Dallas – Trevor Hoffman and Roger Clemens aren’t pitchers, they are institutions.
In San Diego, Hoffman is bigger than the zoo, more popular than Shamu. Clemens is more closely associated with Houston than NASA is.
On an ice-frosted Wednesday, money led them in different directions. Hoffman remains a Padre after walking away from an additional $10.5 million. Clemens’ future is clouded after the Astros declined to offer him salary arbitration, unwilling to risk having to pay him $20 million next season.
“I would say in my 10 years here, this is probably the most significant signing that I have had here when it comes to not only what the guy means to this organization,” Padres general manager Kevin Towers said, “but to the city.”
The idea of Hoffman leaving, seemingly preposterous given his ties to San Diego, became a chilling possibility for two days as the Indians and Braves wooed him. Both offered three-year deals, with Cleveland raising the stakes to $24 million.
Hoffman, after painful deliberation, accepted the Padres’ two-year, $13.5 million deal, which includes a $5.5 million vesting option.
The Indians nearly landed Hoffman after flying to San Diego last weekend for face-to-face negotiations. It was joked that San Diego flew Hoffman to Cleveland – known for its frigid weather – to complete the deal.
For Clemens, there was no happy ending. The Astros forfeited negotiating rights until May 1. Agent Randy Hendricks had broached the possibility of Clemens pitching in the spring World Baseball Classic, then reporting to extended spring training before joining the Astros in May. Astros GM Tim Purpura labeled that idea “far-fetched.”
The Astros wanted Clemens to make a decision this week on whether to return since he would affect their entire offseason strategy. Clemens said he needed more time to see how his back and balky hamstring respond.
Nationals land Soriano
Everyone expected Alfonso Soriano to be traded. But his landing spot raised eyebrows as the Washington Nationals acquired him for outfielders Brad Wilkerson and Terrmel Sledge and a minor-league pitcher. The Rangers had been seeking to move Soriano to fill multiple holes and free up money to pursue a starting pitcher.
Catching on
With Doug Mirabelli pegged as the Padres’ starter, the Diamondbacks acquiring Johnny Estrada and Baltimore prepared to sign Ramon Hernandez to a four-year, $27 million deal, the catching market has narrowed for Bengie Molina. The Yankees and Astros are possibilities.
Footnotes
Curtis Leskanic auditioned for a TV analyst role for the Rockies on Wednesday. George Frazier is the team’s lead analyst, but Fox SportsNet is considering using Leskanic for some game coverage and studio work. “I hope to hear from them soon,” Leskanic said. …
Florida sent Juan Pierre to the Cubs for three pitchers. … The Brewers acquired pitcher Dan Kolb from the Braves. … Seattle re-signed pitcher Jamie Moyer. Cleveland brought back closer Bob Wickman. …
The Rockies will consider signing second baseman Junior Spivey if the Nationals nontender him. …
Right-handed hitting outfielder Jeff DaVanon, whom the Angels designated for assignment, could interest the Rockies.
Shawn Estes, out with Arizona, is attracting interest from the Padres, Dodgers and Giants, who also like catcher Todd Greene. …
The Royals traded for pitcher Mark Redman and signed infielder Joe McEwing to a minor-league contract. …
Toronto obtained Milwaukee first baseman Lyle Overbay for pitcher Dave Bush and two minor-leaguers.
Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-820-5447 or trenck@denverpost.com.
