CASPER
New member
SAN FRANCISCO – Giants manager Bruce Bochy might have a better alternative than simply walking Josh Hamilton in key spots during the World Series.
Sidearming lefty Javier Lopez neutralized Philadelphia's left-handed sluggers in the NL championship series and looks to do the same this week against Hamilton and the Texas Rangers.
Lopez's unusual delivery and effective outings have caught a lot of eyes this postseason. Hamilton replicated the reliever's motion with his left arm out to the side as he discussed facing the San Francisco specialist.
"The left-hander, the guy who comes from the side? That's what popped out at me, flipping around and catching some of the games," Hamilton said. "He comes from the side. He looks tough."
Lopez will likely need to be as tough on Hamilton as he was on Jason Heyward, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard in the first two rounds of the playoffs if the Giants are going to win their first World Series since moving West in 1958.
With bullpens often playing a deciding role in postseason games, Lopez knows he will need to be ready any time the lineup gets near Hamilton's third spot in the order starting in the middle of the game.
"These guys can bang it around the yard and Hamilton's going to lead that charge," Lopez said. "To have some experience of going in and facing some big-time lefties in those situations, hopefully that's something I can build off."
Lopez has appeared in seven of San Francisco's 10 postseason games, allowing one hit, one walk and striking out six in five innings. Despite his limited time on the field, he was one of the Giants' most valuable players in the NLCS against Philadelphia.
Sidearming lefty Javier Lopez neutralized Philadelphia's left-handed sluggers in the NL championship series and looks to do the same this week against Hamilton and the Texas Rangers.
Lopez's unusual delivery and effective outings have caught a lot of eyes this postseason. Hamilton replicated the reliever's motion with his left arm out to the side as he discussed facing the San Francisco specialist.
"The left-hander, the guy who comes from the side? That's what popped out at me, flipping around and catching some of the games," Hamilton said. "He comes from the side. He looks tough."
Lopez will likely need to be as tough on Hamilton as he was on Jason Heyward, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard in the first two rounds of the playoffs if the Giants are going to win their first World Series since moving West in 1958.
With bullpens often playing a deciding role in postseason games, Lopez knows he will need to be ready any time the lineup gets near Hamilton's third spot in the order starting in the middle of the game.
"These guys can bang it around the yard and Hamilton's going to lead that charge," Lopez said. "To have some experience of going in and facing some big-time lefties in those situations, hopefully that's something I can build off."
Lopez has appeared in seven of San Francisco's 10 postseason games, allowing one hit, one walk and striking out six in five innings. Despite his limited time on the field, he was one of the Giants' most valuable players in the NLCS against Philadelphia.
