MVN: Most Valuable Network

If someone could just convince Brad Hawpe that the season actually started at the beginning of March, the numbers that he could put up in the regular season would be astronomical.  It's clear that Hawpe and the first month or so of the season mix about as well as oil and water. Check Brad's splits for the past two Aprils:

2007: .256/.366/.372, 1 HR
2008: .239/.391/.352, 1 HR

Unfortunately for the 2008 Rockies, Hawpe didn't figure things out in May either, as he slumped all the way to a .231 batting average at one point.  But oh, how he made up for it over the rest of the year.

Hawpe's final numbers of .283 with 25 home runs lies within considerable range of what could have been expected of him at the beginning of the year, but the fact that he did it after such a slow start brings up memories of Garrett Atkins in 2007. And, while not exactly young at 29, Hawpe could still be trying to figure out which approach at the beginning of the season will work best for him, so don't let the slow starts discourage you.  Brad was one of the most consistent bats in this lineup in the second half, holding the lineup together even as guys like Atkins dropped off a bit.

His performance this year solidifies his starting spot in the 2009 lineup, and don't expect to see the term "platoon" thrown around either. Hawpe hit lefties just as well as he did righties this year, a huge improvement on previous seasons.  This was easily the most encouraging development from Hawpe this year.  Now, if he could just figure out how to start off on the right foot...well, National League, consider yourself warned.

Drew's Grade: B+
Tom's Grade: B+