Brad Hawpe?
by frustratedfan on Aug 24, 2010 5:55 PM CDT
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I noticed that the Colorado Rockies released Brad Hawpe and he's now a free agent that can be signed by any team. Looking at the numbers, I think Colorado pulled the trigger a bit prematurely. He's less than one season removed from a 900 ops and put up nearly a 900 obs in 2008 as well. He's 31, so he's not real young, but he should have a number of years left in him as well. And I think he's a pretty good fit with the Cubs in that he's a right fielder and could step in for Fukudome. He should be inexpensive as well. (more after the Jump)
Admittedly, the primary problem that the Cubs have is trying to get rid of a few very well paid Veterans (yes, Alfonoso, I am looking in your direction.... Carlos... don't leave the room yet) but Hawpe would be a part of the solution in a more responsible fashion than some of the other options.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
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Decent stop-gap option
The gap between Dunn and Hawpe probably isn’t as wide as the salary gap. I would probably rather have Hawpe and Cliff Lee than Dunn and Lilly for example. Hawpe is also pretty bad in the OF. If the Cubs were to acquire him I would assume it would be to play 1B.
@1B
I don’t think he’d be a bad one-year stop-gap at first, all things considered. I’d prefer going the cheap route at first next year, and putting that money toward one of the elite 1B FAs the following winter (or at least into the 2011 draft). I don’t know if Hawpe is the best cheap guy to go with, but I think much worse signings could be made.
2011 can't get here soon enough.
by Castro Por Presidente on Aug 24, 2010 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions
+1
Agreed. His defense is intolerable in the OF, but he played 1B in college. However, the Cubs have Fukudome, Byrd, and Soriano all signed for next year, leaving Colvin at 1B, so I don’t see them needing a stop-gap at 1B.
Or sitting him on the bench
Like they have done this year. If it is impossible to get anyone to take at least some of Dome’s money off the Cubs hands, it doesn’t mean he needs to get 600 PAs.
How?
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
people are stupid
and the cubs can eat some salary
by jesus christos on Aug 24, 2010 8:10 PM CDT up reply actions
I voted for the last one because it made the most sense
Sometimes other teams’ cast-offs are good chances to take (Edmonds, for example). So that’s too much of a generalization. It’s not the stupidest idea I’ve ever seen, but it doesn’t really help the Cubs. The problems are first base, pitching, pitching, pitching and pitching. The team doesn’t need another outfielder.
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 24, 2010 6:28 PM CDT reply actions
I just think they should go with another approach
since trying to win with “other team’s cast-offs” doesn’t seem to be working.
Dear Jim: Hi. I'm Mike. Get Ryno in there. Ok bye. ---Mike
What cast-offs do they have?
The Cubs haven’t really taken the approach of getting vets coming off down years on the cheap. I don’t really see any players on the team that fit that profile.
Good point re: cheap
I guess I’m more referring to picking up guys from other teams instead of winning with home-grown talent.
Dear Jim: Hi. I'm Mike. Get Ryno in there. Ok bye. ---Mike
True
But the Cubs have nobody within the system that is ready to play 1B in 2011 or 2012. Have to go outside the organization to fill that hole.
Cmon you don't want Micah Hoffpauir in there?
lol just kidding. I’d like to see the Cubs somehow package a deal for somebody if they decide to really pursue a first basemen. I don’t know how the hell they are going to do it, but that’s what I’d like to see, rather than settling for a Hawpe or Adam Dunn. Probably wishful thinking on my part, I know.
Dear Jim: Hi. I'm Mike. Get Ryno in there. Ok bye. ---Mike
who are we?
the orioles?
"Whenever one finds himself in the majority, it is time to step back and reflect," Mark Twain.
by WindisBlowingOut! on Aug 25, 2010 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions
One word
No.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al Yellon on Aug 24, 2010 8:10 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I wouldn't.
Hawpe has played six major league games at 1B. SIX. So he’s got to learn the position.
He’ll be 32 next year. Players do decline at that age. I really don’t see the point.
Kila, at least, has a chance to be better.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Hawpe is a proven hitter, Kila is not; Hawpe is cheap, Kila costs talent
Before this season Hawpe’s OPS+ numbers over the past 4 years were: 120, 130, 121, 128. So, I think we need a bit more evidence before stating definitively that his down 2010 year (100 OPS+ in 300 PA) is part of a secular decline.
