Lopez sets big goals; another Gillaspie joins Chicago White Sox
GLENDALE, Ariz. - After coming up from Class AAA Charlotte on Aug. 11 last season and joining the Chicago White Sox's starting rotation, Reynaldo Lopez pitched very well (3-3, 4.72 ERA) at times but was far from satisfied.
"I learned the hitters here are smarter than in the minors, and here the hitters are looking for a specific pitch in a specific spot," Lopez said through Sox translator Billy Russo. "You have to be smart, you have improve and you have to change your plan, adjust your plan, to be able to get the result that you want.
"It was a good learning process for me last year, and I'm hoping to apply all that knowledge I got last year into this year."
That sounds a lot like a young pitcher who still has a lot to learn, but that doesn't mean Lopez is lacking confidence.
As he prepares for his first full season in a major-league rotation, the 24-year-old righty has set some lofty goals.
"To strike out more than 200 batters, pitch 200 innings and make all my (starts)," Lopez said.
Lopez has the arm to pile up the strikeouts, but he made it to the seventh inning just one time in 8 starts with the White Sox last season.
"He did a nice job for us," manager Rick Renteria said. "I thought he continued to improve. Obviously, he has a very good arm. You want him to continue to pitch more efficiently; there were some times last year when his pitch count would get up early, but he's a very gifted young man."
Brothers Gillaspie:
Third baseman Conor Gillaspie played for the White Sox for three seasons (2013-15) before being traded to the San Francisco Giants.
There's another Gillaspie in the Sox's training camp this spring - younger brother Casey.
"I know (Conor) enjoyed his time here," Casey Gillaspie said. "As far as giving me advice, there was nothing like that. He did enjoy playing in the Midwest because we're from there (Omaha, Nebraska). "I think he was excited to be back in the Midwest, and I'm looking forward to it, too."
The Sox acquired Gillaspie from the Tanpa Bay Rays last season in a July 27 trade for reliever Dan Jennings.
"I was definitely surprised," said Gillaspie, Tampa Bay's first-round pick in the 2014 draft. "It kind of caught me off guard.
"After the season was over and I got some time to reflect, I was definitely excited about being over here. You know what they're doing here. They're trying to get a good group of young players and stuff like that. I'm definitely excited they wanted me to be a part of the mix."
Gillaspie split last season between Class AAA Durham and AAA Charlotte, batting a combined .223 with 15 home runs and 62 RBI in 125 games.
"I kind of started off a little slow," Gillaspie said. "I love the Rays) organization. They obviously drafted me in the first round and I have nothing but good things to say about them. Maybe it was a bad fit for me, but every year is different. I had a slow year last year so hopefully this year I can start out strong and have a good year."
Gillaspie is a natural first baseman, but he's up for anything with the White Sox.
"I've gotten myself into a little better shape just in case they need me to play outfield or something like that," Gillaspie said. "I played some outfield in college (Wichita State) and a lot in high school. It's been a couple of years, but I feel confident I can get back out there and work at it and get better. Whatever they want me to do, I'll do."
Filing in:
The Sox don't have their first full-squad workout of spring training until Monday, but most position players have arrived early.
Jose Abreu reported to camp Saturday, and top outfield prospects Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert are expected to arrive Sunday.