Case Closed: Trevor Hoffman to Philadelphia Phillies Bullpen Just Makes Sense

Citizens Bank Park could be hearing “Hells Bells” before the end of August.

On MLB Trade Rumors website, NBC Sports Bob Harkins reported that Trevor Hoffman was placed on waivers by the Milwaukee Brewers and that the Philadelphia Phillies would be a good fit for Hoffman.

Hoffman is 41 years old and the current all-time saves leader with 581. After spending 16 years with the Padres, 2009 is Hoffman’s first year with the Brewers, and it has been a good one. He’s 1-1 with a 1.89 ERA and has 27 saves, plus he appeared in the 2009 All-Star Game.

However, the Brewers are 61-65, 12 games behind the Cardinals in the NL Central division, and don’t appear to be headed back to the postseason, which is why they put Hoffman on waivers.

The Phillies are on top of the NL East division at 73-51 and seven games in front of the Marlins. The Phillies have had a great offense and good starting pitching, but their bullpen has been a mess all season.

J.C. Romero, Clay Condrey and Antonio Bastardo are all on the disabled list.

Brett Myers was a starter but needed surgery, which only allowed him to make 10 starts.

Jamie Moyer was demoted to the bullpen after posting a 5.22 ERA.

The Phillies traded for Cliff Lee and signed Pedro Martinez, both moves that have worked out for Philadelphia.

But the worst of their problems has been closer Brad Lidge.

Lidge is 0-6 with a 7.33 ERA and 25 saves, but has blown nine saves for the Phillies. After a dominant 2008 where he was 41-for-41 in saves, Lidge has been awful and has cost the Phillies a lot of games in 2009.

If this trend continues for Lidge, the Phillies could find themselves bounced out of the postseason.

The Phillies will more than likely need help before September to ensure their spot in the postseason and make their bullpen stronger.

Hoffman could be the experienced veteran the Phillies need.

Now, Hoffman hasn’t had the greatest success in big games in his past (in 1998, Scott Brosius of the Yankees hit the game-winning home run off Hoffman in the top of the ninth inning in the World Series). But the Phillies can’t keep giving the ball to Lidge and play roulette with his control.

If the Phillies are able to make a claim for Hoffman, they should get him off waivers and straighten out their mess of a bullpen.

Their October plans for baseball might depend on it.