Pirates Grant Hawpe Unconditional Release - KHarmo88's Dynasty

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Pirates Grant Hawpe Unconditional Release

Posted on March 23, 2013 at 12:21 PM.

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by Tom Singer / MLB.com

BRADENTON, Fla. -- Brad Hawpe still had a couple days to ask for a release if the Pirates didn't put him on the Major League roster. The classy, realistic veteran saw no need to wait.

Hawpe, 33, asked for and was granted his unconditional release Saturday morning.

The former mainstay in Colorado's outfield made a convincing -- and satisfying -- physical comeback this spring after having Tommy John surgery in late 2011. The comeback with the bat proved more challenging. Hawpe hit .139 in 16 preseason games. He missed too many pitches, fanning 18 times in 36 at-bats.

Hawpe's release leaves 39 players in the Pirates' Major League camp, including six outfielders -- among them another non-roster invitee, Felix Pie.