Just a week ago today, I had the opportunity to talk with Davey Lopes for the first time. I was writing a story on the new rule that requires base coaches to wear helmets, and Lopes couldn't have been more friendly, helpful and accomodating.

Here I was, a rookie beat writer interrupting a man sneaking in a tuna salad lunch in between tutoring Phillies players.

So it's with a heavy heart that I have to report to following news...

Lopes has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

A former, four-time major league all-star, Lopes will have surgery later this month and is expected to miss six weeks. Lopes is expected to have a full recovery following surgery later this month at the Morton Plant Hosptial in New Port Richey, Fla. by Dr. Scott Klavans.

“Hopefully it was caught in time,” said veteran Phillies pitcher Jamie Moyer, who heads Camp Erin - a bereavement camp for children who have been affected by cancer. “While dealing with families and kids with cancer in Seattle and throughout the county, one thing I’ve learned is early detection is huge, and that sounds like that’s the case (with Lopes).”

The cancer was found after Lopes went through a routine examination with the rest of the coaching staff on Feb. 12.

“You tip your hat to our medical staff, to the organization for having the physicals and obviously it can turn into something far worse if they didn’t catch it and it’s 2-3 years or (even) six months down the road,” added Moyer, who heads Camp Erin – a bereavement camp for children whose lives are affected by cancer as a part of The Moyer Foundation. “By catching something early, hopefully it’ll be a positive story.”

Jerry Martin, a minor league outfield and baserunning coach in the Phillies organization, will take over Lopes duties as the Phils' first base coach and outfield/baserunning coordinator.

Lopes is entering his second season with the Phillies coaching staff. Last year Lopes coached the Phillies to the best stolen base percentage in major league baseball history (87 percent, 138 stolen bases in 157 attempts).