TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -Brad Hawpe gathered up his bats and sauntered toward the green outfield wall at Hi Corbett, before disappearing through a latched gate.
The Colorado Rockies right fielder was bound for a back diamond, where he would serve as a designated hitter in a minor league game. Hawpe has been spending a good portion of his time this spring on the hidden field ,thanks to a balky left elbow.
The arm ailment, though, could turn out to be a benefit.
Hawpe struggled with left-handed pitchers last season, and since he’s resting his arm anyway, he’s taking advantage of the down time by squeezing in more at-bats during simulated games, as well as sneaking in extra batting practice sessions.
Rockies hitting coach Alan Cockrell has already noticed a difference in the power-hitting lefty, who finished last season by hitting .291 with 29 homers and 116 RBIs.
“In batting practice, he’s using the whole field and hitting the ball the other way,” Cockrell said. “I think that’s what you have to do to be successful against lefties. There’s no question in my mind he can hit lefties. I think it’s just a mind-set.”
And Hawpe’s mind is set on hitting lefties this season, thus keeping him in the lineup when a tough southpaw comes to town. He hit just .214 and struck out 44 times in 126 at bats against lefties last season, the only glaring glitch in his offensive arsenal.
Despite slumping against southpaws for most of last summer, opening the door for more playing time for Ryan Spilborghs, he did finish strong against lefties down the stretch.
“I really don’t think about it,” Hawpe said. “I just want to get big hits.”
Hawpe had plenty of those last season in helping the Rockies to their first NL pennant. He set a club record with 66 RBIs with two outs, and hit .450 with the bases loaded, including his first career grand slam, against Tampa Bay in June. He was also effective in late innings, hitting .341 in the seventh or later.
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.”
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