33. Brad Hawpe

The journey of Brad Hawpe in Colorado is a study in raw, left-handed power that seemed perfectly calibrated for the gaps of Coors Field. Arriving in 2004, Hawpe transitioned from a college first baseman at LSU into a cornerstone of the Rockies' outfield during their most competitive era. While he lacked the foot speed of a traditional right fielder, he possessed a heavy, consistent bat that anchored the middle of the order, providing the run-producing muscle that fueled the franchise’s historic 2007 "Rocktober" run.

In 2007, he was a vital part of the National League champions. That summer, he blasted a career-high 29 home runs and drove in 116 runs, slugging .539 while maintaining a specialized ability to draw walks. He was a model of professional resilience, appearing in 152 games and delivering multiple late-inning hits that kept the Rockies’ unlikely postseason hopes alive. This run solidified his reputation as a premier run-producer, earning him MVP votes and cementing his status as a local favorite.

Between 2006 and 2009, Hawpe was a model of durability, averaging over 24 home runs and 90 RBIs per season. He reached a professional high point in 2009, earning his first All-Star selection after a blistering first half where he led the club in nearly every major offensive category.

However, his overall value was a paradox: elite hitting and significant defensive struggles. While he possessed a cannon-like arm that produced 16 outfield assists in 2006, his specialized lack of range and lateral quickness proved costly. He finished his Rockies career with a -9.8 defensive bWAR, a statistical anchor that often negated the runs he created with his bat. He was a player of extremes: an asset in the batter's box who could dismantle a pitching staff, but a defensive liability who required his teammates to cover extra ground in the vast expanses of the Colorado outfield.

Midway through the 2010 season, Hawpe was placed on waivers and subsequently released. Hawpe compiled 806 hits and 121 home runs while playing a vital role in the 2007 World Series run.