Robinson Lopez

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Chicago Cubs #19 prospect in 2011
  When the Cubs fell out of the National League Central race last summer, they moved to trade veterans for prospects, sending Derrek Lee to the Braves for minor league pitchers Lopez, Ty'Relle Harris and Jeff Lorick. Lopez was the key to deal from Chicago's perspective, as he held his own as a teenage starter in low Class A. He's far from a finished product, but his fastball touched 97 mph at times in 2010 while usually sitting at 88-93 mph. He'll cut his fastball at times, too. Lopez has an advanced changeup for his age, throwing it with sink and deception. He throws two breaking pitches, with his slider flashing depth and bite in the low 80s, giving it more promise than his curveball. He works from a high three-quarters delivery and like many young pitchers, he seeks more consistent control and command. Lopez has a ceiling of a No. 3 starter and may begin 2011 where he finished last season, at low Class A Peoria.
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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #16 prospect in 2010
  Lopez may be the biggest sleeper in the system. After he signed out of the Dominican in 2008, his raw ability allowed him to come straight to the United States for his pro debut, during which he ranked fourth in the Gulf Coast League with a 1.29 ERA as an 18-year-old. Lopez's fastball resides at 90-92 mph and touches 94. He also has an above-average curveball and an average changeup. Lopez pounds the strike zone and competes very well on the mound while displaying a solid all-around feel for his craft. He needs to improve the consistency and the depth of his changeup as well as the overall command of his fastball, which is true for most teenagers. Based on his progress in 2009, Lopez could make the jump to low Class A with a solid showing in spring training.