Nicky Lopez hopes to make Cubs team after playing with White Sox during disastrous season
MESA, Ariz. (CBS) -- The Cubs missed out on Alex Bregman, who signed a monster deal with the Red Sox.
While this was not great news for the Cubs offense, it makes Naperville native Nicky Lopez's path to making the team just a little cleaner.
After enduring last season's nightmare with the White Sox, Lopez hopes to continue living the dream with the North Siders as a non-roster invite to Cubs Camp.
"You know, being in Chicago was home. I know last year was a bit of a tough year for all of us, but still got to live my dream of playing back at home," Lopez said. "So just being able to wear the pinstripes and stuff like that is pretty special. I know my family is very excited. I'm very excited to join this team. Obviously, I've got to make the team, but I'm excited to join these guys. We're ready to win. It's kind of a win-now mentality, which is great.
As a kid, Lopez played in the backyard pretending to be franchise legends with his with his proud Grandpa who's a diehard Cubs fan.
"I just remember, I tell this a lot, you know, I'm in the backyard acting like Cubs players — batting like Alfonso Soriano, or Derrek Lee, or Sammy Sosa while he's watching me," Lopez said. "He's the type of guy who'd watch the game on TV, but also have the radio next to him listening to Ron Santo. I vividly remember those moments, and he's super excited."
Lopez believes his versatility to play any infield position will help him earn a roster spot this spring.
He called Wrigley Field his favorite place to play in the big leagues, but he said it will finally sink in that he's Cub once he's walking up the home dugout steps at the Friendly Confines.
