Javy Lopez is one hell of a nice guy. Unfortunately the lefty specialist couldn't get left-handers out last season, but he's been a different guy thus far this year out of the bullpen for the Red Sox. He ranks among the top 10 in AL relievers in appearances, opponent's batting average against left-handers, and holds -- and Javy was more than happy to talk about some of the changes that have allowed him this season to once again proudly call himself a LOOGY. 

Feel like you’re in a pretty good groove right now?
JL: I’ve been getting pretty regular work, and anytime you can get that kind of consistency then you’ll feel a little bit better about your stuff. That’s kind of where I’m at right now.

What about adjustments to left-handed hitters, as your sheer numbers against lefties are vastly improved over last season?
JL: It was a strength that I always had in the past, and it’s something I got away from and almost took for granted because I wanted to be able to get right-handed batters out as well. Last year the numbers were slanted more toward getting righties out because I was more focused on the off-speed stuff to get righties out. I kind of took for granted that I could get left-handed batters out. So I just needed to refocus on some things, and do whatever I could to even it out as best I can.

What kinds of things did you actually focus on against lefties?
JL: Obviously working ahead in the count is a good thing for me and I think I got into a little bit of groove where I was throwing fastballs away, and any left-handed hitter will tell that’s what they’re looking for from anybody out of the bullpen. Especially a lefty specialist is going to come in and throw that pitch because it’s the toughest to hit, so I worked on really being able to move the fastball around along with working on my secondary stuff.

You mentioned the regular work. How much of a key is that for any reliever to staying sharp and effective?
JL: Regular work has been good. I’ve been pretty fortunate that it’s been more than just one or two batters for me, and I’ve been able to work an entire inning in -- I think -- half of my outings this season. Pitching an inning or an inning plus helps you get a little more sound mechanically and really allows you to concentrate on your off-speed stuff. In the pen you can’t simulate game-speed and recreate when you’re just working on things out there.

Is the confidence-level in a pretty good place right now?
JL: Definitely. It feels good to get out there and be getting the ball in some pretty good situations and some key spots. I think every pitcher gets fired up to come into the game when everything is on the line.

In addition, here are some typically cogent thoughts from Sox pitching guru John Farrell about Lopez and what the left-hander is doing differently and more effectively this season.
John Farrell
“It was a clear objective to address some of his inconsistencies and one of the main things was getting inside on lefties and creating a little more depth to his slider. Last year I think he became a little too flat in his pitches to left-handers, particularly on the outside part of the plate, and I think also left-handed hitters took notice of the past success he’d had against them and were bearing down a little more. He had to counter-adjust and he’s showing exactly that. He’s throwing the sinker a little more to lefties and can change to two or three different arm angles, and I think the key has been his counter-adjustment to lefties.