Surprising news out of Colorado this morning that GM Dan O'Dowd will not look to trade Brade Hawpe this offseason:“The Rockies understand the value of Brad Hawpe on the field and off,” said O’Dowd. “We have no desire to move him at all. He has leadership ability and a commitment to the approach we feel is important for a team’s success.”Hawpe hit .284 with 23 home runs and 86 RBI, ranking fourth on the Rockies in average, third in home runs and tied for second in RBI. He, however, hit only .209 with 10 RBI in September.
There is no financial push to move Hawpe, who is signed for $7.5 million in 2010. He had a $10 million option for 2011, but there is no buyout.
Obviously, the benefit for the Rockies, who had a payroll slightly north of $75 million this season, is that they would cut 10% of their budget ($7.5 million) by trading Hawpe. In addition, the Rockies have three cheap, young outfielders, who one can argue are all better suited for the National League and the Rockies: Carlos Gonzalez, Seth Smith, and Dexter Fowler.
And even though Hawpe struggled in the second half, there is little reason to think that Hawpe wouldn't be able to bring back a solid package for the Rockies. Hawpe is only 30 years old, hits for power, and has a very reasonable contract ($7.5 in 2010, $10 million option in 2011). The free agent market isn't exactly flooded with productive left handed power hitters, which plays even more in the favor of Brad Hawpe.
All signs pointed towards Brad Hawpe being traded this offseason. So why is Dan O'Dowd pulling him off the market? Supposed veteran leadership? Market value?
Your guess is as good as mine on this one.
Thoughts?
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