Davey_lopes_leaving

UPDATE: Mike Missaenelli asked Lopes if he would have stayed with the Phillies if they offered $300,000.  His response?  "Shit, yeah I would."  97.5 didn't get to the censor button quick enough.

Davey Lopes will not return as Phillies first base coach.

At first blush it may not sound like earth-shattering news (and it's not), but everyone on this team from the manager to the first baseman to the radio broadcaster has become a cult hero over the last few years.  Lopes is certainly one of those guys.  He not only coached first, but also oversaw the Phillies' baserunning, and will be sorely missed in that department.  They led the league in stealing percentage.

Lopes was offered a one year contract, but he didn't accept:  [CSNPhilly.com]

“We just had a difference of opinion on what I felt my worth was,” Lopes said by telephone. “That’s all. It was a really tough decision because I loved my time in Philadelphia, I loved working for [manager] Charlie Manuel, and I have the utmost respect for everyone in that organization.
 
“I got more enjoyment out of winning that World Series in 2008 than I did the one I won with the Dodgers as a player. I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed my time in Philadelphia. I am really going to miss the atmosphere and the passion. The fans were great to me. I went from being a bad guy, a Dodger, to someone they really embraced. I really appreciate that.”

We wish him the best.