SAN DIEGO -- Trevor Hoffman's agent made a counteroffer on
Tuesday to the Padres, but wasn't optimistic that the closer would
remain in San Diego.
"Trevor's first choice has always been to remain a Padre. But
it's looking more and more like it won't happen," agent Rick
Thurman said. "Put it this way -- their offer made Trevor upset
enough to have his locker cleaned out at the stadium."
The Padres last week offered Hoffman $10 million over two years.
Thurman is seeking between $25 million and $27 million over three
years.
"He's the best at what he does, and what he brings to the city
and the team," Thurman said. "Now, if we're out on the open
market, as soon as we can negotiate with other clubs, whatever
proposal we're giving to the Padres, I'm sure Trevor will make much
more than that. This is not so much a money thing, it's more of a
respect thing."
Hoffman is second on the career saves list with 436, with all
but two of them coming with the Padres.
The Padres have until Nov. 11 to negotiate exclusively with
Hoffman, but nearly 10 other teams have expressed interest, Thurman
said.
"There are 16 teams where their closer spot is up in the air
right now. It's a pretty good year to be a free-agent closer,"
Thurman said.
General manager Kevin Towers didn't immediately return a call
seeking comment.
Hoffman's older brother, Glenn, interviewed with the Padres
Monday for their vacant third base coaching job.