Quick start tonight:

1. MILWAUKEE, NOT ST. LOUIS, SIGNS TREVOR HOFFMAN: Let the debate begin. Hoffman was sitting there for the Cardinals (and others), but the Brewers signed the future Hall of Fame closer to a one-year deal worth $6 million, with incentives that could push the value to $7.5 million. It will be interesting to see how he’ll do, and whether the Cardinals made a mistake in taking a pass.  I wouldn’t have been opposed to Hoffman coming here on a one-year deal.  I should make one thing clear: this was a baseball decision. It had nothing to do with Bill DeWitt’s unwillingness or willingness to spend money. As much as Tony La Russa and Dave Duncan respect Hoffman’s career, I detect that they didn’t have much enthusiasm over his availability.  Why? The decline of Hoffman’s fastball, which would make his changeup less effective.  Hoffman had two bad months for the Padres in 2008 (April and June). After July 5, he had a 1.56 ERA, saved 14 games in 15 opportunities, maintained a solid strikeout rate, and allowed a .167 batting average. Seemingly, there’s still some life left in that 41-year-old arm, though Hoffman was popped for more homers last season. He appears to be more vulnerable. But: even though the fastball comes in at around 86 mph, the wizardry of his changeup continues to baffle hitters, and Hoffman can probably finesse and connive his way to a lot of outs. Here’s a key question: as an extreme flyball pitcher, is Hoffman doomed at Miller Park Milwaukee? San Diego’s Petco Park suppresses home runs (by around 15 percent) Miller Park jacks up the home-run rate (by around 5 percent). Busch Stadium plays more favorably for pitchers. Interesting gamble by Brewers GM Doug Melvin, who last year lost his gamble on another closer, Eric Gagne.  So what do you think? Were the Cardinals wise to stay clear of Hoffman on a one-year deal? Are you happy to see Chris Perez and Jason Motte get a shot at the closer’s job?

2. ONE THING TO KEEP IN MIND ABOUT JIM FASSEL: The former NY Giants coach interviewed for the Rams’ HC job on Thursday. Fassel deserves respect for getting the 2000 Giants to the Super Bowl with quarterback Kerry Collins. And in seven seasons, Fassel had two 10-win seasons and one 12-win season in NY. But this gives me pause: Fassel’s record as NY’s head coach was 44-35 when he had John Fox as the defensive coordinator. When Fox left to become Carolina’s head coach in 2002, Fassel went 14-18 without Fox.

3. IS JEREMY MACLIN OVERRATED? SOME EARLY DRAFT BUZZ FROM RUSS LANDE: If the Mizzou receiver declares (as expected) for the 2009 NFL Draft, how high will he go? It’s early, and many players will see their stick go up or down between now and the draft. But respected analyst Russ Lande, of the “War Room” at The Sporting News projects Maclin to go late in the first round, or perhaps early in the second round. That surprises me. But on our Team 1380 radio show Thursday, Lande said that Maclin’s speed, while very good, “doesn’t quite reach premier level.” Lande added:  “And Maclin has to really polish his routes and show more explosion as he comes out of his cuts.” Lande said that Maclin can definitely improve his draft profile by clicking off some great 40-yard times for NFL scouts as a run-up to the draft.  By the way, Lande does an excellent job - he touted Donnie Avery going into the last year’s NFL draft — and as as premium subscriber to the War Room, I have found it to be a great, year-round resource for draft information. Please check it out at www.sportingnews.com

4. SPEAKING OF THE NFL DRAFT: Is anyone else uncomfortable with the idea of the Rams drafting Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith with the No. 2 overall pick? Smith is the elite player at his position in this draft class, but he was bounced from the ‘Bama team before the Sugar Bowl amid allegations that he had improper dealings with an agent. And some scouts worry about Smith being able to control his weight. The Rams have made OT a priority this offseason, but is Smith too much of a risk?

5. NON-SPORTS NOTE OF THE DAY: WHO YOU GOT, THE BRADY BUNCH OR THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY? I mentioned this on my radio show, but the other night I came across a made-for-TV movie on the Partridge Family and the making of the TV show (1970-1974) and how sudden fame affected cast members. I was transfixed. I’m sorry, but I have a weakness for this stuff because it takes me back to my childhood. I was about 11 when the Partridge Family made its prime-debut on ABC. It was quite a Friday night lineup on ABC; the Brady Bunch followed by the Partridge Family. I had a crush on Marcia Brady in those days, (sorry Laurie Partridge) so I was a Brady Bunch kid. It really came down to choosing Marcia (Maureen McCormick) over Laurie (played by Susan Dey) But now that I’m 49, let me say this: I’ll go with Shirley Jones (Mrs. Partridge) over Florence Henderson (Mrs. Brady). So who gets your vote? I’m assuming that most of the women out there would pick Keith Partridge (David Cassidy) over Greg Brady (Barry Williams) but heck if I know… certainly the musical edge goes to the Partridges and their acceptable bubblegum pop. The Bradys’ weak attempt at copy-cat musical career — highlighted by the song “It’s a Sunshine Day” was incredibly cheesy. Hey, and if you don’t pick the Patridges, Danny Bonaduce will come kick your arse….

-Bernie