Adrian Gonzalez? Gone. David Eckstein? History. The Hairstons? Adios.
Miguel Tejada? Auf Weidersehen. Yorvit Torrealba? Movin on..
You get the picture. The Padres will be a different team in 2011.
The question becomes “Is different better?” I know that what I see on paper right now looks much better than the last two seasons teams did at this same point. Lets take a look at what should be the Padres starting line up for opening day.
Brad Hawpe has found a new home in San Diego, though it isn’t to man the outfield.
Hawpe has been tabbed by the Padres to help fill the gaping hole left by the trade that sent Adrian Gonzalez to Boston. At the major league level, he’s appeared in just nine games at the position, though he did log 215 games there while in the minors.
His glove will be a question, at least early on, but the bigger issue for fantasy owners will be his bat.
From 2006-2009, while a member of the Rockies, Hawpe didn’t hit below .283 while averaging nearly 25 home runs per year. Unfortunately, last year he hit just .245 with nine HR spending time with the Rockies and Rays.
The average is a fair concern, considering his BABIP over his four strong seasons:
It’s not hard to imagine that luck running out, sooner or later, though the consistency has to make you think it is believable.
Last season, he posted a .308 mark. The problem is, if the luck isn’t going to be there, his average is going to fall. For his career, he has posted a 26.8% strikeout rate (a mark he has been above the past three seasons).
Over the past five years, he has hit .310 at Petco Park, with five HR in 129 AB. That’s promising, but he also had a .372 BABIP.
Even in the vast expanses of Petco Park, we are probably better off expecting an average around .270, as opposed to anything above that.
The power is also a concern. It is hard to imagine him returning to the 25+ HR range, considering what will now be his home ballpark. In that ballpark, he has hit a home run about once every 26 AB. In 450 AB, that would put him at 17 HR.
Granted, he could really shine on the road, but like with the average, expectations need to be tempered.
It may sound like I am being extremely negative of Hawpe, but the fact of the matter is that after last season it is tough to go into 2011 expecting him to return to his 2006-2009 levels. With that said, in five outfielder formats he is going to be a player worth gambling on.
Even if he does hit .270 with 17 HR, he is going to have some value as a depth option, if nothing else. Knowing that he has the potential to exceed those numbers, he’s a better late round option then many others.
What are your thoughts on Hawpe? Is he a player you’d draft? Why or why not?
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Don’t fret about the loss of Adrian Gonzalez, San Diego Padres fans, you now have Brad Hawpe to replace him and play first base.
That was my poor attempt at humor and an unfair shot at Padre fans, but they really do have Hawpe to replace Gonzalez at first in 2011.
The Padres signed Hawpe to a one-year contract on Friday. Terms of the deal haven’t been announced yet, as Hawpe still needs to pass his pre-signing physical in order for the deal to go through. Terms will most likely be announced today.
Hawpe is an interesting story because he went from being one of the more consistent right fielders in the National League from 2006-2009 to being released from the Colorado Rockies in 2010. Hawpe, eventually landed with the Tampa Bay Rays and hit just .179 with two HRs in 46 plate appearances.
From 2006-2009, Hawpe averaged a .288/.384/.518 slash line with 25 HRs and 33 doubles. He also was an All-Star in 2009.
Hawpe slumped to a .255 average with seven HRs in the Rockies’ first 88 games and was then subsequently released. I, for one, was really surprised when Hawpe was let go by the Rockies.
Yes, he can’t hit left-handed pitching, but I still thought he had a place on the Rockies roster.
And the spot Hawpe will be asked to fill on the Padres roster is to play first against right-handed pitching. Hawpe has always hit right-handed pitching well. For his career, Hawpe has an .890 OPS against righties.
I think Hawpe has a little left in the tank. I don’t think he is complete toast like Garrett Atkins was when he left the Rockies. My logic for that thinking is that Hawpe wasn’t completely awful for the Rockies in 2010 and he has hit fairly well away from Coors.
