman said. "That's for sure."

The 40-year-old reliever said he threw mostly fastballs and two changeups during his session. He joked that the two changeups weren't very good, adding that he didn't throw too many good changeups in October.

Hoffman and the Padres' October appearances were limited to the team's one-game playoff loss to Colorado in Denver on Oct. 1.

"I didn't throw anything good in October," Hoffman quipped.

Shortly after the season, Hoffman underwent surgery to remove bone chips from his elbow. At the time, he called the surgery "minor" and that he wasn't affected down the stretch.

He elaborated on that situation Saturday, saying he wasn't bothered when he threw, but was hindered in his pre-throwing activities.

"The getting-ready portion is not as long and exhaustive of a process (now)," Hoffman said before calling himself "high maintenance."

He added: "It's not as high maintenance. It shows there are some benefits from (the surgery) but I feel the same on the mound."

Hoffman ---- who was 4-5 with 42 saves and 2.98 ERA in 2007 ---- is considering a different look from the mound as he went to the stretch only a handful of times on Saturday. The veteran has never pitched out of the windup during his career and joked he might not after feeling dizzy.

"I almost fell over," Hoffman said. "I've got a lot of respect for those guys that use the windup. Throwing that in the mix is definitely something we're taking a look at."

One variable that won't change is his work ethic.

Now in his 16th season, Hoffman reported to camp fit as ever. That's not a surprise to catcher Josh Bard.

"I just think it's kind of the character of the guy he is, so it doesn't surprise anybody how he goes about his business," Bard said. "He's been a poster of consistency."

Bard said he doesn't put much stock into first-day appearances, but he was pumped to be behind the plate to receive Hoffman.

"I thought he looked good and healthy," Bard said. "He was reaching out more. It was just fun to be back out there again."

Entering the final year of a three-year deal, the question now is how long Hoffman will be a part of the Padres organization. Hoffman said he's interested in pitching beyond the 2008 season.

"I don't think (the contract is) something that really needs to be addressed as of right now," Hoffman said. "I'd like to keep pitching. I couldn't imagine doing something else, that's the whole thing. It's pretty scary thinking about life after baseball ... just to be able to come in the locker room and be one of the guys and suit up is the difference.

"When you're done, you're done."  

Contact staff writer Dan Hayes at dhayes@nctimes.com.

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