The sudden availability of Hoffman raises the possibility that one or more of the top free-agent closers might be left without a high payroll slot — and leaves the Mets almost certain to find a quality replacement for the injured Billy Wagner.
The Mets can choose among Francisco Rodriguez, Brian Fuentes, Kerry Wood and Hoffman. No other team considers the signing of a closer to be as high a priority. Not the Tigers, not the Cardinals, not the Angels and certainly not the Padres.
The Tigers do not intend to pay top dollar for a closer. The Cardinals want a stopgap until Chris Perez is ready to assume the role full time. The Angels and Cubs also could replace closers from within, and the Indians ultimately could be left with a bargain.
The Indians came extremely close to signing Hoffman after the 2005 season, and the team's GM, Mark Shapiro, has kept in touch with the pitcher ever since. Hoffman's 3.77 ERA last season was his highest since 1995, but he still converted 30 of 34 saves, striking out 46 and walking nine in 45 1/3 innings.
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