It seems like forever ago now, but Brad Hawpe was an All-Star as recently as 2009.
He had a rough 2010 season for the Rockies and Rays, was even worse in part-time action with the Padres last season, and last night the Rangers released him after signing Hawpe to a minor-league contract in January.
Certainly no longer calling Coors Field home hurt Hawpe’s production, but he was typically pretty solid on the road during his prime and injuries have been a much bigger factor in his rapid decline. He underwent Tommy John elbow surgery in August and is still unable to throw from the outfield, limiting him to first base.
General manager Jon Daniels indicated that Hawpe returning to the Rangers as a Triple-A player is possible if he’s unable to land a big-league contract and/or better opportunity elsewhere.
