Troy Renck of the Denver Post has been all over the Brad Hawpe news front since he was placed on waivers last week. And now Renck has a breaking report.
The Post columnist and beat writer heard from sources Wednesday that Hawpe is going to be released after tonight’s game against the Dodgers and made available to all interested major league teams as a free agent.
The 31-year-old Hawpe has posted an ugly .642 OPS and two home runs since the All-Star break, but part of his struggles can be equated to a lack of playing time and he should be rejuvenated in joining a playoff race. If he joins a playoff race.
Renck believes that the Rangers and Red Sox will show interest, but look for a good helping of teams to jump in on the negotiations. He’s not exactly a versatile player -- and probably needs to be limited to a corner outfield or first base job -- but Hawpe still has great power potential and a .280/.374/.492 career batting line.
