Geoff Baker, of The Seattle Times, reports Seattle Mariners 2B Jose Lopez added muscle to his upper body during the offseason. However, Lopez said that the added muscle will not slow him down. “A lot of guys get bigger,” Lopez said. “It happens every year. Guys go out and get stronger and they don’t lose any speed.”
Our Instinct: Forgive me, but Jose Lopez was never a threat on the base pathes to begin with, so what’s the issue here? Adding upper body strength should Lopez to that 20 hr season yet. Jose will be 25 this season and is a legit 2B option in any size league, any format. A line of .290-80-22-85-5 would be very good indeed, making him worth $23. Put him on your list between Brandon Phillips and Robinson Cano, chances are he will come a lot cheaper than either.
