At 6′3″, 210, Brad Hawpe’s got a power-hitter’s body. He’s got a career .317 minor league average, and a career .547 minor league slugging percentage . He’s even got a decent 317:194 K:BB ratio.

So is he for real? Well, in ‘04 he went .322/31 HR/86 RBI for AAA-Colorado Springs. In ‘02 he went .327/22/97 for A+ Salem. ‘03 was a down year, but he still hit .277/17/68 in 93 games for AA-Tulsa.

And one more thing: did I mention his .322/31/86 season in AAA was over 92 games?

So yes, it looks like Hawpe’s for real. His .262/9/47 in ‘05 was all right for a second-year player in a platoon role. And there was nothing wrong with his 70:43 K:BB. He’s playing every day now, and it looks like he’s a good bet to be another Coors’ creation. If Matt Holliday can go 25/90 in Colorado, then Hawpe should be able to do 30/100. He has a good swing, he’s 27, and he’s hitting behind Helton. Do I have to remind you that Jay Payton hit .302/28/89 in Colorado? Dante Bichette, Vinny Castilla?

Yes, get Hawpe. The sad fact is, if Dante could do it, so can he.