Nicky Lopez: A Kevin Seitzer Masterclass
In 68 games with the Kansas City Royals this season, Nicky Lopez had a .213 batting average and a .323 on-base percentage. Since joining the Atlanta Braves, Lopez has a .700 batting average and a .700 on-base percentage. He's 7-for-10 with a double, a homer, a stolen base, and 8 RBIs.
What do we credit the increase in stats to? Lopez joining a contender? Getting a new start in Atlanta? I will credit at least some of that success to the Braves hitting coach, Kevin Seitzer. Seitzer has been able to help Lopez get his groove back in the short time in Atlanta. It remains to be seen if he can keep this production up, but we will enjoy it for now.
As I am writing this, news just dropped that Ozzie Albies is headed for a stint on the IL. Ozzie exited the game last night against the Mets with a hamstring injury. It was still bothering him today, so Lopez started. With Ozzie on the IL, say hello to your new starting second baseman, Nicky Lopez.
Lopez has been breaking records ever since he arrived in Atlanta. After his performance against the Yankees, he became the first Braves player with 8 RBIs in his first four games. Now the question is, who will back him up?
I believe we will see the return of Vaughn Grissom at the Major League level. He has been playing great in Gwinnett, and his defensive numbers at second base are much better than at shortstop. It's worth a shot. In 28 games at 2B for Gwinnett, Grissom has a .991 fielding percentage and has only made one error in 112 defensive chances.
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