by Ken Rosenthal

Trevor Hoffman is discussing the parameters of a contract with the Brewers, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations. The Dodgers, though, are conducting simultaneous negotiations with the free-agent closer, and Hoffman's preference is to stay on the west coast.

Still, the Brewers appear to be his most aggressive suitor.

"It's moving forward," the source said. "It's got legs."

Brewers general manager Doug Melvin acknowledged to FOXSports.com on Monday that he has been in touch with Hoffman's agents and that he "gets the impression" that the pitcher's interest in Milwaukee is sincere.

Hoffman, 41, the all-time saves leader in the major leagues, would become the anchor of a Brewers' bullpen that faces the losses of four pitchers — Salomon Torres, Eric Gagne, Guillermo Mota and Brian Shouse — to free agency or retirement.

The Padres, meanwhile, are in flux and the Dodgers are considering a number of other free-agent relievers, including Mota, righty Juan Cruz and lefty Dennys Reyes.

Hoffman might be interested in returning to the Padres under new ownership. However, the sale of the team might not become official before the start of spring training, and Hoffman would need to make a decision before then, sources said.

The Brewers lost their closer when Torres retired at the end of last season. Hoffman posted a 3.77 ERA last season, his highest since 1995, but still converted 30 of his 34 save chances.