SDUT: Sullivan: Hoffman heeds no call for career exit strategy

I’ll give you black sensations up and down your spine

“I’m not buying into it,” Hoffman said last night. “I feel good, and I feel stuff-wise that I’m as good as I’ve ever been.”
.. If the hitters are telling Hoffman anything, it is that they still haven’t figured him out after all of these years.

.. Opposing hitters are batting .215 with Hoffman on the mound
.. Hoffman’s 2.70 earned-run average is narrowly better than his career 2.71, and his 37 saves augur a ninth 40-save season.
.. Between April 28 and Aug. 5, Hoffman converted 25 straight save opportunities while compiling an 0.84 ERA.
.. Given Hoffman’s fanaticism about fitness, his financial incentives to keep pitching and his continued command of a paralyzing change-up, his record save total of 519 might easily reach 600 or 650.
.. By finishing 40 games this season, Hoffman triggered a clause in his contract that ensures a $7.5 million salary for 2008. Beyond that, who knows? Knuckleballer Hoyt Wilhelm saved 132 games after his 40th birthday; Dennis Eckersley 96. Nolan Ryan pitched his seventh no-hitter at age 44.

7.5 Million for the Greatest Closer EVER! and he is not close to being done!