He has a career .839 OPS away from Coors, which isn’t too far off from his home OPS of .886
Look for him to platoon with a right-handed hitter at first for the Padres in 2011 because Hawpe is an automatic out against left-handed pitching. That right-handed hitting first baseman could be Kyle Blanks or someone like Troy Glaus.
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It didn’t take long for RF Brad Hawpe to find some work. Hawpe, who cleared waivers on Thursday after being designated for assignment by the Colorado Rockies last week, signed with the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday.
I will call this signing Hank Blalock Part 2.
The Rays signed Blalock off the scrap heap in the offseason in the hopes of him becoming a left-handed power hitter off the bench or becoming the a left-handed bat in the lineup at DH against righties. Neither of those scenarios happened, as Blalock hit .254 with one HR and was released in June.
Now the Rays are hoping Hawpe has something left in the tank and could provide offense from the left side of the plate. The 31-year-old was an All-Star as late as last year and from 2006-2009 averaged 25 HR’s a season with .902 OPS; but Hawpe really struggled in 2010 hitting just .255 with seven HR’s in 88 games. Hawpe, as usual, struggled away from Coors Field. He was hitting just .211 on the road this year.
With Hawpe having a down season and with the Rockies having an overabundance of OF’s, Colorado had no more use for Hawpe. He had his suitors like the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers, but ultimately chose the Rays.
Signing with the Rays over the Rangers must have been a tough choice. The Rangers offer a chance at the World Series, but also more of a chance for Hawpe to regain some value. Hitting in Arlington is a lot more favorable than hitting in Tampa.
However, Tampa offers Hawpe a chance for more AB’s. Dan Johnson is currently batting .140 out of the DH spot and Matt Joyce isn’t lighting the world on fire either with his .230 average.
If Hawpe does well in the minors, he could push Johnson for some ABs. He will begin his Rays’ career in Single-A Charlotte.
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The Colorado Rockies defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday in LA, 3-2 in extra innings.
The game was impressive because the Rockies didn’t quit, and, even when they failed with runners in scoring position, they kept fighting.
However, this day, for anyone who has followed the Rockies for any amount of time, was about Brad Hawpe.
Hawpe came to the Rockies in June of 2000. He has just led the LSU Tigers to a National Championship, and as an 11th round draft pick, was not the most exciting candidate from the Rockies draft class.
He quickly made his impression on the organization and made his Major League debut in late 2004. In 2005, he was having a good rookie campaign before tearing a quad and missing almost two months. He impressed the Rockies enough to make him their everyday right fielder starting in 2006.
He continued to become an important part of the up-and-coming Rockies. When the Rockies were referred to as “Todd and the Toddlers,” Hawpe was very much a part of that. He was also a very prominent part of the “Gen R” campaign that the Rockies marketed.
In other words, Hawpe was a part of the package that the Rockies had been telling their fan base was on their way through the minors while the team at the big league level was struggling to win 70 games. He was a huge part of the reason that fans were willing to come back to the Rockies.
No fan will ever be able to forget his home run in late September of 2009 in San Diego. The Rockies were in the midst of what would become a historic run. They knew that a three game series in San Diego was a must-sweep series. In the 14th inning, Hawpe laced a pitch from tough lefty Joe Thatcher deep.
While it sounded like the ball it was hit hard enough for it to get out of the park, everyone knows that hitting a home run to dead center field at Petco Park late at night is nearly impossible. The ball, however, simply kept traveling and landed on the other side of the fence. The win kept Colorado’s run alive. As it later turned out, without that home run, there are no playoffs and no World Series for that club.
Hawpe probably will not go down as a guy who was a fan favorite. He always loomed in the shadows of Todd Helton, Troy Tulowitzki, or Matt Holliday. Hawpe was never the best player on the team, yet he always seemed to factor into big games.
Many fans might not remember that he was the only Rockie over the course of three years who could even touch Dodger starting pitcher Brad Penny. He smacked home runs consistently off of the big righty, often setting up situations like Helton’s walk-off home run off of Takashi Saito to kick off the historic 2007 run.
