I respect Trevor Hoffman greatly for all that he has done for The San Diego Padres, but I'm afraid his years as a lights-out closer are done.

It has become a trend for Hoffman as of late to give up the big hit when the game is on the line and an out is most needed.

Take the end of last season for example. It's the end of the game in Milwaukee and a win would send the Padres to the playoffs, but Hoffman gave up a big hit to Tony Gwynn Jr. and forces a one-game playoff with the Rockies.

Next game in Colorado, San Diego is up and Hoffman gives up a few big hits in the bottom of the 13th to end the season in grand fashion.

A new season and a clean slate in 2008 for Hoffman, and he hopes to redeem himself, but he hasn't quite done that yet. 

Hoffman is currently 0-2 in 2008 with four of six saves converted, and an ERA of 9.53.

It seems like every time No. 51 takes the mound to close a win for the Padres, there's a strong doubt that he won't get the job done.

So the question is, Should Trevor retire? Should the Padres look to trade him? Or will he find his groove and get back to himself?

I can't tell, but as a Padres fan, this situation isn't too comforting. 

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