I think it is just as likely (and probably more likely) that Hawpe bounces back to his career norms than that Kila develops into a legitimate MLB starter. Do you really think that Kila is a long-term answer at 1B for a contending team? If you don’t, then there is no reason to give up talent to acquire him. If you do, then you are bucking the opinion of most prospect experts.
http://www.minorleagueball.com/2009/10/30/1108490/top-20-kansas-city-royals
http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/insider/columns/story?columnist=law_keith&id=4865694
http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/organization-top-10-prospects/2010/269367.html
As far as learning 1B, Hawpe was a 1B in college and played 205 games there in the Minors. He has been an OF in the majors mainly because there is this guy named Todd Helton that has been a fixture there for many years.
I am not sure Hawpe is the answer, but I don’t think he can be dismissed in one word. If the Cubs don’t want to sign Dunn, or Dunn is too expensive; I think Hawpe could be a nice stop-gap guy on a 1-year deal. Certainly better than signing one of the mediocre options to a multi-year deal (Pena, Huff etc.).
by JSB on Aug 24, 2010 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions 7 recs
Right on.
I’m still a bit confused as to why Kila Kilaahue is so beloved by certain sectors of BCB. He’s a 26 year old killing the PCL. We have a bunch of those, and we call them organizational bats. Isn’t Marquez Smith essentially the same player, but a year younger? Didn’t Micah Hoffpauir become essentially the same player, but a year or so later?
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Because he has walked like 1,000 times this season
I don’t get it either. The Royals should give Kila a shot, but there is no reason for the Cubs to give up anything of value to acquire him.
Who is this Marquez Smith?
The next Casey McGehee?
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
How do you mean?
If you mean that he has the potential to put up an .847 OPS and 149 RBI in nearly 2 seasons for a major league club, I’d like for that Club to be the Cubs. We could spend the money on Cliff Lee instead.
Could be.
Or he could be the next (insert name of guy who had nice AAA numbers and never amounted to a hill of beans at the major league level).
Only one way to find out… and I hope the Cubs give it a shot. There’s certainly nothing to lose.
Shut up Joe Morgan.
I wish I knew more about him,
my days of closely following the Cubs farm teams are behind me, outside of the top prospects and Josh’s posts. Maybe we’d see him in September if the I-Cubs weren’t in contention.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
More on Kila
Player A: .252/.392/.433
Player B: .326/.401/.591
Player A is Kila in his first full season in AAA at age 25.
Player B is Marquez Smith in his first full season in AAA at age 25.
.992 OPS?!
Sounds like we should just move Ramirez to first base and give the 3B job to Smith instead!
Why haven't I heard of this guy?
Why is Hoff here and not this guy!?!?!?
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
Seriously
Why is he not on the radar at all? Supposedly his 3B defense is great, and clearly his bat doesn’t suck. 25 may not be young, but he’s got at least 5 years before falling out of his prime, which is coincidentally about as long as he’d be under cost control.
I'm *not* advocating that he should not get a shot
But he has never really been considered a prospect. More like organizational filler with a possible upside as a utility guy.
This season is unlike any other he has put up in the minors. Which is either a good thing, or a reason for caution.
The Cubs’ 40-man roster is currently full, so they would have to ship someone off in order to promote him (plenty of dropable options, IMO).
Again, I’m fine with him getting a shot… certainly no harm in it… I’m just giving reasons as to why he may not have been “on the radar”.
Shut up Joe Morgan.
We're certainly not contending for anything right now
I’d much rather see him up this September than Micah Hoffpauir again. We have Jeff Baker who can play 1B and OF if we need, it’d be prudent IMO to give the (much) younger guy a shot.
Completely agreed.
I’m well over “Micah mania”.
Again, I was just giving some reasons why Smith has “flown under the radar”.
Very little this organization has done this year in terms of prospect development has made much sense.
Shut up Joe Morgan.
Thanks for the insight
Let’s hope we’re both surprised by the Cubs giving the kid a chance these last few weeks.
What positions can Smith play?
There is a serious lack of position depth for next year (assuming Baker and Nady are gone as they should be). 1B is empty and Ramirez appears to have hit “injury prone.” Hope Smith gets a look next month and a real opportunity next spring.
He has been primarily a 3B
But has dabbled at other spots. I know he has played some 2B and I’m pretty sure he has spent a little time in the OF corners. Not sure if he’s played any SS or 1B.
Here are his minor league career stats.
Shut up Joe Morgan.
I'd let him take a shot.
He’d have to take a big haircut on salary, but I don’t see too much harm as a 1b for a year. He can still hit. A one year deal might give him a lot of motivation.
this is a decent idea
I live in Colorado and get to see him fairly regularly. He’s been injured this year and still has an OPS in line with Lyle Overbay and Carlos Pena. He’s got a great swing and tons of natural talent. Of course, I also think it’s a good idea to keep Fukudome and Nady for 2011, and thought this Cubs team was going to the World Series, so everything I say should be seriously discounted.
by SouthWabashSoul on Aug 24, 2010 10:36 PM CDT reply actions
Pretty telling...
