Brad Hawpe is not hot. Hasn’t been since the all-star break, driving in just nine runs in 86 at-bats after the Midsummer Classic.
A few years ago, this would have bothered him. This season, his first as an all-star, history tells him that big hits will come.
“I have hit some balls hard recently. The key isn’t hitting the ball, but hitting where they aren’t,” Hawpe said. “I need better aim.”
Hawpe has been bumped down from the cleanup spot to fifth in the order. Manager Jim Tracy said that he expects Hawpe to “get it going again, and when he does, he’s capable of carrying us.”
For Hawpe, the key is not to panic. Or become selfish. His patience was rewarded with a sixth-inning, RBI double.
“It’s not about me. That’s why baseball is a beautiful game. Anyone at any time can help us,” Hawpe said. “If all you are worried about is your own stats, you are not going to be a good player on a winning team.”
Cook confident.
Aaron Cook’s side session today will determine whether he makes his scheduled start Saturday on his sprained right big toe. His confidence Wednesday suggested it would be a shock if he’s not on the mound against the Marlins.
“I am going to be fine,” he said.
Chacin out, Eaton up.
Looking to protect their relief corps after using both long men in Tuesday’s loss, the Rockies promoted Adam Eaton at top prospect Jhoulys Chacin’s expense. Eaton will work in the bullpen, a needed arm with Josh Fogg unavailable for a few days because of his Tuesday workload.
It’s likely that Chacin will return when rosters expand Sept. 1. He was sent to Triple-A Colorado Springs to improve his fastball command.
“It’s nothing he did or didn’t do,” Tracy said.
Eaton is grateful for another opportunity in the big leagues after being cut by Philadelphia in spring training and Baltimore in May. He posted a 2.67 ERA in Triple-A.
“It was disheartening to be in the minor leagues, but I pitched myself into that situation and I pitched myself out of it,” Eaton said.
Footnote.
Dexter Fowler admitted that Monday’s crash into the outfield wall looked “pretty bad.” Out with a bruised left knee, he hopes to play today. He was in the equivalent of a minor car wreck. “My shoulder hurts a little, my knee, my hip. But I have played with worse,” Fowler said.
By Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
