Tucson — Catcher Javy Lopez’s brief tenure with the Rockies ended this morning when he was released by the club.
The three-time all-star with Atlanta came into spring training hoping to compete for a starting job, but the rapid development of rookie catcher Chris Iannetta meant there was no room for the 36-year-old Lopez.
“Ever since I signed here, they told me that I had to make the team,” Lopez said. “They thought that Chris Iannetta might need another year in Triple-A. But I guess he came to spring training prepared, ready to play in the big leagues. And from their perspective, they wanted to have Iannetta starting young and have a long career with the Colorado Rockies. That s one position that they don’t have to worry about in the future.”
Lopez hit .375 this spring, with four doubles and two RBIs. His plate behind the plate, however, was less impressive. He was 0-for-8 before throwing out his first base stealer.
“My throwing to second base wasn t the best, but it s coming along,” Lopez said, adding that he s confident that he can still be a full-time starting catcher.
Lopez said he was thankful the Rockies released him relatively early in spring because he would still like to hook up with another club.
“The only place I would play backup would be in Atlanta, because that s my home,” he said. “I don t want to play as a DH (designated hitter), I’m not a DH player. I don’t think I ll go anywhere else as a backup. If I am not an everyday catcher, I’d rather not play this year and retire.”
Lopez is a .287 career hitter with 260 homers. His 243 homers as a catcher rank him eighth all-time.
Staff Writer Patrick Saunders
can be reached at 303-954-1428
or psaunders@denverpost.
