Pedro Lopez Stats & Scouting Report

AB	52
AVG	.192
OBP	.222
SLG	.231
HR	0

Full name Pedro Michel Lopez
Born 04/28/1984 in Moca, Dominican Republic
Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 190 / Bats: R / Throws: R
Debut 05/01/2005

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Lopez played so well in big league camp in 2005 that it proved to be his undoing. The White Sox jumped him to Triple-A to open that season and to Chicago in May. In over his head, he had his worst year at the plate and didn't improve much after a demotion to Double-A. Lopez got back on track in 2006, hitting .300 with 10 homers--just one less than his total in five previous pro seasons. He seems to be getting stronger and has stopped chasing as many pitches. He'll never draw a lot of walks because he's still aggressive and makes contact easily, but it one again looks like he can hit for average with decent power. He's just an average runner, so he won't be a basestealer. Defensively, Lopez has the range to get to balls at shortstop but lacks the arm to make plays in the hole. He has soft hands and may fit better at second base. His long-term role is probably as a utilityman, and he'll probably start his third straight season in Triple-A.
Lopez caught manager Ozzie Guillen's eye in spring training last year, which earned him a brief promotion to the big leagues in May, but otherwise was unproductive in 2005. Trying to jump to Triple-A after just seven games above Class A proved to be too much. A .291 career hitter entering the season, Lopez batted .202 in 55 games with Charlotte and never quite got himself back together when he was demoted to Double-A. Bat control is Lopez' strength, but he was overmatched and started chasing too many pitches. He has a contact approach with no power to speak of. Even while struggling at the plate, Lopez did contribute with his slick fielding. He's a skilled defender with good range and an adequate arm. He was passed by Robert Valido in the organization's pecking order at shortstop and needs a strong 2006 season to re-establish himself. Another trip to Double-A is in the cards.
Because he always played alongside Andy Gonzalez, Lopez spent much of his first three pro seasons as a second baseman. Farm director Dave Wilder decided it was time to separate the two in 2004, allowing them both to play shortstop. Lopez made the most of that chance, flashing plus fielding skills while continuing to show promise as a hitter. Lopez' advanced bat control had been his calling card, but now his fielding skills draw him more attention. He has plus range and reliable hands. He has shown the ability to hit for average, make contact and use the whole field, and he started to drive more pitches during instructional league. He won't impress anyone with his arm strength, but Lopez' quick release allows him to make plays. While he has decent speed, he doesn't have much basestealing aptitude. He rarely swings and misses, but his walks and extra-base hits are infrequent as well. Birmingham's leading hitter (.357) during the Southern League playoffs, Lopez will return to Double-A. He should get lots of big league attention in spring training, and possibly in September.
Lopez excelled in two years of Rookie ball but found the going rougher in low Class A last year. He continued to show outstanding bat control but didn't approach his previous .316 career average. Lopez doesn't have much power but has bought into playing the little game. He makes contact, sprays the ball around the entire field and bunts for base hits. He needs to draw more walks, though he hurts his own cause by putting the ball in play most of the time when he swings. He has plus speed but is just a moderate threat as a basestealer. He could develop into a classic No. 2 hitter. Lopez stands out more on defense. Signed as a shortstop, he mostly has played second base with Andy Gonzalez playing alongside him. He has range, soft hands and above-average instincts. He'll probably team with Gonzalez again in high Class A this year.
Signed at age 16, Lopez twice has excelled in short-season leagues. He's a career .316 hitter and an outstanding defensive player. Signed as a shortstop, he mostly has played second base with the more highly regarded Andy Gonzalez playing alongside him. Lopez has range, soft hands, quick reflexes and the toughness to hang in on the double-play pivot. He cut his error total down from 19 to six in his second pro season. Lopez has unusual bat control for such a young player. He's difficult to strike out, uses the whole field and is an excellent bunter. He has good speed and could develop into a 40-steal man. He'll tackle a full-season league for the first time in 2003 but should have no problems continuing his promising development.

Minor League Top Prospects

One of the youngest players in the league, Lopez starred with his glove. He was among the Appy's best defensive players, displaying soft hands, good range and an accurate arm at second base. He also showed quick reflexes and a willingness to hang tough around the bag while turning double plays. Leyva raved about Lopez' natural instincts and knack for being in the right position. Some managers wonder if he'll hit well enough to stick at the game's highest level, but Leyva is not concerned after watching him the entire season. "He was the top situational hitter on our club," Leyva said. "He was the best bunter in the league, and he executes the hit-and-run with the best of them. Pedro will produce at the plate as he moves up."