400!

(Well, 402 and counting, actually.)

Closing Time congratulates Trevor Hoffman for becoming only the 3rd pitcher in major league history to tally 400 saves.

Hoffman is currently 22 saves behind John Franco for 2nd on the career saves list, and 76 saves behind all-time leader Lee Smith. With a little luck and continued good health, Hoffman could pass Smith during the 2006 season.

Hoffman was characteristically modest after the game, talking about his family, and about the unpopular trade that brought him to San Diego in the first place, while sending Gary Sheffield to the Marlins. "Sheffield was a proven star, and fans in San Diego were saying, 'Who in the hell is this kid?' Let's just say it wasn't a popular trade at the time." After finishing up 400 Padres wins and counting over the past 12 years, Hoffman has certainly won the San Diego fans over.

Phillies closer Billy Wagner, who has 252 saves, praised Hoffman after his 400th save:

"I couldn't be more impressed with Hoffman. He's one
of the greatest that will ever be, and one of the guys I look up to. He's the
master of the craft. He's learned so much over his time in the big leagues. His changeup scares hitters, and that's unheard of."

Wagner also addressed the issue of closers getting into baseball's Hall of Fame: "If you can't get in with 400 saves, you're not getting in. You should get in with 300. But closers are looked at as guys who don't do anything." Wagner should take heart in knowing that HoF voting trends indicate that next year's Hall class should feature Goose Gossage and Bruce Sutter - two dominating 300-save closers who advanced the concept of the relief specialist more than almost any other pitchers.

However, Hoffman will leave his Hall of Fame politicking to others. "My family background was always, 'Don't toot your own horn; let someone else praise what you do. I don't think you can foresee the things that happen to you. You just keep working, do the best you can each day and see where it takes you."

In Hoffman's case, his best effort has probably taken him to Cooperstown.