Jim Salisbury of csnphilly.com reports that Davey Lopes, first base coach extaordinaire, is leaving Philadelphia. Lopes was offered a contract extension but he and the Phillies were unable to agree on a salary for next year. Why does it always come down to the money? Bummer, bummer, bummer.
Lopes was integral to the Phillies' success on the base paths and it is devastating to see him go. He joined the team in 2007. With him, the Phillies led the National League in stolen-base percentage for the past four years.
Lopes has been an absolute rock for the team. Just as the fans came to love him, he came to love Philadelphia. He said today that he enjoyed winning the World Series with the Phillies in 2008 more than he did when he won it as a player with the Dodgers. Lopes, who lives in San Diego, will likely look for a gig with a West Coast team.
