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Ten Reasons To Re-sign Javier Lopez

By Denise Walos
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Javier Lopez and the Giants’ exclusive negotiating window is winding down and we’ll soon hear if Lopez will re-sign with the Giants or head to free agency.  Lopez is coming off a 2 yr/$8.5M contract with the Giants.

Sep 19, 2013; New York, NY, USA; San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Javier Lopez (49) itches during the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Giants won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Here are ten reasons the Giants need to re-sign Lopez. In no particular order:

1.  Lopez is 14-4 with a 2.26 ERA in 147 innings with the Giants. It doesn’t get much better than that.

2. Lopez has only allowed two home runs in his tenure with the Giants from 2010-2013 in 147 innings pitched.

3. Lefties have a .156 BA when facing Lopez.

4. 2013 proved the Giants can’t rely on Jeremy Affeldt or Jose Mijares for health or consistency. Affeldt spent most of the season on the DL while Mijares posted a 4.41 ERA in 49 innings.

5. Lopez has helped the Giants win two World Series Championships and holds a 1.04 ERA in the postseason for the Giants.

6. There is no comparable left handed reliever on the free agent market. The Giants need a lefty specialist. They need Lopez if they’re going to win another championship.

7. We need someone to lead our rookie hazing and no one does it better than Lopez.

8. He’s smart and has a degree in psychology from the University of Virginia. He knows how to get through the mental part of the game and not let it affect him.

9. He’s a veteran and mentor for other younger players on the team. With the departure of Barry Zito, the team needs someone to help give advice to the younger players coming up from the minor leagues.

10. If he stays in the National League, the Giants won’t have to face him.

What worries me:

  • You can sense the frustration in Lopez every time Bochy pulls him out after one batter. Does he want to end his career as more than just a lefty specialist?
  • Lopez and his family are reportedly selling their house in Denver and moving back East (Lopez is from Virginia). Will he be looking for a location closer to home now?
  • Lopez earned $4.25 million in 2013 but he could earn much more given the limited selection of lefty reliever free agents available in 2014. Will he go to the highest bidder?
  • There are only a few hours left and all is quiet.
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