It is hard to believe that just 13 months ago, Hawpe was the lone Rockies position player in the All-Star game. He kept the Rockies in the race while the rest of the team floundered at the beginning of 2009.
The fact is, Hawpe’s departure marks a sad day in Rockies history. While the decision may have been a little later than when it was due, it is a tough one to swallow.
Hawpe was a part of the group of players that decided that it was a good thing to wear a Rockies uniform. He was one of the players who helped lift the Rockies from the laughing stock in the league to a serious contender. His clubhouse leadership, by all accounts, made settling for mediocrity something that simply was not an option.
He was a player who represented what the Rockies were looking for in the clubhouse. A guy who could go about his business and take pride in his talent, yet care more about wins and losses rather than his own personal numbers. He is a guy who the club didn’t have to worry about getting into trouble off of the field or cause an embarrassing situation.
Simply put, Brad Hawpe is a class act and is a huge part of what has become the fabric of the Colorado Rockies. It is sad to see him leave.
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The Rockies are reeling.
Eight straight losses in July will do that to a team. While the Rockies aren’t officially out of anything right now, they will have to have another miracle turn around and play-off run like they had in 2007 to make the playoffs.
But this team isn’t 2007. The 2007 Rockies had better starting pitching and one of the best defenses in the history of major league baseball. Where this team features base-running errors, fielding errors and a high strike out rate for its hitters.
So the Rockies find themselves in a very different spot now before the trade deadline than they were a week ago. Now, the Rockies look to be sellers, hoping to unload some pieces and maybe bring back a few younger players that could help the Rockies in 2011.
The list of reports saying the Rockies suddenly became sellers is pretty lengthy. Steve Foster of Inside the Rockies follows up on Ken Rosenthal report of the Fox Sports on the Rockies as sellers. Armstrong and Renck of the Denver Post , take a more middle ground .
I think the Rockies are done for the season. I also think the Rockies SHOULD be sellers now at the trade deadline as well as this off season. I’m not saying this team needs to be blown up, but like a backyard pool in the spring time, a layer of debris needs to be removed to get to a more promising team mix.
A look at those now holding up “For Sale” signs on the Colorado Rockies:
Aaron Cook
Cook as been terrible this season, and just Wednesday night failing to get out of the third inning giving up five runs on six hits. The Rockies would love to move Cook. However, Cook has another year on his contract at $9 million and if traded would get an additional $1 million. Cook’s performance and contract is so bad, that the Rockies would have to include a prospect along with Cook, just for another team to consider taking Cook off the Rox hands. Cook would clear waivers and would be available post deadline trade.
Jeff Francis
Jeff is coming off a terrible shoulder injury. He has one more year on his contract that would pay him $7 million dollars next year unless the Rockies buy out his contract. $7 million isn’t bad for a starting pitcher, but a starting pitcher that has performed like Francis has over the last three years is a bit much. Francis would be a type B free agent. He might actually have some value on the trade market.
Jorge De La Rosa
Jorge has been hurt much of the year. Last year JDLR had his break out season, and was more than a small reason the Rockies made the playoffs. The Rockies would like to re-sign him and actually think that his injury might keep his salary down to levels the Rockies could afford. However, of all three of the Rockies starting pitchers available, JDLR has the best stuff, and is last two outings have both been improvements, so it looks like he’s coming back to form after his long injury layoff which means he would have the most value and get the biggest return on a trade.
The Rockies can’t trade all three of these starting pitchers as they will have to have someone start games the next two months, but they could move two of the three. Moving either Francis or Cook, and replacing either one with Jhoulys Chacin actually improves this team right now.
Joe Beimel
A veteran lefty out of the ‘pen and a solid consistent pitcher all around that is on a one year contract. A lot of teams could use him. The Rockies could replace him for the rest of the season with Franklin Morales. Expect Beimel to be traded. He also comes with cool bath robes and the best walk-in music of all time.
Rafael Betancourt
Has another year left on his contract. His ERA is now at 4.50, he has improved over the last couple of months. He was hurt and very sick battling the flu earlier in the season. The fact that he’s a veteran arm in the pen and with another year on his contract makes him very desirable to teams that are contending.
