"Brewers general manager Doug Melvin already has heard that closer Trevor Hoffman would like to return to Milwaukee next season. Melvin confirmed Saturday that the feeling is mutual.

"That always means something when you hear a player say that," said Melvin. "We like having him here, too."

Hoffman, who can be a free agent after the season, has lived up to his status as the game's all-time saves leader. He has converted 34 of 37 save opportunities while compiling a 1.88 earned run average over 49 appearances.

Because Hoffman pitched this season at age 41, there was some skepticism that he'd be able to stay among the elite closers. Melvin had no such qualms, signing Hoffman to a one-year, $6 million free-agent deal after he spent the previous 16 years in San Diego.

"A lot of people said he didn't have anything left," said Melvin. "He's done a good job with his (conditioning) program here. (Trainer) Roger (Caplinger) has worked with him on that and I know Trevor has been appreciative of that."

Teams have an exclusive 15-day negotiating period with their free agents after the World Series before they go out on the market. Melvin indicated he would like to cut to the chase and get something done with Hoffman during that period.

"We'll have conversations with him before that (period expires)," said Melvin.

As for Hoffman pitching at 42 next year, Melvin added, "It's a little different with him because he takes such good care of himself."

Last hoorahYovani Gallardo would like to go out on a strong note Sunday against Houston when he makes his final start of the season. The Brewers are shutting down Gallardo after that because he ranks among the league leaders in pitches thrown after missing most of 2008 with a knee injury.

Gallardo struggled in his last outing in Chicago after taking nine days off, allowing seven hits, five walks and seven runs in 5 1/3 innings).

"That was one of the worst I've had. I didn't want to end on that one," he said."