Why didnt we take a shot at Javy Lopez? (backup)

[sheetswannabe]

I know he missed last year, but all it took was a minor league contract, and a shot in spring training for the Braves to get him back.

 

Hes a great athlete, with power. His 06 wasnt great, but it was good for a back-up. And to think what hes capable of, even at 35, is still worth the shot.

 

In this article it says....."People might be hesitant because he missed a year," Cadahia said. "But I think he looks better than he did when he was last with us."

 

Link

 

Edit: added link

[TheBrewer]

He hit .190 with BOS in 06 and .260? the first half that year, and out of baseball for a season in 07.

 

I don't think he'd be any better than Munson, Rivera or whoever is slated to tryout for that spot.. much less id imagine hes got a better chance with the Braves.

[sheetswannabe]

The least he would do is help teach our minor leaguers veteran skills. I still think the guys going to break out again, he just sort of fell off.

[Ennder]

I could be wrong but I don't think he was ever considered a good catcher, just a good bat and he has a questionable past. i don't think you sign Lopez unless you think he can hit.

[dlk9s]

The Brewers didn't go for him because he's washed up.

[Zycho32]

I'll agree on the 'good bat, questionable defense' bit. That and we'd be pinning hopes- however low key they really are- on a 35/36 year old guy after a year off suddenly regaining some of his old mojo. But in reality, it'd probably be about his defense.

[pogokat]

i'll guess his signing with the braves is like cirillo's was with the brewers a few years ago..

 

i doubt anything else was going on...

[Big Reed]

I have to wonder what he actually did last year when he took the year off. Did he go to that place Sammy Sosa went to for a year? Did he have something in his system he wanted to cleanse?

 

one of the reasons the braves won so few championships was because neither Glavine or maddux would pitch to Lopez during the regular season, and then they would switch to lopez for the play-offs. If you look at maddux' s post season stats, they are horrible compared to his regular season accomplishments. I don't think you should blame lopez for maddux's failures. But bobby Cox should have known he was going to start lopez in the play-offs, and he should have made maddux and Glavine pitch to him for some games in the regular season.

 

I doubt Javy has anything left. but he might help in the club house and with the young pitchers during spring training. he could become what is known as a good bullpen catcher helping train young pitchers.

[Brian the Automator]

I really don't think he would have taken a minor league deal anywhere else but Atlanta...

[hauser42]

At this point in his career he is big name from the past and nothing more.