Just because the Rockies have designated for assignment Brad Hawpe, that doesn't mean this is the end of Hawpe's career as a Rockie. So says Jim Tracy recently. Tracy believes "no doors" have closed on Hawpe, including a return to Coors Field. Jim Armstrong, who wrote the article, speculates Hawpe could return at a much lower salary during the coming offseason.
↵I'm not so sure that such a move would make much sense unless Hawpe is prepared to take on a different role with the team. If such a move were to take place, Hawpe would need to be a bat off the bench as an outfielder and a member of a platoon at first base with Todd Helton. It's a small sample size, but Hawpe has played first base more than adequately. And let us recall that Brad Hawpe was originally a first baseman, as he only moved from that position because Todd Helton blocked his path to the majors at that position.
↵Still, it's time for a new generation of Rockies to take over this team. Brad Hawpe would an anachronism, now and in the future.
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