Time to turn off the AC/DC, it doesn't look like they'll be playing "Hell's Bells" anymore in San Diego.

The news came down Monday that the Padres were withdrawing their $4 million, 1-year contract offer to Trevor Hoffman, their longtime closer and MLB's all-time saves leader.

The Padres are clearly in slash-and-burn mode, which we covered briefly here ...

... and so it certainly appears that his career in San Diego is finished.

The question is, have we seen that last of Trevor Hoffman in a baseball uniform, Padres or otherwise?

His resume is certainly impressive, with 554 saves, a career ERA of 2.78 and WHIP of 1.049, 1,055 strikeouts in 988 innings.

But the six-time All-Star appeared to take a step back in 2008, and he just turned 41 on Oct. 13. Click here for a good look (with graphs!) on why Hoffman should retire.

It's still possible Hoffman could attract interest on the free agent market, even if the Padres are indeed not interested even in negotiating.

The Cleveland Indians nearly lured him away from San Diego in late 2005, and could make another pitch for the 2009 season.

"With a guy like Trevor Hoffman or Kerry Wood," said Shapiro, "guys that have strong ties with the teams they're with, both those guys have to determine if they [fit] with their old teams first. If not, they are guys we'd have interest in."

SHOULD THE PHILLIES TRADE RYAN HOWARD?

It seems as if the Philadelphia Phillies don't even get to celebrate their championship without looking ahead and worrying about the 2009 season.

No doubt the team faces some big financial issues, not so much in free agents like Pat Burrell (likely gone), Jamie Moyer (likely to return) and Scott Eyre (already re-signed). The bigger issue is arbitration, as the team has 10 players eligible for pay raises, some of them likely to be big ones. (Todd Zolecki of the Inquirer breaks it down nicely here.)

The list includes World Series MVP Cole Hamels, 2006 MVP Ryan Howard, up-and-coming outfielders Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth, and promising setup man Ryan Madson.

Philly, which views itself as a mid-market franchise, might have a hard time squeezing in those expected bumps, as well as the raises built into the contracts of Brett Myers, Chase Utley, Brad Lidge, Jimmy Rollins and others.

One possibility? Trade Ryan Howard. Such a move, in combination with some others outlined here, would help keep the Phillies' payroll in line and improve the pitching staff, while admittedly surrendering some power.

No word on if the Phillies are actually considering such a scenario, but one thing new GM Ruben Amaro has made clear is that Jimmy Rollins will NOT be dealt. Amaro referred to a rumor that he would listen to offers for Rollins as "ludicrous."

DEREK LOWE TO YANKEES?

No big rumor or anything, just a solid case made for the Yanks to sign Lowe to a short-term deal to allow youngsters like Phil Hughes to develop further.

RANKING ALL OF THE FREE AGENTS

Yahoo!'s Jeff Passan went to the trouble to rank all of the free agents. No surprise that CC Sabathia tops his list. But who is the worst free agent available?

None other than catcher Vance Wilson, who hasn't played since 2006. Congratulations, Mr. Wilson.

SCOTT BORAS SHOULD BE A STANDUP COMEDIAN

''There are a lot of clubs who want versatility,'' Boras said, ''especially someone who can play shortstop and center field.

''He's a 30-team type player. He can help any club.''

Super-agent, speaking of his client Willie Bloomquist, a seven-year veteran and career .263/.322/.324 hitter who made $1 million last season.