Top 20 Prospects: #16 Christian Lopes 2B/SS

#16 Christian Lopes 2B/SS

 Born: October 1, 1992 in Huntington Beach, California, US (Age 20)

Acquired via: 2011 Draft. 7^th Round, out of Edison HS (Huntington Beach, CA).

Bats: Right Throws: Right Height: 6' Weight: 185 lb.

Baseball America Ranking: Not listed in top 10, but listed as 2016 Opening Day starter at second base.

Baseball Prospectus Ranking: TBA

Fan Graphs Rankings: #15
MLB.com Rankings: #14

2012 Stats and Analysis:

Level(s)	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	AVG	OBP	SLG
Rookie	49	186	33	52	16	5	4	29	6	.280	.343	.484
A-	10	37	4	10	1	1	0	4	0	.270	.317	.351
Combined	59	223	37	62	17	6	4	33	6	.278	.339	.462

2012 was Lopes’ first taste at pro-ball after being drafted in 2011, and he faired pretty well for a guy who was 19 at the time. Although Lopes got a taste of 2B and SS last year, the 2B position clearly suites him better, because of a general lack of a true SS arm. With his difference of RF/G and Fld% being almost identical between 2B and SS, .55 points better at 2B, he seems like a guy that could be placed at SS if need be, but if he makes it at a starter, it’ll be at second. The amount of triples Lopes recorded (6) in 59 games intrigues me, it translates to 16 triples in a 162 game season. This leads me to believe Lopes has a decent amount of speed, but has yet to truly harness it. This adds value to the young second baseman’s resume. Look for him to refine his base running tool throughout his minor league career.

Scouting Report

Lopes has a doubles stroke that could translate into some power, but nothing noteworthy. To make it to the Majors, Lopes will have to rely on slightly above average fielding at second base, and a solid hit tool. Nothing about Lopes makes you think that one single tool will get him to the Majors. Lopes is decent at everything, but has no single “stand-out” tool, because of that all of his tools must develop in order for him to become a Major Leaguer.

Where will he be in 2013, and ETA? Projection?

Lopes could start the 2013 season in Lansing (A), but the Blue Jays may take the slow route and place him in extended spring training. After extended spring training Lopes may end up in Vancouver (A-), and then find himself playing for the Lugnuts near year end. Disregarding any injuries or delays, Lopes could find himself in the Major Leagues by 2016 if everything goes his way. Considering the Blue Jays haven’t been known for rushing prospects, especially since the rushing of Travis Snider, which led to a colossal failure, 2017 seems like a more realistic ETA for Lopes. Keep in mind; he’ll be 20 for the entire 2013 season, so he has a lot of time to develop.  If everything goes just right, Lopes could be an everyday second baseman that hits for average and supplies good defense day in and day out. Although a ‘sought-after’ journeyman utility infielder could be a more realistic projection for Lopes, he looks like he could be the next Jeff Keppinger.