Manuel Corpas
He has one more year to go on his contract which has two additional option years. Corpas has been erratic his last two years. He spent a brief moment as the Rockies “closer” this year with Street hurt. I’m not sure he has value, but he’s got a Red Tag Sticker.
Todd Helton
Yeah, there is no way with his physical situation and his contract anyone touches him with a 10-foot pole, but if some one was crazy enough, the Rockies would move the Todd-Father.
Clint Barmes
Barmes is due to make about $5 million in his final year of arbitration. That’s pretty high for a guy that is looking to be a utility player for the Rockies next season. There are replacements at second in the organization right now, ready to play at a major league level, including Jonathon Herrera who has batted over .300 this past two months, Chris Nelson who tearing up Triple-A and is former first round draft pick and Eric Young Jr. who is finishing up his rehab assignment.
It’s doubtful the Rockies would go another year with Barmes to arbitration which makes him very trade-able right now. However, back up utility infielders that fade in the second half of the season aren’t in high demand, but he would help several contenders out there.
Brad Hawpe
One of the main reasons this team has failed to live up to pre-season expectations is the disappearance of Brad Hawpe. He’s only had six homers on the season this year with a slash line of .259/.337/.439/.776. He has an option on his contract next year that the Rockies won’t pick up. If Hawpe is traded that option becomes mutual. However, it looks like he will be a Type-A free agent which would bring back to draft picks, which might be reason enough for the Rockies to hang to him till the end of the year as that might be more value than another team would give.
Hawpe’s name has come up with the Chicago White Sox, and the Detroit Tigers, as well as the San Diego Padres. The level of interest to me is a little surprising, but the more I hear, the more I expect Hawpe to be gone.
Ryan Spilborghs: Spilly’s name is out there. I’m not sure why. Spilly is a nice fourth outfielder type and a great locker room guy. He loves Denver, and whenever he’s on FSN’s Rockies All-Access he talks about Denver, like it’s his home. He has one more year on his contract that will pay him about $1 million dollars which is a bargain.
With Matt Miller in Triple-A leading all of the Rockies organization in hitting, Spilly might be forced out for Miller. Spilly could be of interest for teams needing outfield depth and a right handed bat.
Eric Young Jr
I’ve not seen or heard his name listed as a trade candidate, but it’s looking more and more like EY2 doesn’t have a future with the Rockies. Squeezed and passed in the organization at second by Herrera and Nelson, EY2 is very expendable. He’s got a good bat, and amazing speed which gives him value, but he’s average to below average glove at second, and terrible defensively in the outfield which means the Rox have no idea where to play him.
Melvin Mora
The Rockies signed Mora this year to a one year deal. He’s not really a utility guy, and he’s struggled moving around to the various positions. He’s one the Rockies would give away. He’s not helping the Rockies right now, and won’t be here next year, even if Tracy is playing him nearly every day.
Not So Bold Prediction
The Rockies want to clear out the chaff and some payroll off next years team. But really, do contending teams want chaff for their playoff runs? Look for the Rockies to move one of their starting pitchers I’m predicting Jeff Francis, and one or two of their bullpen guys, particularly Joe Beimel. The Rockies would like to move more, but that might have to wait until the off-season for the tree pruning to happen.
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The Rockies have been disappointing this season. There. I said it.
Colorado has been average, mediocre, maybe even boring.
Some guys have been on fire from the start while others can’t seem to figure it out, ruining the party for everybody.
Read on to find out who’s been carrying his weight and who’s looked awful so far in 2010.
30. Jason Hammel (SP) – That 7.52 ERA isn’t going to cut it. Even for a fifth starter, Hammel has been nothing short of abysmal this season.
29. Clint Barmes (2B) – When your manager has to defend you in the media to justify keeping you in the every-day lineup, things aren’t going well. Barmes has been a black hole at the plate this season.
28. Esmil Rogers (SP)
27. Rafael Betancourt (RP) – After pitching lights-out at the end of last season, Betancourt has looked terrible in 2010. Add his signing to the long list of reasons why putting money into relief pitching is a bad idea.
