"Trevor Hoffman was unable to convert his final save opportunity of the year Sunday for the Brewers, but it looks as if he'll be getting plenty more chances in the future.

After the Brewers topped St. Louis, 9-7, in 10 innings, Hoffman revealed he is in the final stages of negotiating a deal to return to the club in 2010.

"I think we're pretty close," said Hoffman, who suffered only his fourth blown save of the season by allowing a run to the Cardinals in the bottom of the ninth.

"We're in discussions. The fact that we're discussing things is good."

Assistant general manager Gord Ash confirmed that the club is in talks with Hoffman's agent, Rick Thurman of the Beverly Hills Sports Council. Ash did not give details of the negotiations, but when asked if something could be finalized this week, he said, "Possibly."

The Brewers signed Hoffman, 41, to a free-agent deal for $6 million over the off-season. He was offered a club option at the time but declined because he wanted to see if he liked Milwaukee after spending 16 years with San Diego."