In a move that may not have surprised many but will definitely disappoint quite a few, Javy Lopez’s second stint with Atlanta was cut short.
After batting .188 with a pair of homers and allowing runners to steal on him 9 times out of 9 chances behind the plate, Javy’s baseball days have come to an end.
Although the Braves offered Lopez a chance to start the season in the Minors and likely become the veritable Crash Davis of Richmond, Javy hung up his catcher’s mask and is calling it quits.
Like many Braves fans it’s sad for me to see a favorite like Javy Lopez lose out for the backup job. And it is especially disappointing after the tough years he had stemming from his final days in Baltimore into unsuccessful stops in Boston and Colorado before one last shot to finish with Atlanta.
Javy, we love you and we wish you well in your retirement years. Unfortunately with all the talent Javy had, he also had the tragic flaw of being born a catcher; the most physically demanding position on the field. At 37 it’s a tough comeback for anyone to make but more so from behind the plate.
So we in Atlanta doff our caps, wipe the tears from our eyes, and bid you “Adieu”. We had some great memories with number 8 wearing the shin pads and we were pretty excited at the prospect of your return. But this is where the story ends for now. You’ll always be a fan favorite, Javy… especially with the ladies.
In Other News
Schafer was also among those left off the Major League roster after Friday’s cuts. The 21 year old centerfielder will be patroling the pasture in AA Mississippi to start 2008. His .316 average in 38 AB’s is not to be scoffed at but the Braves are still a little rich in center field with Kotsay starting and Anderson the likely backup candidate.
Smoltz’s shoulder is not a deep concern for those of you wondering why he stepped out of yesterday’s start. It’s just a precaution. At 40 years old it’s good to ice down the joints than put too much unnecessary work on them with the season just around the corner.
We did get to see Smoltz’s spring debut last week on Sat. and it wasn’t bad. However, with only 8 days left to the Opener we may be lucky to get one or possibly two more appearances before his scheduled Atlanta start on March 31st against Pittsburgh in the Home Opener.
You Say “Hello”… and Cox Says “Goodbye”
To Jo-Jo Reyes (no tears here), Ryan Drese, Francisley Bueno, Brandon Jones, and Jorge Campillo. These are this weeks’ cuts after Friday so the pitching field has narrowed slightly with Reyes packing his bags (most likely for Richmond).
With Brandon Jones stepping aside along with Schafer we can guess Anderson will get the nod for the utility outfield job.
Although this post may leave some Braves fans bleary eyed we’ll keep an eye out to see whether Corky Miller, Clint Sammons, or Bryan Pena gets the backup job and keep you posted as the final positions get filled in.
Coming up:
We’ll have a further breakdown on the lineup skipping to Chipper in the number 3 hole since we already covered Yunel in an earlier post.
Also see our breakdown on Kelly Johnson in leadoff.
Keep Choppin’,
JB in ATL
6 Comments
March 22, 2008 at 9:56 pm
For a backup catcher, the bat is secondary to the glove and Javy looked pretty brutal back there.
Brandon Jones’ spring was pretty disappointing, but he just isn’t ready apparently. Anderson is quick and we need his speed.
Good post JB.
March 22, 2008 at 11:09 pm
It’s definitely sad to see Javy go. I was hoping to get the chance to see him on the field today, but it just wasn’t meant to be.
-Jonathan
http://www.BravesBlast.com
March 22, 2008 at 11:26 pm
Jonathan, have a good time down there and let us know of any developments.
You’re right BH if Javy had showed up behind the plate even .188 wouldve been good enough.
Too bad. We’ll miss him.
JB in ATL
March 23, 2008 at 2:26 am
Javy is an excellent player! I have seen him play many of times.
-Chris
March 23, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Hey JB… I felt the same when about Piazza when it was becoming clear his better days were behind him and he was leaving N.Y. Catching’s a tough gig. Really takes its toll on an athlete.
~ Eddie @ Ya Gotta Believe
http://blog.silive.com/mets/
March 23, 2008 at 11:03 pm
Lopez could hit home runs now, but that was about it. He was great in his prime, one of my favorite players, but he had to end it here.
I think Schafer should start in the minor leagues and work his way up with regular playing time. Josh Anderson can spot start for Matt Diaz and Mark Kotsay and be the pinch runner the Braves really need. This time could be great for adjustment for when he likely gets a starting job in 2009.
Leave a Reply