Brad Hawpe Signing Announced

The San Diego Padres officially announced the signing of first baseman Brad Hawpe today. The Padres signed Hawpe to a one-year contract worth $3 million. He will earn $2 million in 2011 with a mutual option for $6 million for 2012 or a $1 million buyout.

Hawpe is looking forward to the transition to first base from the outfield. He was drafted as a first baseman and then had to switch positions in the minor leagues if he wanted to see any playing time with the Rockies. All-Star first baseman Todd Helton was not going to be moving away from that position any time soon.

It was announced that the Padres offered $8 million contract to Derrek Lee in an attempt to bring him to San Diego. Lee decided to sign with the Baltimore Orioles, and the Padres signed Hawpe instead for $3 million.

I wonder if the Padres will use that extra $5 million to bring in other players. It would be nice to bring back super utility man Jerry Hairston Jr OR bring in 1B/3B Troy Glaus to bring in a right handed bat to split time with Headley and Hawpe against lefty pitchers. We can only hope to get some help for the bench.

Make Sure to Follow Chicken Friars on Facebook

Home/Padres News