Trot Nixon

[cavalier1968]

Just heard we got em....from ESPN Gammons

Cav

[Boston Boxer]

you will not find another player on your roster that out hustles him...a true Dirt Dog. He has had his injury problems when he was with us, but for 3M, you got yourself a great player. Congrats!

[moebarguy]

Where does he fit in? Is there a trade coming?

[DoubleX]

Originally Posted by moebarguy

Where does he fit in? Is there a trade coming?

I was wondering the same thing, especially now that the Indians could have at least four OF lefthanded bats - Sizemore, Dellucci, Nixon, and Choo. Seems like it would have made more sense to sign at RH bat, as the only veteran RH bat they'll have in the OF is Jason Michaels. Going with Nixon is in the exactly opposite direction because he's absolutely dreadful vs. lefthanders.

That being said, Nixon is still a useful player when healthy and I think he'd be a good fit on a number of teams, the Indians just don't seem like one of those teams, IMO.

[sschirmer]

While I have to admit, I like his playing style, I have to ask:
Am I alone here? Does this acquisition make any sense? I just don't get it.

[BoofBonser26]

Originally Posted by sschirmer

While I have to admit, I like his playing style, I have to ask:
Am I alone here? Does this acquisition make any sense? I just don't get it.

I had the exact same thoughts - hey, a good player for a reasonable price! But...why?

How will the outfield go now? There are a million possible lineups. They all amount to Garko getting screwed. He won't have room on the roster, he'll get traded in ST, the Indians will get some AAA bullpen guy for him, and he'll be AL ROY as the DH for some other team.

Seriously though. Does the Tribe go

LF-Delluci/Michaels
CF-Sizemore
RF-Nixon/Blake

And 1B Blake/Garko?

Or

LF-Delluci/Michaels
CF-Sizemore
RF-Nixon/Choo

and put blake at 1B all the time?

They have a flexible lineup, that's for sure...

[Kiefer]

I'd use this line up:

Sizemore CF
Barfield 2B
Martinez C
Hafner DH
Nixon RF
Garko 1B
Blake LF
Peralta SS
Marte 3B

[DoubleX]

Originally Posted by Kiefer

I'd use this line up:

Sizemore CF
Barfield 2B
Martinez C
Hafner DH
Nixon RF
Garko 1B
Blake LF
Peralta SS
Marte 3B

I think you'll be disappointed with Nixon as your no. 5 hitter. He's hit just 21 homeruns in the last two years combined in 789 ABs. I think given the last three years, Nixon is much more suited for hitting in the lower third of the lineup, though he'd probably make a pretty decent no. 6 hitter too.

[NShlain]

wait til Marte stinks and they have to move Blake to 3B full time, then you'll like this move.

[CTaka]

Originally Posted by DoubleX

I think you'll be disappointed with Nixon as your no. 5 hitter. He's hit just 21 homeruns in the last two years combined in 789 ABs. I think given the last three years, Nixon is much more suited for hitting in the lower third of the lineup, though he'd probably make a pretty decent no. 6 hitter too.

Nixon could also fit in well at the #2 hole. He's always been a good OBP guy. His contact skills have improved since earlier in his career and this past season he had more walks than strikeouts. He's not a base stealer but he still has good speed and makes smart decisions on the bases - he's not likely to run into outs with guys like Martinez and Pronk on deck.

[EvanAparra]

Originally Posted by CTaka

Nixon could also fit in well at the #2 hole. He's always been a good OBP guy. His contact skills have improved since earlier in his career and this past season he had more walks than strikeouts. He's not a base stealer but he still has good speed and makes smart decisions on the bases - he's not likely to run into outs with guys like Martinez and Pronk on deck.

Most definately. I wanted him in the #2 hole over Loretta this past year in Boston. When he was healthy in the first half of the season, he hit .311/.415/.455 --- then he battled injuries and I think they affected him badly. He probably shouldn't have been playing the 2nd half of the season.

[DoubleX]

Originally Posted by CTaka

Nixon could also fit in well at the #2 hole. He's always been a good OBP guy. His contact skills have improved since earlier in his career and this past season he had more walks than strikeouts. He's not a base stealer but he still has good speed and makes smart decisions on the bases - he's not likely to run into outs with guys like Martinez and Pronk on deck.

That's true. He would do a good job of getting on base for Hafner and Martinez. Nixon could put up a .375 OBP, and perhaps even higher if he rebounds a little. I don't really subscribe to the theory that you absolutely need speeds guy batting 1-2 in the order. Wade Boggs was a good example of this. Of course, if you have a high OBP and good speed guy, then you'll want that.

Who batted 2nd for the Indians last year?

[sschirmer]

I really like Choo, and I think this move kind of screws him. I think the guy could develop into a fine every day outfielder. I wonder if we could get Pujols even up for J-Mike? LOL!

[EvanAparra]

Originally Posted by DoubleX

Who batted 2nd for the Indians last year?

.326 OBP Jason Michaels.

[DoubleX]

Originally Posted by EvanAparra

.326 OBP Jason Michaels.

That really seems like a waste of the no. 2 spot. Nixon would definitely be an upgrade there.

[BoofBonser26]

For Garko, all I can say is this:

In 2005, the Indians did everything they could to keep Sizemore in the minors by signing Juan Gonzalez. He pulls a hammy in Spring Training, Sizemore becomes the face of the franchise.

In other words, I'm hoping for a trade or injury, for Garko's sake. It would be better for the future of the ballclub.