Lopez's brief tenure in Chicago a learning experience

CHICAGO -- Only Giants left-hander Javier Lopez and his biggest fans probably are aware that he spent half a year in the White Sox organization.

But Lopez's stay with the White Sox, which encompassed the first few months of the 2006 season, was as significant as it was brief.

Lopez received his most extensive activity as a closer with the White Sox Triple-A Charlotte affiliate. He recorded 12 saves and posted a 0.55 ERA in 26 appearances. The White Sox traded Lopez to Boston on June 15 for right-hander David Riske. Lopez proceeded to win a World Series ring with the Red Sox the following season.

"It was a learning experience," Lopez said of his stint with the White Sox, who completed a two-game Interleague series with the Giants on Wednesday. "The stuff that I did then when I warmed up is stuff that I do now. I work on getting the ball down instead of throwing to spots."