Javier Lopez

2013

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2012

Lopez posted a 2.72 ERA last year despite a poor 40:26 K:BB ratio, as he didn't allow a single homer over 53.0 innings. In fact, he allowed just one extra-base hit over 104 plate appearances against left-handers. Lopez will remain a big part of the Giants' middle-relief crew in 2012 after signing a two-year, $8.5 million extension with San Francisco in October.

2011

After pitching just mediocre for Pittsburgh, Lopez was dominant after a trade to San Francisco, posting a 22:2 K:BB ratio over 24.2 innings, including the postseason, when he became an integral part of the Giants bullpen. Lopez won't rack up the innings because he's a quintessential LOOGY, and he'll continue that role in San Francisco in 2011.

2010

Lopez struggled in 2009 with a 9.26 ERA in just 11.2 innings in Boston, but served as an effective lefty set-up man for the Red Sox in 2008. He saved 16 games at Triple-A in 2006 and could get a chance to pick up some saves with Pittsburgh's unsettled bullpen, but more likely will compete for the top lefty set-up role.

2009

Lopez filled the lefty specialist role for Boston's bullpen in 2008, holding lefties to a .182 batting average. The Red Sox like his work and he made the second most appearances on the staff. He tends to walk a few too many batters and doesn't miss many bats, but he'll have a spot in the bullpen.

2008

Lopez was a lefty-specialist for Boston in 2007, however lefties batted .293 against him in 2007, and he doesn't have great splits for his career. He walks more batters than we'd like, but keeps the ball in the park and could carve out a spot at the back end of the bullpen.

2007

After being traded from the White Sox in June, Lopez rode the I-95 shuttle between Boston and Triple-A Pawtucket four times. He appeared in 27 games for Boston, primarily as a lefty specialist. The club added left-handed Hideki Okajima in the offseason, so Boston is not desperate for Lopez’s left-handedness. There are spots open in the pen if he can get guys out in spring training.

2005

Righties hit .346 off Lopez a year ago, and if he sticks with the Rockies out of spring training, he'll serve only in a middle relief role.

2004

Lopez turned out to be a nice grab for the Rockies. He put together a fine season as a lefty out of the pen, managing to vulture a few wins and even worked his way into the closer mix late last season. His numbers would have been even more impressive had he not imploded just before the break last year -nine earned runs over two innings in six games. He should continue to play a big part out of the Colorado bullpen.

2003

Traded to Colorado from Boston in March 2003. A Rule 5 draftee from Arizona, Lopez might make the team as their second lefty in the bullpen.