Recently, it was reported that Rockies outfield Brad Hawpe had cleared waivers. Colorado, though, isn't preparing to trade its 31 year old veteran. Rather, they're preparing to release him outright:
Rockies Set To Release Outfielder Brad Hawpe
Just talked to source, and there will NOT be a trade. Hawpe will be released and become free agent after game. That's best scenario for him
Troy Renck, Rockies
TroyRenck
2010 hasn't been an easy year for Hawpe. He came out of the gate on fire and batted .300 through the first two months, but he's hit just .216 since the first day of June with a .659 OPS, and the team has shown a preference for a Carlos Gonzalez/Seth Smith/Dexter Fowler/Ryan Spilborghs rotation in the outfield. Hawpe, then, has all but run out of a job, and it just doesn't make sense for the Rockies to keep him around any longer with four younger outfielders on the roster and Todd Helton back in the lineup at first.
So, Hawpe will become a free agent. The lefty has some power and an ability to draw walks, which will allow him to attract some interest from contenders, but his poor defense and current slump will almost certainly keep him from finding a starting job. The Rangers could end up in the mix, as could the Red Sox, who recently lost Jacoby Ellsbury and Mike Cameron for the rest of the season.
Hawpe has a $10.15 million 2011 club option, with a $0.5 million buyout. Read more on Hawpe and the Rockies over at Purple Row.
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