Brewers Keep Hoffman on Bargain Deal
Considering the closers market was extremely thin going into this free agency period, the Brewers were certainly wise in resigning Trevor Hoffman to a one-year deal worth $8 million, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney. Milwaukee also decided on retaining manager Ken Macha after a disappointing season. Hoffman was quietly one of the best closers in baseball this season, and at one point in June I called him the best closer in baseball in the 2009 season to that point. Hoffman finished the season with a 1.83 ERA and a .9 WHIP in 54 innings with 37 saves and 35 hits allowed with 48 strikeouts in that span. $8 million is a huge bargain, considering that Astros closer Jose Valverde makes the same amount, Kerry Wood made $10 million this year, Francisco Rodriguez and Brad Lidge made $11.5 million and Francisco Cordero made $12 million. So a good move by the Brewers to lock up a guy that’s an elite level closer on a contract that is extremely reasonable and definitely below market value for a closer of his stats and stature.
Monday Night Matchup- Keys To Victory
Green Bay Packers (2-1) @ Minnesota Vikings (3-0)- 8:30pm HHH Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Packers Three Keys
1) Make Brett Beat You- That Favre guy everyone’s talking about is under a whole lot of pressure to defeat the team he spurned two years ago, and containing Adrian Peterson and forcing Favre in passing situations is what Green Bay has to do in order to win. Making Favre feel uncomfortable on one of the biggest nights of his life is highly recommended.
2) Grind it with Grant- Minnesota’s run defense is good, but sucking the life out of the Metrodome crowd with long, sustained drives is important in a game of this magnitude. Ryan Grant needs to be effective on the ground for Green Bay to dig their heels and tell the world that they’re in this game to win it, not just lay down on Favre’s night.
3) Rodgers’ Neighborhood- Aaron Rodgers is a far better QB than Brett Favre with a far better set of receivers. Protection on the offensive line, keeping Rodgers safe in his ‘hood is important so that Greg Jennings, Donald Driver and co could get good looks and win this game.
Vikings Three Keys
1) All Day All Night- Favre’s adreniline and mind will be racing a trillion miles an hour in this game, and will probably needed to be calmed during points in this game. A steady dose of Adrian Peterson will be vital for the Vikes to take this game. If AP doesn’t rush the ball at least 23 times, it’ll be because Brad Childress called a terrible game or Minnesota is doing a bad job on defense. Peterson needs a lot of touches in this one and keeping Favre out of the spotlight as much as possible would be huge.
2) Punish The Passer- It’s no secret that Green Bay is a passing team. Getting pressure from Jared Allen and the rest of the front seven is so important to keep Rodgers out of sync and off the field quickly.
3) Play Even On Special Teams- Special teams is clearly the weak link of the Vikings, and they’ve already allowed returns for a TD on a punt and a blocked field goal. Percy Harvin ran one back last week, but protection on returns and coverage on kicks will be huge.
Bottom line- Vikings 27 Packers 24
