Milwaukee – Brad Hawpe was left out of right field again Tuesday night.
He no longer starts against left-handers, which clouds his future. Is he an everyday player, as suggested by his first half, or better suited for a platoon, as his numbers have indicated since the all-star break?
“Of course, I want to be in there for every inning of every game,” said Hawpe, replaced in the lineup by utilityman Luis Gonzalez. “That’s (manager Clint) Hurdle’s decision.”
Hurdle explained that the statistics could not be overlooked. Against left-handers, Hawpe is hitting just .200, with one home run and 24 strikeouts in 60 at-bats. With the team still clinging in the wild-card race, Gonzalez represented a better option.
“Before the season is out, I would like to get Brad back in those situations as we continue to take inventory,” Hurdle said.
Hawpe was among the season’s surprises in the first half. Houston manager Phil Garner nearly chose him for the all-star team, as the 27-year-old hit .310 with 15 home runs and 49 RBIs before the break. He has sputtered since, delivering four home runs and eight RBIs over the past 37 games.
“I went through a rough stretch where I was not putting the barrel on the ball and that really skewed the numbers in the (second half),” Hawpe said.
Hawpe’s season, in many ways, mirrors the team’s. He has his share of hits, but has struggled with men on base.
Investigation touches Rockies
At least one member of the Rockies’ organization was interviewed in late June as part of the investigation led by former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell into performance-enhancing drugs. According to a source, the questions weren’t about the Rockies, rather more general in nature, regarding how to address the issue as the game moves forward.
The Mitchell investigation has requested interviews with personnel from all 30 teams, but without the power of subpoena, some current and former players have refused to cooperate.
Footnotes
Trainer Keith Dugger described the bruise on Jason Jennings’ left thigh as “legendary.” It is the size of a basketball, yet there’s no concern about Jennings making Saturday’s start. “He’s one of the toughest players I have ever been around,” Hurdle said.
Rockies recap
Catcher Yorvit Torrealba, immune to the Rockies’ offensive deficiencies in New York, became the latest player infected Tuesday. Torrealba popped up to shortstop with the bases loaded and no outs in the fourth and struck out looking in the sixth. Torrealba disagreed with plate umpire Andy Fletcher’s call and manager Clint Hurdle rushed out to separate the pair, sparing Torrealba an ejection.
KAZ ARRIVES: Kazuo Matsui joined the Rockies as a utility player Tuesday, taking the place of Jason Smith, who was designated for assignment. “I hope this becomes something long term. But my focus right now is just fitting in and helping a team I think has a chance to reach the World Series,” he said.
SHORT STORY: Double-A star Troy Tulowitzki, considered the Rockies’ shortstop of the future, will continue his development in the Arizona Fall League for the Grand Canyon Rafters. Luke Hochevar, this year’s top draft pick who prepped at Fowler High School, will be a teammate.
