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Hawpe, Rockies have preliminary talks

By Tracy Ringolsby, Rocky Mountain News

Published January 24, 2008 at 4:04 p.m.
Updated January 24, 2008 at 4:04 p.m.

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Next up for the Rockies is right fielder Brad Hawpe.

The agent for Hawpe said today he has had initial discussions about a possible multi-year deal for Hawpe. However, Dan Horwits emphasized his discussions with Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd have been preliminary.

Horwits said he expects talks to pick up by the first of next week, at which time it will become more apparent how likely it is Hawpe will become the latest product of the Rockies' farm system to receive long-term security.

"It's something that has been mentioned, along with a one-year deal," Howits said. "With Brad being involved in arbitration, Dan and I have discussed several possibilities. Now we need to see how serious those discussions would be."

The Rockies would most likely be interested in a four-year deal, which would cover the first year of potential free agency for Hawpe.

After undergoing a major rebuilding of the franchise that has focused on homegrown players, the Rockies are now moving to provide continuity.

With first baseman Todd Helton having been signed a year ago through 2011, pitcher Jeff Francis agreed to a four-year deal. Then, in December, pitcher Aaron Cook signed a three-year extension that has him tied to the Rockies through 2011. Last week, outfielder Matt Holliday agreed to a two-year deal with the possibility it could be expanded. And, this week, Troy Tulowitzki agreed to a six-year contract, including a club option for a seventh, which gives the Rockies control over the shortstop until after his second year of potential free agency.

"I would like to spend my career with the Rockies, so it is of interest," Hawpe said of a multi-year deal. "We have a special group of players, and I think we'd all like to remain a part of that group."

Hawpe is among three potential arbitration cases the Rockies face. He is seeking a $4.35 million salary in 2008 compared to the $3.575 million offered by the Rockies. Other potential arbitration cases are third baseman Garrett Atkins, who filed for $4.65 million (the Rockies offered $4.125 million), and left-handed reliever Brian Fuentes, who is seeking $6.5 million (the Rockies offered $5.05 million).

ROCKIES SIGN YOUNGER HIRSH: The Rockies signed pitcher Matt Hirsh to a minor league contract. Matt, whose brother Jason pitches for the Rockies, pitched in two independent leagues last year. He went 1-8 with an 8.05 ERA in 14 games for York in the Atlantic League and 1-4 with a 7.09 ERA for Sussex in the Can-Am League. Matt, 23, signed with Houston in 2005 after being drafted in the 30th round from California Lutheran, the same school Jason, 25, went to before the Astros took him in the second round in 2003.

Comments

  • January 24, 2008

    6:21 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    jeremynix writes:

    Give Atkins the money, he deserves it. But Fuentes???? I don't know about that one. Let someone else overpay him to blow saves. In Manny we Trust.

  • January 26, 2008

    1:06 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    warrengfunk7 writes:

    Fuentes is needed to set-up. Without a set-up man the the likes of Fuentes, the Rockies don't stand a chance. Before Fuentes took over as the set-up man last season, the Rockies lost most of their games in the 7th and 8th innings - not 9th. Hopefully, with Vizciano in the 7th, Fuentes in the 8th and Corpus in the 9th, with consistent Matt Herges filling in where needed, the Rockies will not blow so many early season wins this time, and jump out in front of the pack in April, May and June and not have to play catch up.