Nicky Lopez Knows The Limits Of His Game
KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Shortstop Nicky Lopez, a fifth-round pick in June out of Creighton, knows his game.
“One of the toughest challenges for us is getting guys to understand what their skill sets are and what type of player they should be,” assistant general manager J.J. Picollo said.
“You get little guys with big swings and they have just enough power to get themselves in trouble. You get bigger guys with shorter swings and they’re trying to put the ball in play too much.
“Nicky Lopez gets what he is. He understands what he’s supposed to do. Situationally he does well (by) moving runners, laying bunts down and taking an extra base. He does have power, but he doesn’t try to hit home runs. He’s just a good player.”
Lopez moved from third base to shortstop and hit .306 as a college junior, despite missing eight games with a right knee meniscus tear. He made the Rookie-level Appalachian League all-star team in his pro debut after hitting .281/.393/.429 in 62 games at Burlington.
He tied for second in the league with 35 walks, while striking out just 30 times in 231 at-bats. He stole 24 bases, which also ranked second in the league, in 28 attempts.
“He can run,” Picollo said. “He swings the bat well. He can really play defense. He’s a good baserunner. He’s an above-average runner to the point he’ll be able to . . . steal a base in a tough situation.”
Scouting director Lonnie Goldberg added: “You can’t take your eyes off him, because he is filled with energy. He can be a coach’s dream when he walks out on the field, because he’s not going to have to tell him anything. You just tell him what time the bus leaves and he will be ready to play.”
Lopez, 21, could open the 2017 season at high Class A Wilmington, with Picollo saying the decision will play out in spring training. “He’s advanced,” he said, “but that will play out in spring training.
ROYALTIES
• Righthander Kyle Zimmer, a 2012 first-round pick who had throacic outlet surgery in 2016, will be “cleared around Dec. 1,” Picollo said. “He should be ready to compete in spring training. Hopefully, we’ve fixed the issue.”
• Righthander Jonathan Dziedzic went 2-0, 1.37, giving up 14 hits, striking out 12 and walking eight in 19.2 innings in his first four starts for Licey in the Dominican League.
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