"It has been dubbed "The Hoffman Influence."

The label is all-encompassing, and just about anything positive you've ever heard about Trevor Hoffman falls under the category.

One could talk about how the majority of the Milwaukee Brewers relief pitchers eat together whether at home or on the road or how, in the dugout or bullpen, each reliever leans over the railing or fence to show support for the next pitcher taking the ball. Or even the way relievers playfully interact with each other in the clubhouse.

All of that is The Hoffman Influence.

"The bullpen is a family unto itself," last season's set-up man, Todd Coffey, said. "There are seven of us away from everybody. We're in our little dungeon, our area. Wherever we are, it's us.

"With Trevor, it's tremendous to have him bring everybody together. He's the dad of the family."

The Brewers' 42-year-old closer might take that "dad" title reluctantly, but he knows where he fits in and how important he was to the close-knit bond the bullpen guys shared last season.

After all, Hoffman was the one who gathered the relievers for pregame stretching and workouts every day once the season started. About five hours before the first pitch, Hoffman and the rest could be seen down the right-field line at Miller Park preparing for what the night could bring."