Farewell, Mr. Hoffman

By OnMilwaukee Staff Writers Published Jan 14, 2011 at 4:06 PM

It was a relatively quiet week for local teams so without any further ado or bad attempts at humor, we'll jump right into the notes so you can start making your Packer party chili.

Trevor time comes to an end: Not much went as hoped for Trevor Hoffman last season, who struggled with his command, pitched his way out of the closer's role only to turn things around and notch career save No. 600.

This week, though, he ended his storied career on his own terms.

The 42-year-old announced his retirement Wednesday at Petco Park in San Diego, where he spent the majority of his 18 major league seasons.

Hoffman spent just two years in Milwaukee and though the Brewers struggled to build of their 2008 post-season appearance, Hoffman's impact was noticeable, and a key component to the franchise's continued climb towards contention and relevance.

Aside from his 37 saves in 2009, Hoffman emerged as a quiet leader in an otherwise young clubhouse. He was the leader of post-game celebrations to recognize the accomplishments of his teammates and his pregame workout regimen became a ritual for many of his fellow relievers.

Even when things fell apart in 2010 and he lost the job to rookie John Axford, Hoffman maintained his class, serving as a mentor of sorts to the young right-hander, who finished with 24 saves.

Through his Twitter feed, Axford thanked Hoffman for his help:

"I would like to thank my teammate, mentor, and friend for everything he did for me. I am forever grateful Trevor. Happy Retirement sir."

Hoffman wanted to find another closer's job, but when that didn't materialize, he decided to call it quits. He's taken a job with the Padres and will spend a year getting familiar with the front office before sliding into a more permanent position.

One of the few highlights' of the 2010 season was the night Hoffman recorded his

Even though the job is Axford's for the foreseeable future, losing a class act like Hoffman is tough for a team that is maturing, but still young. He is a leader in every sense of the word and his presence will be greatly missed around Miller Park this summer.

Brewers On Deck lineup announced: The Brewers will have a full lineup of players, coaches, prospects and legends on hand for the annual "Brewers OnDeck" event next week at the Frontier Airlines Center -- including right-hander Zack Greinke, though Prince Fielder will not be in attendance.

The event will run from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tickets will cost $20 at the door. Those seeking autographs will participate in a random selection process. Though the coupons will be free, charges will still be in place for the actual autograph, ranging between from free to $10.

Fans will be given numbered coupons beginning at 9 a.m. One coupon will be issued per admission ticket and can be used for any one of the available players. A total of 250 coupons will be selected for each interview session.

All proceeds will go to the Brewers Community Foundation.

Back to Atlanta: The Packers' loss at Atlanta this season was one of the team's more frustrating. Considering how close that game was and how well the Packers are playing as of late, a potential NFC Championship showdown with the arch-rival Bears seems all the more likely. Still, the Packers will need to bring their A-game -- and that includes something resembling a running game.

James Starks' performance last week was impressive but just because a guy runs for 129 yards in one game doesn't mean the Packers' running woes have come to an end.

If the kid comes out and again sets the tone with an aggressive ground attack then yes, the Packers have a good chance to upset the No. 1 seed in the NFC. If Aaron Rodgers again has to carry the rushing load, then the Packers are in deep trouble.

UWM gets TV time: The Milwaukee Panthers, coming on strong in the Horizon League, have been given two national television dates. The Panthers' Jan. 28 game against Detroit and Feb. 5 game against Green Bay will both be carried by ESPNU.

Larry King Lounge: Deadspin has video of Patriots' WR Wes Welker's press conference where he makes numerous references to feet, a possible nod to Jets' head coach Rex Ryan, who allegedly "starred" in a few foot fetish videos with his wife. The Pats and Jets face off this week ... The Bucks' Andrew Bogut is currently fourth among Eastern Conference centers in All-Star voting ... How big was Marquette's victory Monday over Notre Dame? ... Former Bucks star Sidney Moncrief sits in again tonight for Jon McGlocklin when the Bucks visit Philadelphia ... If you hate the Big Ten's divisional naming scheme, too bad; it will be in use for at least the 2011 season.

Weekend schedule

Friday