NL pitchers collectively are hitting better than Brad Hawpe

Thanks to a recent surge, the Minnesota Twins no longer have the worst offense in the big leagues. Congratulations to the San Diego Padres! They're now in the rear with the gear, having scored a league-low 63 runs through 22 games. And, thanks to a note tweeted on Sunday by Geoff Young of Ducksnorts, we know that one player has been particularly anemic. Coming into Monday's action, first baseman Brad Hawpe is 5-for-51 with one extra-base hit (a lonely double) and 22 strikeouts. His batting line: .098./.145/.118 for an astounding OPS of .263. Among players with at least 50 plate appearances, the next worst hitters are Tampa Bay's Dan Johnson (.381 OPS) and Juan Rivera (.391). By further comparison, the pitchers of the NL are batting .136/.164/.168 (for a .332 OPS) collectively. The pitchers on 10 individual teams are hitting better than the 31-year-old Hawpe. Holy Slumpbots! "He's trying awful hard," the North County Times has quoted manager Bud Black as say...