Notes: Lopez waits his turn

[bipster]

HOUSTON -- Three days might not seem very long in the real world, but they can be an eternity for a ballplayer.

And for shortstop Felipe Lopez, waiting three days to get in the Reds lineup, as he did before spelling Rich Aurilia for Sunday's game against the Astros, was frustrating. He admitted such a wait can throw a player off his game.

"It's tough not being in the lineup and then getting out there," Lopez said. "You lose your timing. The fastballs look a little bit faster."

But it's a role Lopez is going to have to get accustomed to, at least for now. He is the backup to Aurilia, and the backup will often have to wait three days, or perhaps longer, to get playing time.

Lopez, though, could be forgiven if he has any gripes about his situation, because he fought admirably for the starting spot in Spring Training.

"I didn't feel any pressure in Spring Training," he said. "I did a good job."

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[redsrbetter]

I really hope this does not effect Lopez' attitude about the organization. But honestly I would be pissed. This guy won the job, and is now being stiffed out of an opportunity and will not play as well as he should due to lack of playing time. Again, Aurilia really has not impressed me enough even though I gave him the MVP the other night.

[CincyRedsFan30]

As I and others have been saying... Lopez NEEDS PT. I expect he'll start hitting fairly well if he can play for more than one day in a row.

[volzok]

As I and others have been saying... Lopez NEEDS PT. I expect he'll start hitting fairly well if he can play for more than one day in a row.

I totally agree CRF. He really started to hit the ball well at the end of last year. I think even more important than getting AB is him getting chances in the field. Hes never going to learn how to make the throw to first from the dugout. Play him everyday and have Aurilia backup when he needs a dayoff.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Yup. I agree with all of that.

[NFLman2033]

Lopez nees PT, but WMP needs it way more i think, As much as i complain about FeLo's arm, and i get on him, and as much as i really wanted Aurilia to be the stud he once was, it was really not a great move, we need to find out right now if FeLo is the SS of the future and we are not going to find that out by starting Rich everyday

[volzok]

I agree that Pena needs the PT even more the FeLo, but at least Pena doesnt have useless players playing in front of him.

[NFLman2033]

I agree that Pena needs the PT even more the FeLo, but at least Pena doesnt have useless players playing in front of him.

yeah you got me there