Rockies to trade Brad Hawpe, Garrett Atkins?

The Denver Post is reporting that the Rockies will likely shop Brad Hawpe and Garrett Atkins this offseason. While Hawpe put up good numbers, he is due to make 7.5 million dollars next season with a 10 million dollar club option for 2011. 

Hawpe's home/away numbers are pretty split over the course of his career, so that should not impact his trade value. Hawpe's 2010 salary is rather affordable, which means the Rockies should not have trouble finding a taker. 

If they are willing to deal within their division, the Giants could be a possibility. While Hawpe isn't the hard-hitting utility man they are looking for, he could fill the void in right field and build up the middle of that order.

If the Cubs can move Milton Bradley, they could pursue Brad Hawpe to play right field. That would, however, keep Kosuke Fukudome in center field, and it is believed that the Cubs want to move him back to right field.

Here's a thought (please excuse my derailing of this post): Both the Cubs and Bradley have openly acknowledged that it would be best if both sides moved on. Why not rework his contract and defer the remaining 21 million dollars over the next 6 or 7 seasons? If they cannot find a taker for him, that may be their only option. 

Atkins, on the other hand, was one of the biggest disappointments in baseball and could potentially be non-tendered. After hitting an abysmal .226, 60 points below his 2008 average, his trade value is at an all-time low. 

Still, a team like the Orioles may choose to pull the trigger instead of going up against teams who have leg up on the young Orioles. 

It will be interesting to see if the Rockies trade both Garrett Atkins and Brad Hawpe. Yes, there are other players to fill their spots but can they be effective everyday players? Carlos Gonzalez certainly has a bright future, but Dexter Fowler is not ready yet and Ryan Spilborghs fell short of establishing himself as an everyday player. 

One of the Rockies' biggest strengths this season was their depth. Unless the Rockies are overwhelmed by an offer, it almost makes more sense to hold on to Hawpe so the outfield has more stability.

Let's hear your thoughts: Are the Rockies serious about moving Hawpe and Atkins?