Former Colorado Rockies outfielder Brad Hawpe will sign a one-year contract with the San Diego Padres, pending a physical. Hawpe found a wide-open starting situation in San Diego after the Padres traded Adrian Gonzalez to the Boston Red Sox in early December. Hawpe, who has spent most of his professional career as an outfielder will shift to the infield and play first base.The last time he played first base consistently was in 2002 for High-A Salem (120 games). In 2003 it became clear that his path to the majors was in the outfield.
↵With the aging Todd Helton the starter at first for the Rockies in 2010, management decided during the season that Hawpe could spell Helton when needed. He only played nine games at first before the Rockies released him on Aug. 26. It was a tough season for the former college first baseman, hitting .255/.343/.333 in 88 games for the Rockies. In 2009, Hawpe had been an All-Star and was robbed of a signature moment during the All-Star Game. Carl Crawford made an amazing over-the-wall catch to rob him of a home run (video).
↵All the best to you, Brad, but don't think you'll be able to knock around Ubaldo Jimenez or Jhoulys Chacin or any other Rockies pitcher for that matter.
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