Brewers decline options on Hoffman, Davis, Zaun
MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Brewers have declined their $7.5 million mutual option on Trevor Hoffman and will pay the career saves leader a $750,000 buyout.
Tuesday's move was expected after the 43-year-old struggled in May and lost his closer's role to rookie John Axford. Axford saved 24 of 27 chances.
Hoffman got his 600th save on Sept. 7 and finished the season with 10 to raise his total to 601. He had a 5.89 ERA this year.
Milwaukee also declined a $6.5 million option on left-hander Doug Davis and a $2.25 million option catcher Gregg Zaun, who both were injured for most of the season. Davis gets a $1 million buyout and Zaun $250,000.
Milwaukee claimed right-hander Justin James off waivers from Oakland.
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