Brad Hawpe signed by the Texas Rangers – MLB News
The Texas Rangers, after having empowered the bullpen, signed first baseman Brad Hawpe on Friday, January 20, pronouncing their intention to focus on their hitting now. Hawpe brings with him experience and a bright career that will be a source of strength
for the Texas Rangers in the long run.
Hawpe has been signed to a Minor League contract at a time when speculations are still rife that the Rangers may go ahead with free-agent slugger Prince Fielder. Although the club had only recently denied having any intention to sign Prince Fielder especially
after they inducted Yu Darvish, with a tremendous $60 million deal.
Nonetheless, there are sources within the club, as reported in the press on Friday, that there is no likelihood of the Rangers looking for Prince Fielder anymore. This is corroborated by the fact that Hawpe has already been brought in to the fold.
Hawpe was part of the San Diego Padres and became a free-agent after the club did not go ahead with the player. Also, very importantly, the player is undergoing rehabilitation on his injured elbow.
Previously, Hawpe has remained part of the Colorado Rockies as well. Playing as right fielder for over seven years, as he then moved to the San Diego Padres. Off and on, the player has shown consistency in the different roles assigned to him.
It is this reason that the Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels thinks he can be a very interesting option for the team; being fit would be key. "If Brad's healthy and swinging it like he's capable, he's a pretty interesting option for the club," Rangers’
general manager Jon Daniels said.
The Texas Rangers, if their performance is to be seen in the last few years, have had a prolific offence. From the likes of Ian Kinsler to Mike Napoli and Josh Hamilton, the club has enough hitters to rely on.
However, the Rangers do not want to sound complacent. It is this reason that there has not been any reluctance in pursuing any resourceful hitter if and when some free agents enter the market.
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