Gonzalo Lopez Stats & Scouting Report — College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects

IP	385
ERA	3.67
WHIP	1.216
BB/9	2.758
SO/9	8.673

Full name Gonzalo Alberto Lopez
Born 10/06/1983 in Managua, Nicaragua
Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 230 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Republica De Austria

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Organization Prospect Rankings

Few pitchers tease scouts as much as Lopez, who ranked No. 8 on this list in 2002 and No. 10 in 2003. He missed most of 2003 because of shoulder tendinitis and a team-imposed suspension, then turned in a solid season in low Class A last year--just as he had in 2002. The Braves believe Lopez has the ability to have a Jose Capellan-like breakthrough as soon as 2005, but several aspects of his game must come together in order for that to happen. He operates with three quality offerings, including a lively low-90s fastball, an ever-improving and already solid curveball and an effective changeup. He commands all of his pitches well and is capable of dominating when he keeps his stuff down in the strike zone. The moody righthander has been disciplined a couple of times by Atlanta for his attitude. If he can significantly improve his mindset and dedication, Lopez has the physical tools to move quickly. The Braves hope he starts doing that in high Class A this year.
Lopez discovered the ups and downs of playing in a full-season league at 18. He posted his sixth win of the season on July 8 with a five-hit shutout at South Georgia, but had only one more win the rest of the season. He faded in August, though that couldn't erase the impression he made in 2002. One day Lopez could have three plus pitches. His lively fastball averages 93 mph, his curveball has its moments and his changeup is effective. He's advanced for a teenager, both in the quality of his stuff and his command. While his curveball has potential, Lopez lost it during the second half of last season. As a result, he relied almost exclusively on his fastball and paid the price. He needs to improve the spin and depth of his curve, and he did make some progress with the pitch in instructional league. He also must use his changeup and the bottom half of the strike zone more often. Some people have misgivings about his makeup. At 19, Lopez figures to be one of the Carolina League's youngest pitchers in 2003. If he can mature both on and off the mound, his ceiling is unlimited.
Few pitchers looked better in the Gulf Coast League than Lopez. The righthander skipped the Latin American summer leagues and made his pro debut by placing second in the GCL in strikeouts and fifth in innings. Managers ranked him the league's ninth-best prospect, one of three Braves tabbed among the league's top 20. Lopez' stuff is as good as that of any pitcher in the organization. Though still raw, he's a power pitcher with a developing 92-94 mph fastball that has outstanding movement. He also throws his curveball and changeup for strikes, and both have an excellent chance of becoming plus pitches. He shows good command for someone of his age and experience, though in many other ways Lopez shows that he is immature and has significant adjustments to make in all phases of his game. His stuff borders on major league quality right now, but he needs to learn how to put it together and have success every time he takes the mound. After showing steady progress in the GCL, Lopez is ready to take the next step into the full-season leagues. He is expected to open 2002 in the Macon rotation.