The Texas Rangers signed first baseman/outfielder Brad Hawpe to a minor league deal today (1/20/12). Hawpe is a former All-Star (2009-Rockies) who underwent Tommy John surgery last August. He's a left-handed power hitter who could do some damage at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
That is, if this was 2007. That year he hit .291 with 29 home runs and 116 RBI.
Hawpe's statistics have steadily declined since that career year and in no way should this move signal anything in regards to Mitch Moreland or Prince Fielder. As of now Moreland is the Rangers starting first baseman with Michael Young and Mike Napoli splitting time there as well. Plus you have to consider Brandon Snyder whom Texas acquired last month. Snyder is also a first baseman who will compete for a utility infielder spot on the bench.
It is also unlikely that Hawpe will be considered for the open center field spot either. One look at his UZR over the past five seasons (-14.8, -30.8, -14.2, -3.1, 1.3) and you can understand why.
He has also never had a WAR higher than 2.8 since 2006.
To me this appears to be nothing more than a low-risk, low-cost move (like Brandon Webb in 2011) that will provide insurance at the first base position and allow him to mentor Brad Nelson at Triple-A Round Rock while also competing with him for a starting job.
So does this signal the end of Texas' pursuit of Prince Fielder? Not at all. As stated before I believe Hawpe will remain in the minors all season long unless something happens to Moreland, Napoli or Fielder, if acquired.
Now for the bigger story of the day the Rangers introduced Yu Darvish at a 7 pm press conference at the Hall of Fame inside Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Jon Daniels made the introduction and then posed with Yu, Yu's jersey and manager Ron Washington. Nolan Ryan was not in attendance due to a prior engagement.
Here are a few highlights:
When asked why he hoped the Rangers would win the bidding process Darvish said that when he came over in January everyone in the front office made him feel like family and he appreciated that.
When asked about the attention he responded by saying that in Japan baseball was his life and that he's received a lot of attention which comes with the job.
He said that he has never experience pitching in heat before but will make adjustments.
He has had conversations with Koji Uehara and Yoshinori Tateyama (both former Japanese players) but he has not "got" into details with the clubhouse and other players.
When asked about the transition from Japanese to American baseball Yu stated that when he stood on the pitcher's mound (at Rangers Ballpark) he noticed how close the right/centerfield wall was and "asked my GM" about moving it back.
He also said that he is really not familiar with the hitters in America though he did watch last year's World Series between the Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals.
And finally when asked about the meaning behind his #11 jersey Darvish said that it is the number he has worn all seven years in the pros and he has no strong attachment to it though he was moved when the Rangers made it his jersey number.
Welcome to Texas, Yu. We're glad to have you.
Until next time, I'll see you in the cheap seats!
James Holland is a lifelong fan of baseball and his hometown Texas Rangers. You can follow him on Twitter @TXRangersJames.
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