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Cardinals infielder Felipe Lopez, who played for the Nationals from 2006-2008, talked briefly about his time in Washington over the weekend.
Lopez was acquired from the Cincinnati Reds before the trade deadline in 2006 and after two seasons in Washington, he was released in July of 2008. He's played for the Brewers, Diamondbacks and Cardinals since leaving Washington, but Lopez said his family does miss living in the nation's capital.
"My wife is from here and my kids enjoyed being at grandma and grandpa's house all the time," Lopez said. "I miss that and the ballpark is really nice too. It's a good place to be."
Lopez couldn't quite explain his struggles in Washington, or the team's poor play during his time as a National, but he believes the team has a bright future.
"They've done a nice job developing guys from their own farm system," he said. "They are getting better. They have good offense. They just have a lot of young pitchers that sooner or later, they're going to be established and know how to play the game. I think they are going to be a good team in the future."
Lopez credits Ryan Zimmerman for much of the team's improvement and even for keeping the team motivated during those tough years.
"He's a great teammate, a great person and just a great ballplayer all around," Lopez said. "That's the kind of guy you want to have on your team."
As he prepares for the final stretch of a tough race to the playoffs in the NL Central, Lopez stressed that fans should be excited about the future here in Washington.
"All I can say is keep supporting the team because it makes a difference. When you have a lot of fans and support from the city, it makes a lot of difference."
new topic===can anyone updat us on Rob Dibble status=I liked him, he called things as he saw it, he was that way as a player.. he has said way more stuff against other players and umpires, nothing was said.. now he said it against Strasburg. and wam. we do not see Rob.. Strasburg is hman, no saint. I believe, A Philadephia Dr also said that Stras was ok, after he examined him. I feel for Stras, but he should not be worshiped. I hate to see anyone hurt. and Yes I am a Nats fan. it is a wekk known fact many players in all sports will not player at times. that is nothing new.. Look at Andruw JOnes, he played hurt most of the time, now has tailed off, and have ijuries from hi hard play. no one pays any attion to him, many other players has played hurt before, I know the injury Steven had called for a immediate shutdown. but that is not my point
Kristen - Nice article and a shame that a talented player like Felipe couldn't make it work in Washington.