….when the "frustrated"fan suggests Hawpe. I would say you are just frustrated and should move on from considering/suggesting Hawpe, at least aloud. Not the worst idea in the world, though (Thome to the Cubs, which was my idea last off-season, might take that cake). If we want to go the even cheaper route there is always Burnitz..
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Aug 24, 2010 11:35 PM CDT reply actions
I'm not opposed to Hawpe if he'll take an Xavier Nady contract.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 25, 2010 12:04 AM CDT reply actions
Put the whiskey bottle down, back away and call your sponsor...
see what happens when you drink? You’re gonna read that tomorrow and hate yourself.
Joe Girardi...2011 Chicago Cubs Manager...Book it!!
I like him more than nady
I DO NOT WANT TO SEE HIM EVERYDAY but he is better than nada
As solid a stop gap option as...
I can think of. Plus he wouldn’t cost much.
Who is Alfonoso
and why are you looking at him?
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
This is something the Cubs should seriously explore.
Adding Hawpe, cheaply, greatly increases the Cubs’ depth for next season. He would be insurance if the Cubs can’t land Dunn or another first baseman. He’s a buy-low proposition (probably), he’s left handed, and he can possibly play three positions.
If the price is right, the Cubs should look into this.
Exactly.
Hawpe is hitting .211/.305/.272 away from Coors this year. Talk about brutal.
His home/road splits have not been good.
But you also need to look beyond just this year. As others have noted, this is a bad year for him after a handful of fairly productive seasons.
If you “buy low” and he bounces back, you’ve got a deal. If he continues to struggle, you have a bench player.
Shut up Joe Morgan.
if he continues to struggle
he’s not going to sit on the bench, he’s just going to be released.
by circuitclout on Aug 25, 2010 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions
or hit 4th for 2 months
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 25, 2010 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions
Hawpe
Has played hurt for the large majority of the year…this year is by far and away no where close to his career avgs.
You will never move forward by looking back....
by By Santo's Grace on Aug 25, 2010 12:02 PM CDT reply actions
Another former Rockie...
… who had good years, played hurt in Colorado last year, and went to another team hoping they’d get his “career averages” back.
How’s that working out for the Orioles with Garrett Atkins?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Yes, all Rockies players are the exact same Al. Geeze.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 25, 2010 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Big Difference
Atkins was pretty clearly in a secular decline when the O’s signed him after 2009:
YR RC+
2006 142
2007 116
2008 98
2009 67
2010 55
Hawpe has just had a one year (injury-related) slump.
But, this is the same type of thinking that said that Byrd was a bad signing because Bradley had failed the year before.
YOU CAN'T PLAY BASEBALL ON A SPREADSHEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 25, 2010 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions
can't really call it a one year slump
until this time next year.
by circuitclout on Aug 25, 2010 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Is your primary mode of thinking anecdotal comparisons?
Marquez Smith = Casey McGehee
Brad Hawpe = Garrett Atkins
don't forget
kila ka’aihue = don ho + frank thomas
by circuitclout on Aug 25, 2010 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
LOL
win
"One of the things I like about baseball is that between innings you can go to the restroom.'' ~Manny Acta.
The only memory I have of Hawpe
He is the reason Mark Prior was injured, and mostly likely the cause of his demise. Let’s keep that his only Cub-related incident.
Viva la Cubs Révolution!!!
Terrible defense.
Which brought his “900 OPS season” to a WAR below 1. Not to mention our plethora of outfielders. No thanks.
"Get up or GET OUT THE WAY!"
~Stacy King
by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 25, 2010 9:23 PM CDT reply actions
I'm not interested in him in general.
If he would sign for next to nothing perhaps he’s worth a look. Meh. To me this isn’t a worthwhile consideration because not only don’t I think he is very good, but I have no idea the kind of contract he would want or would be willing to sign. Only if it was league minimum might it be worth it, and for just the rest of the year. We’ve already had a lot of cast offs and retreads we hoped would be good this year, don’t see him as worth signing for next year.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 26, 2010 12:24 AM CDT reply actions
Conversation over.
The Rays signed him to a minor league deal today.
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bet we can trade Castro and Soto to get him
Chronologically inept since 2060
"I could be writing this crap!" -- Crow T. Robot
Me: Q: I can run but not walk. Wherever I go, thought follows close behind. What am I?
Wrigster A: Theriot
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