"Because Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin has accommodated veteran players in the past by sending them to a place with a better opportunity, I asked if he considered trading Trevor Hoffman to a club that might allow the future Hall of Famer a chance to reach 600 saves.

"I think he's going to get them here," replied Melvin.

Really? Don't you have to be the closer to register saves?

Since May 7, when Hoffman recorded his last save, a huge banner beyond the Brewers' bullpen at Miller Park has been stuck on No. 596. It virtually has taunted Hoffman, reminding him how close he is to 600 yet also how far.

Hoffman didn't like the banner from the start. It's surprising he hasn't sneaked into the ballpark at night and ripped it down. Now, both he and the Brewers are stuck with it, a seemingly good idea gone awry.

"At this point in time, it would be a concession of weakness (to take it down), in a sense," said Hoffman. "I think it's a little embarrassing, but that's not for me to say. It was their thing from the start.

"I'm not the closer anymore. It was a big deal for them to put it up. Maybe it's good for (manager Ken) Macha to see so he knows I'm still four away."

After Hoffman blew five of 10 save opportunities with some horrific performances, Macha turned to the untested John Axford to close games. The rookie right-hander has thrived in that role, converting 15 of 16 save opportunities.

Accordingly, it didn't matter that Hoffman eventually got his act together. Macha has shown no inclination to give him another save chance, though the manager maintained Hoffman would have closed against Washington last weekend when Axford was unavailable, only to have late runs turn it into an 8-3 game.

Hoffman has a 1.69 earned run average over his last 15 appearances, including six consecutive scoreless outings since receiving a Cortisone shot in his elbow at the all-star break. He has confidence he could close again but realizes he's in no position to demand anything."