Am I the only one not really panicking about Lopez? I really like his defense, as does everyone, but I am optimistic that he can put it together at the plate. He obviously had to put in work this offseason on fixing his approach.
For me, it's not really about panic, but the fact that the results have been so awful. The strikeout rate spike in 2020 is concerning. All that said, he's played a full season's worth of games now. He can certainly improve, but I think the Royals were right to sign a guy like Alberto who might be able to at least put Nicky in a better position to succeed by not having to expose him to some lefties.
I just wonder how much of an effort he’s put into it this offseason? I’d imagine that he knew, along with everyone else, that his play was poor at the plate. So here’s to hoping he takes some strides forward.
Nicky has one more year, or maybe 3 months, to prove he can hit a little. His glove makes him valuable as a utility player if he can't. To me, ideally, Isbell hits .330 at NW AR and moves into RF moving Whit to 2B. DMGM has made it known that they have high expectations and hope Isbell forces their hand.
Agree on Isbel, I really hope he pushes Whit to 2b. We will honestly see this coming season if Matheny is stubborn on keeping Nicky's gold glove caliber D at 2nd or if he is okay with a change. I would imagine, if they are in the thick of things when the calendar turns 8/1, they will be willing to do whatever it takes to push for the postseason.
Am I the only one not really panicking about Lopez? I really like his defense, as does everyone, but I am optimistic that he can put it together at the plate. He obviously had to put in work this offseason on fixing his approach.
For me, it's not really about panic, but the fact that the results have been so awful. The strikeout rate spike in 2020 is concerning. All that said, he's played a full season's worth of games now. He can certainly improve, but I think the Royals were right to sign a guy like Alberto who might be able to at least put Nicky in a better position to succeed by not having to expose him to some lefties.
I just wonder how much of an effort he’s put into it this offseason? I’d imagine that he knew, along with everyone else, that his play was poor at the plate. So here’s to hoping he takes some strides forward.
Nicky has one more year, or maybe 3 months, to prove he can hit a little. His glove makes him valuable as a utility player if he can't. To me, ideally, Isbell hits .330 at NW AR and moves into RF moving Whit to 2B. DMGM has made it known that they have high expectations and hope Isbell forces their hand.
My opening day lineup:
Benintendi
Merrifield
Soler
Santana
Perez
Dozier
Mondesi
Taylor
Lopez
Agree on Isbel, I really hope he pushes Whit to 2b. We will honestly see this coming season if Matheny is stubborn on keeping Nicky's gold glove caliber D at 2nd or if he is okay with a change. I would imagine, if they are in the thick of things when the calendar turns 8/1, they will be willing to do whatever it takes to push for the postseason.
I never expected much power out of Lopez, but I did expect to see a guy who could put the bat on the ball and take a walk more than he has.