Report: Brad Hawpe, Padres Near Deal

Filed under: Padres, Rays, Rockies, MLB Rumors, MLB Hot Stove, MLB Free Agency

The Padres apparently have found a buy-low replacement for Adrian Gonzalez, as they are reportedly "on the verge" of a deal with free agent first baseman Brad Hawpe.

ESPN.com reported the deal was near completion, filling the Padres' first base hole with a more affordable option than free agents like Derrek Lee or Adam LaRoche.

Hawpe, 31, knows the territory in the NL West. He had spent his entire career with the Rockies until being released in late August and signing a day later with the Rays to finish out the season. It was a tough hear all around for Hawpe, who managed just a .245 average and .758 OPS in 103 games between the two teams.

The Padres will hope he takes a turn back to his All-Star form of a year earlier -- or better yet 2007, when he posted a .926 OPS, 29 homers and 116 RBI to help lead Colorado to the World Series.

 

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Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/12/23/report-brad-hawpe-padres-near-deal/

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