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Hoffman looks at Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin knew there was a chance that his club was being used to drive up the price for free-agent closer Trevor Hoffman in Los Angeles.

But after another discussion with agent Rick Thurman on Wednesday, Melvin did not get that impression.

“There’s always that possibility, but I’ve dealt with Rick before,” said Melvin. “I still think we have a chance.”

Melvin’s optimism could be well-founded. Hoffman is expected to announce his decision today and one Internet report late Wednesday night suggested the Brewers had emerged as the favorite to land baseball’s all-time saves leader.

Melvin was well aware of the home-field advantage the Dodgers enjoyed in their pursuit of baseball’s all-time saves leader. Hoffman grew up in nearby Anaheim and has played the past 16 seasons in his hometown of San Diego.

, where he makes his home.

Rather than guess what the Dodgers might be offering Hoffman, Melvin said he was trying to do what makes sense for his club.

“I guess you think you might have to (bid more than Los Angeles),” said Melvin. “But we’re offering what we think is right, what we think is fair.”

According to an mlb.com report, Thurman indicated that both the Dodgers and Brewers had offered a one-year deal plus an option for 2010. Melvin does not reveal details of negotiations with players because he doesn’t want to tip his hand to other interested parties.

Melvin said he spoke briefly with Thurman in the late afternoon with the agreement to talk again this morning. Whether Melvin guaranteed a second year in that conversation was not known but if he did, the Brewers indeed could have emerged as the favorite.

“We’re still working on some things,” said Thurman, who did not indicate if either side had the upper hand in negotiations. “Things are moving forward. We’ll see where it goes when we talk again (today).”

Should the Brewers lose out on Hoffman, the other available options aren’t nearly as attractive. Milwaukee is one of several clubs that will monitor a throwing session in California on Friday by former Washington closer Chad Cordero, cut loose after undergoing major shoulder surgery late last season.

The 26-year-old right-hander saved 113 games for the Nationals from 2005-’07 but is only tossing off flat ground at this point and isn’t scheduled to get back on the mound until February. He probably would not be ready to pitch until a month or two into the season.