PADRES: Trevor Hoffman’s record-setting run as San Diego 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. Thurman doubts negotiations can be rekindled.
MARLINS: Pitcher Henry Owens was suspended for the first 50 games of next season after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance. The 29-year-old righty has not pitched in the majors since June 2007 because of shoulder trouble.
Starting pitcher Scott Olsen and outfielder Josh Willingham were traded by the Florida Marlins to the Nationals in a five-player deal that signals the start of Washington’s efforts to revamp its roster after a major league-worst 59-102 season. The Marlins received second baseman Emilio Bonifacio and two minor leaguers: second baseman Jake Smolinski and right-hander P.J. Dean. Each player the Nationals got is entering his first year of salary arbitration.
BREWERS: Milwaukee pitcher Salomon Torres retired 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.
TWINS: Minnesota reliever Pat Neshek will have ligament replacement surgery on his right elbow and is expected to miss next season. The right-hander re-injured his elbow last week during a throwing session at the team’s facility in Florida. He had an MRI exam Tuesday, which revealed a complete tear of his ulnar collateral ligament. The “Tommy John” procedure could take place next week.
Associated Press
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