Lopez decides to retire after being cut

Lopez decides to retire after being cut
Veteran catcher told he won't be part of Opening Day roster

VIERA, Fla. -- Javy Lopez's dream to return to the Braves was crushed early Saturday morning, when he learned that he wouldn't be part of their Opening Day roster.

A few hours after learning the Braves might be able to find a spot for him in their Minor League system, Lopez opted to retire. He began his Major League career in Atlanta in 1993 and remained there until the end of the 2003 season.

While announcing his team's latest round of cuts on Saturday morning, Braves manager Bobby Cox revealed that he'd talked to Lopez about the possibility of beginning the season in the Minors.

But Lopez, who didn't play during the 2007 season, had said in the past that he was making this comeback attempt just to have the chance to play in Atlanta one more time.

Cox also revealed that top prospect Jordan Schafter had also been told that his first big league camp was over. The 21-year-old outfielder, who is considered the club's center fielder of the future, will likely begin the season with Double-A Mississippi. He hit .316 (12-for-38) in 17 Grapefruit League games.

Lopez entered camp with the hope of winning the Braves backup catcher's job. But his arm never proved to be quite strong enough and he ended up losing the position battle against Corky Miller, Brayan Pena and Clint Sammons.

"We just think [Lopez] needs more time," Cox said. "He caught and received the ball really well. He blocked really good. Throwing, he needs more time back there."

After getting released by the Rockies in Spring Training last year, Lopez decided not to skip the 2007 season. His decision to commit himself to improving his defense during the offseason led the Braves to offer him a Minor League contract.

Lopez hit just .188 with a pair of homers in his 32 Grapefruit League at-bats this year. The three-time All-Star catcher has hit .287 with 260 homers in his Major League career. His finest season came with Atlanta in 2003, when he hit a career-high 43 homers and had 109 RBIs.

Cox also announced that Brandon Jones, Ryan Drese, Francisley Bueno, Jorge Campillo and Jo-Jo Reyes were told Saturday that they were being sent to Minor League camp.

This greatly saddens me.

I love Javier!

He looked okay the other night while WE were gettin' our butts kicked!