Hoffman blows save opportunity…

San Diego Padres - 6, Houston Astros - 9 

What’d I tell you about those barf bags, Padres fans?  I was all set to write my “Padres Go 3-0!” blog when I up and forgot what time it was…that’s right…it was Trevor Time. 

Bottom of the ninth, the score is 6-5 Padres, Trevor takes the mound.  It’s in the bag, right?  Not anymore, it’s 2008, not 1998, unfortunately.  Still, I allow myself to get cocky.  One out…I open up the laptop.  Two outs…I log in to the sign-in page.  Single…I hold.  Single…wait for it.  Single…run scores…s***.  “Extra innings,” I’m thinking…no such luck.  I certainly wasn’t expecting a three-run blast to ice the game (and frost up my heart a bit toward ol’ Hoffy). 

Look, I was all set to talk about what was mostly a fun, exciting and impressive display of offense by our Friars tonight.  And there definitely were some moments worth cheering about and to hang our hopes on for the rest of the season.  But the problem remains…I alluded to it last night…Trevor Hoffman.  I’ve been as big a fan of Hoffman as anyone over the years.  I get goosebumps when Hell’s Bells come on, although, these days, it’s more like a knot in my stomach. 

At the end of last season’s epic 13-inning play-in game against the Rockies, I made my peace with a great game to cap of a great year that saw the Padres fall just short.  But this whole idea about unfinished business is hot air if the business stays unfinished due to our closer.  I certainly hope I’m wrong and Trevor proves me and everyone else wrong this season.  My practical side, though, tells me I’m right.  Hoffman may just be at the end of his rope.  The man is 40 years old, he’s had the most impressive career ever posted by a closer, he’s been a fantastic pitcher for the Padres and the franchise is better off having had him as a part of it.  But the bottom line is, every hitter facing Trevor knows exactly what pitch their going to see.  And when the pitch is sauntering towards them in the mid to high 70s, well you can just watch what happened tonight and see how they feel about that.

Here’s to hoping Trevor’s arm suddenly pulls a Dick Clark and manages to get it done this season.  Unfortunately, though, crossing our fingers just isn’t enough.  Am I way off base on this?  Am I overreacting in only the third game of this young season?  Anyone care to comment?  Please comment, I’ll be anxiously awaiting your thoughts.  Until that time…

-Collin Elliott….sigh