This will be fairly quick.
One of the more bitter days this Milwaukee ball club has seen in a while just struck it's inevitable peak.
Brewers closer Trevor Hoffman has declined Milwaukee's arbitration offer, which now positions the Crew to get a compensatory pick in next year's MLB draft.
Hoffman earned more than $7 million during a disappointing 2010 season that saw the Brewers identify a number of younger, cheaper bullpen options that could indeed progress into future stars.
Turning 43 years of age in October also added a multitude of nagging concerns for Hoffman's, the MLB's all-time regular season saves holder with 601.
Hoffman notched 37 saves for the Brewers in 2009 while making the National League All-Star team.
Losing the closer role in May due to five critical blown saves was only the beginning of Hoffman's downfall in 2010.
Hoffman somewhat rebounded in the second half of the regular season, and reached his 600th-save milestone on September 7 at Miller Park. However, Hoffman did state later that month that he would test the free-agent market heading into next season. It should also be noted that John Axford is the Brewers' 2011 closer.
Hoffman became a free agent after the World Series when the Brewers declined his $7.5 million option for 2011, opting instead to pay a $750,000 buyout.
The talent and reason to believe that Hoffman brought to the city of Milwaukee will never be forgotten, and his historic 600th save will always be remembered as taking place in none other than Miller Park for decades to come.
His presence and pure talent will be certainly missed, and the famous "Trevor Time" will never be forgotten among the Brewers' faithful.
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