Atkins, Hawpe agree to terms

Feb 12, 2008 - 1:02 AM DENVER (Ticker) -- The Colorado Rockies on Monday announced that they have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with third baseman Garrett Atkins.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the Rocky Mountain News is reporting the pact to be worth $4.38 million.

In addition, the newspaper is also reporting that the club has avoided arbitration with right fielder Brad Hawpe, agreeing to a $4.74 million deal.

Atkins overcame a slow start last season to bat .301 with 25 home runs and 111 RBI, numbers that represented a slight regression from his breakout 2006 season - when he hit .329 with 29 homers and 120 RBI.

"We're happy to come to an agreement with Garrett," Colorado general manager Dan O'Dowd said. "He is an important part of our club, and we look forward to a big year from him."

The 28-year-old Atkins struggled during the 2007 postseason for the reigning National League champion Rockies, batting just .175 (7-for-40) with one homer and three RBI in 11 games.

Atkins is a career .302 hitter with 68 homers and 332 RBI in parts of five seasons - all with the Rockies.

Hawpe, 28, exploded onto the scene in 2007, batting .291 and setting career highs with 29 homers and 116 RBI. Hawpe is a career .282 hitter with 63 home runs and 256 RBI in four seasons with Colorado.

With the deals for Atkins and Hawpe in place, the Rockies have just one player left that is arbitration-eligible - lefthander Brian Fuentes.