Haven't started a new thread in a while, and universally across many Sox boards the question most asked is what the hell the Sox see in Lopez. I just don't get it either, he seems like he is supposed to be a LOOGY, but isn't used in a true LOOGY fashion and is often allowed to face RHH. He doesn't particularly impress against lefties, even with his sidewinding delivery. It seems he is more or less a mop up guy who happens to be lefthanded, but is often thrust into critical situations by Tito against very good LHH like Abreu, Matsui, etc..very confusing is his role.

Taking these stats from SOSH, but if the Sox want a true LOOGY who suppresses LH bats, Ray King was just released from the Nats and his lines are unimpressive overall because he was misused and allowed to face righties.

Against lefties:

2008 vs LH: 235/235/353 in 17 AB
2007 vs LH: 187/284/347 in 75 AB
3 yr split vs LH 2005-2007: 245/317/414

This guy can be had for nothing and is much better against LHH than Lopez.

Any other thoughts on Lopez or possibly acquiring a real LOOGY like Ray King?

LOOGYs are an awful idea and unnecessary. Id rather have another reliever who can get both left and right handed hitters out. I also dont think the Sox really see Lopez as a LOOGY. I think Tito does like to use him to throw a different look at LHHs, but that hasnt been working that well.

I think youre right, he is more or less a mop up guy who happens to be lefthanded. Lopez isnt that bad, though. I dont understand all the hate. People overlook the two thing Lopez does well - keep the ball on the ground and keep the ball in the park.

Could we find a better option? Sure. No way should Lopez go before Timlin does, though. Lopez is interchangeable with lots of other relievers around the league. I dont see him as a problem at all - outside of Tito sometimes trying to LOOGY him. He has a use, though. He's a good reliever to bring in to try to get a GIDP. Lopez has been pretty good at stranding runners (76% the last two years). He gets 53-54% groundballs and allows around .54 HR/9(he's only given up 12 HRs in his career). Those are good qualities that have a place on this ballclub.

Well everyone would want one that can retire both lefties and righties, but they don't grow on trees. Ultimately Hansen is going take Timlin's innings this summer, and Masterson will contribute also. But as for now, I don't have a problem with a LOOGY when carrying 12 pitchers; you still have 6 core relievers and one specialist that can pretty much be used every night.

I just don't think Lopez provides anything special; if we are carrying 12 pitchers I would rather have one that does one thing exceptionally well.

Lopez does two things well, though. Youre saying youd rather have a lesser reliever who gives up more HRs, Rs and flyballs as long as he strikes out a couple more guys? I disagree with that. If youre saying youd like to replace Lopez with an actual LOOGY - I think that's a terrible idea.

He had a slight reverse split in his first year in Boston ('06) and a huge reverse split in heavier duty last year that involved not only being mediocre-to-bad against lefties, but being very, very good against righties.

FWIW, though, so far this year he actually does have had the kind of L/R splits you would expect from a sidearming lefty:

vs. RHH (22 PA): .333/.364/.476
vs. LHH (24 PA): .167/.375/.278

I don't know if that's indicative of luck, or better pitch selection against lefties, or something else. Perhaps it changes his role and/or value, though, as compared to last season.