Spring Break
Down time gives Hawpe chance to hone his swing
Pat Graham - Associated Press
Issue date: 3/25/08 Section: Sports
The Rockies rewarded his offensive prowess in March with a new three-year contract worth $17,425,000. The deal, which includes a club option for 2011, replaced the $3,925,000, one-year contract that had been agreed to in January.
"It's a big deal for me and my family," said Hawpe, who bulked up 10 pounds by hitting the weights in the offseason. "I'm glad to be a part of this. It's exciting to stay here."
As for the health of his elbow, he's not worried about it. He said it's making steady progress.
However, he was a scratch before the Rockies' 12-11 win against Arizona on Saturday so he could give the arm a little more rest.
"He stayed back and got a volume of swings," said manager Clint Hurdle, who anticipated Hawpe being in the lineup Sunday.
Hawpe takes great pride in his fearsome arm, which frequently causes runners to rethink their decision to try to take an extra base. He has 32 outfield assists over the last three years, which is tied for the third-most of any player in that span.
"I spend a lot of time working on it," he said. "Every player brings something different to the table. That's something I bring."
Not to mention a potent swing. Hawpe once hit a ball so high and deep in high school that it traveled over the fence and shattered the lights in right field, causing sparks to fly and bits of broken glass to tumble everywhere.
It was straight out of "The Natural," with Hawpe slipping into the role of Roy Hobbs. Hawpe keeps the ball in a case, along with pieces of glass that his teammates collected.
The 28-year-old Hawpe started out his pro career as a first baseman before making the switch to outfield with the help of former coach Dave Collins, who taught him proper footwork and positioning. He also worked with former pitcher Goose Gossage to learn the art of making strong and pinpoint throws.
All the tutelage is coming together. But the laid-back Hawpe takes everything in stride, including his impressive offensive numbers in 2007.
"I don't even know what exactly all my numbers were," he said. "That's how it is around here. We're just concerned about wins."
"It's a big deal for me and my family," said Hawpe, who bulked up 10 pounds by hitting the weights in the offseason. "I'm glad to be a part of this. It's exciting to stay here."
As for the health of his elbow, he's not worried about it. He said it's making steady progress.
However, he was a scratch before the Rockies' 12-11 win against Arizona on Saturday so he could give the arm a little more rest.
"He stayed back and got a volume of swings," said manager Clint Hurdle, who anticipated Hawpe being in the lineup Sunday.
Hawpe takes great pride in his fearsome arm, which frequently causes runners to rethink their decision to try to take an extra base. He has 32 outfield assists over the last three years, which is tied for the third-most of any player in that span.
"I spend a lot of time working on it," he said. "Every player brings something different to the table. That's something I bring."
Not to mention a potent swing. Hawpe once hit a ball so high and deep in high school that it traveled over the fence and shattered the lights in right field, causing sparks to fly and bits of broken glass to tumble everywhere.
It was straight out of "The Natural," with Hawpe slipping into the role of Roy Hobbs. Hawpe keeps the ball in a case, along with pieces of glass that his teammates collected.
The 28-year-old Hawpe started out his pro career as a first baseman before making the switch to outfield with the help of former coach Dave Collins, who taught him proper footwork and positioning. He also worked with former pitcher Goose Gossage to learn the art of making strong and pinpoint throws.
All the tutelage is coming together. But the laid-back Hawpe takes everything in stride, including his impressive offensive numbers in 2007.
"I don't even know what exactly all my numbers were," he said. "That's how it is around here. We're just concerned about wins."
Be the first to comment on this story