Padres’ Majority owner John Moores said that if Trevor Hoffman recovers from right elbow surgery to recapture his typical Hall of Fame form this season, he will be welcomed back with open arms in 2009 and perhaps beyond.

However, so far there have been no contract talks and no discussions with the front office about a new deal. Hoffman’s contract will pay him $7.5 million for 2008. The last time Hoffman was a free agent, in 2005, he turned down more money with the Indians to stay with the Padres on a three-year deal that will ultimately pay him $21 million.

Hoffman, who turned 40 on Oct. 13, two days aftersaid clearly that he wants to play at least another year and finish his career with the Padres.