26. Greg Smith (SP)
25. Dexter Fowler (CF) – Honestly, Fowler hasn’t done anything well this season. Do I need to be the first one to suggest that some time in Colorado Springs might do him some good?
24. Chris Iannetta (C) – I’m with everyone else on Iannetta. He looked bad in limited time this season, but he really didn’t get a long enough look to justify sending him to Triple-A. Either bring him back up or send him elsewhere for a couple of prospects. He’s too good a player to be sitting in Colorado Springs.
23. Melvin Mora (U)
22. Franklin Morales (CP) – I still have high hopes for Morales, but every time he seems to take a step forward, he ends up back where he was. Maybe this is as good as it gets for him. Maybe he’s going to be a mediocre middle reliever forever. Bummer.
21. Paul Phillips (C)
20. Eric Young Jr. (U) – Always an adventure in the outfield, EY Jr. looks like he needs some seasoning in the minors before he can become a productive major leaguer. Knowing where he’s come from, there’s no doubt he’ll keep fighting.
19. Ryan Spilborghs (OF)
18. Aaron Cook (SP)
17. Jason Giambi (1B) – Giambi has walked in a fourth of his plate appearances this year. It’s not the production fans expected, but it’s something.
16. Randy Flores (RP)
15. Matt Daley (RP)
14. Seth Smith (OF)
13. Jeff Francis (SP) – Two strong starts coming back from injury and fans are already talking about the good old days. I want so badly to believe he’ll be back to his old ways, I’m just not sure it’s going to happen.
12. Jorge De La Rosa (SP) – They hype for De La Rosa was as big as it was for anyone coming into the season, but the injury has derailed his hopes of padding the resume before hitting the open market in the offseason.
11. Matt Belisle
10. Todd Helton (1B) – At times this season, Helton has been hard to watch. At some point, we’re all going to have to admit that he’s nearing the end of the line. At least his on base percentage remains stellar.
9. Jhoulys Chacin (SP) – It’s been a really nice start for Chacin in the majors, probably better than expected. He has the talent to be a No. 2 starter in the majors and this may be the year he starts to show it.
8. Carlos Gonzalez (OF) – CarGo has been a productive middle of the order bat, but his .317 OBP ranks ahead of only Clint Barmes among regular starters. To become a real offensive force, he has to get on base more often.
7. Manuel Corpas (CP) – Corpas has filled in nicely as the team’s closer filling in for Franklin Morales, but fans should remember his struggles in 2008 and 2009. When Huston Street returns, this team will be much better.
6. Ian Stewart (3B) – Stewart is quietly having a very solid season for the Rockies. The strikeouts are a concern, but he seems to be filling out as a player. It’s nice to see.
5. Joe Beimel (RP) – Signed at the tail end of spring training, Beimel has been unbelievable this season. You can’t ask much more from a guy who holds a WHIP and an ERA under 1.00.
4. Brad Hawpe (OF) – Having Hawpe in the lineup changes the entire dynamic of the team. Coming into the season, I saw him as potential trade bait, but at this point I think he may be the key to making the playoffs for a second straight year.
3. Miguel Olivo (C) – As impressive as Olivo has been filling in for Iannetta, there is little evidence that he can keep it up for the entire year. Don’t be surprised if Olivo takes another face plant before the season is out. I don’t trust him yet.
2. Troy Tulowitzki (SS) – I hesitate putting Tulo this high because he really needs to hit for more power and his usually stellar defense has been sloppy at times this season. As usual, the team performs as Tulo does, and the team has been wallowing in mediocrity this year. He needs to produce more runs if the Rockies are headed for the playoffs.
1. Ubaldo Jimenez (SP) – Surprised to see him at the top of the list? Probably not… There’s really nothing you can say except Jimenez has done nothing but exceed fans’ lofty expectations coming into the season. He is one of the single most valuable commodities in baseball, and he looks to become Colorado’s most dominant starting pitcher ever.
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