With right fielder Nelson Cruz on the disabled list, the Rangers are interested in acquiring Brad Hawpe to fill-in, writes Jeff Wilson of the Star-Telegram. Cruz will be sidelined until at least August 30th with a hamstring injury.
Rangers GM Jon Daniels wouldn't comment on Hawpe specifically but said that he would consider bringing someone aboard who could help fill the gap.
"We've looked around while Nellie's been out," the GM said. "For the most part, what we've got is what we've got. But we're always open to adding a guy who might be able to help us fill a role."
Hawpe, a Fort Worth native, was originally linked to the Rangers because of his relationship with hitting coach Clint Hurdle. Last night we learned that the Giants are also exploring the possibility of acquiring the 31-year-old.
This would be a very interesting move. Maybe a change of scenery will help Hawpe not to mention Rangers Ballpark which can help him as well. Texas I hear is a great team to play for and he will especially have some very good teamates. Also a lefty bat off the bench during the post-season.
If the situation is right, I’d like to see Hawpe become a Ranger.
Yeah throw him in with a new ballpark with a new team in the middle of a playoff race. I can see that working out for Hawpe. I don’t see a problem at all, hopefully they can get this done. They’ll only be paying the minimum, and if he doesn’t work out just cut him loose.
I can’t agree with you more. I am surprised Hawpe was released so quickly. I am also dumbfounded because Hawpe contributed great seasons in Colorado but I don’t know a better team that fits Hawpe better than Texas. An above average bat filling in for Nelson Cruz and also a lefty? This couldn’t be a better situation.
I hope Hawpe is the newest Texas Ranger and I wish him the best of luck
I think this really is the perfect fit for both sides. Hawpe could probably turn it around in a place like Texas along with Clint Hurdle’s help and the Rangers need an injection in their lineup.
especially Clint Hurdle being Hawpe’s former manager.
Who aren’t the Rangers interested in?
If Hawpe becomes a free agent, I don’t see how Texas can pass up this opportunity. If the Rangers can turn him around or shows some promise it would be a nice preview for resigning him. Go Rangers
Hawpe is the type of player who can help in a playoff series. An AL team with aspirations of playing in an NL park come Ocotober will love his versatility in double switch situations.
No doubt about it, Hawpe would help tremendously in the post season and I expect, YES I Expect, the rangers to get to the World Series. I mean, who wouldn’t, this team has traded for Cliff Lee, Bengie Molina, Jorge Cantu, Cristian Guzman, and even prospects for Saltamalachia (or something like that).
Cantu and Guzman have done nothing (not 1 RBI)…and Molina hasn’t done much offensively other than his cycle awhile back. Cliff Lee has been great though, nice to see them trying to go for it this year.
Cliff Lee has been really dissapointing for us so far. He now has an ERA over 4. He has had five starts giving up 4 ER or more, three of which were 6 ER or more.
He has had four starts giving up 2 ER or less, one of which he allowed 0 ER.
So far all the moves we have made have been dissapointing, but being optomistic I am hoping they pay off when it really matters. In the postseason.
I am thankful JD was agressive at the deadline and did everything he could to give us the best shot possible to win.
But if you were being sarcastic disregard my last post lol
This is a move that makes little sense. We already have Mitch Moreland who is an almost idntical type of player. Both LL RF1B. He will just steal at bat’s from Moreland who is doing fine.
I get that he is a solid clubhouse guy and he is a hometown boy from Ft. Worth…the only way he would not be redundant is if we added him after rosters expand.
As a Rockies fan to all you Rangers fans, Hawpe left us because he wants the chance to play everyday. We offered him the chance to come off the bench late in a double switch situation/pinch hit role or walk and he happily declined our offer and said he will walk, so the chances of you guys grabbing him to come off the bench late is pretty slim ONLY if their are other teams seriously interested. I know you guys are division leaders and i expect you guys to make a serious run in October just like you guys do so maybe that will be the back breaker and we will see Hawper in a Rangers uni (which im perfectly fine with) but this is just something for you guys to think about.