Signed to a minor league contract, not a whole lot was expected of Jayson Nix. After losing his starting job with the Rockies just 25 days into the '08 season, Nix was back in AAA and at 26 years old, far from prospect territory. But he found life and a role with the White Sox, if not another chance to start.
White Sox 2009: Jayson Nix
Battling Chris Getz in spring training for the starting nod at second, Nix took himself out of the running with a strained quad injury, which landed him on the 15-day disabled list to start the season. Ironically enough, it was a series of injuries to Getz that landed him some extra playing time in a platoon/replacement situation off the bench.
Nix did well with the chance, showing value as a versatile infielder with power, hitting 12 homers in just 255 at bats. Defensively, he committed 13 errors and his glove at short wasn't pretty. Tough to blame a second baseman for that, but as the first infielder off the bench, you expect more. Still, he made up for the errors with his range, which was an upgrade over Getz's.
Going Forward
There will be plenty of debating this off-season on whether Nix should be starting over Getz. His range and power are nice. But in the end, all you have is a .224 hitter that can't hit righties and swings for the longball enough times to connect for 12 HR, while striking out at a full season pace of 120+. He's a great option off the bench and nice insurance for second, but nothing more until he proves otherwise.
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3 Comments
Jason Gage said:
Nix was a solid back-up and Ozzie utilized him very properly, but all of this talk of him being a starter is propesterous.
The guy hit .220 while facing lefties the majority of the time. He put up a sub .200 line against righties and it wasn't bad luck that caused that line. His swing is too long and for him to make it with the Sox he's going to need to improve on his defense at 3B and SS so he can be a more effective utility player.
I actually think he isn't near as much of a favorite as some think for a bench spot because of CJ Retheford and Brent Lillibridge.
Lillibridge is a horrible hitter, but he has great speed and plays much better defense as a whole (better at 3B/SS and still good at 2B0 compared to Nix. The key for Brent is to stop swinging for the fences and to start utilizing a slap happy approach that would make him a very effective utili-man (easier said than done).
CJ Retherford has hit at every level and has played every position on the field (including pitcher at college). He isn't a plus defender at any position, but he's solid and has done nothing but hit at every level.
I expect Getz/CJ to end up being the starting 2B and platoon guy.
JimH. said:
Good analysis and I agree, I think it will be Getz and CJ Retherford if he has a good spring. Retherford could turn out to be the next Mark Loretta if he keeps progressing.
JimH. said:
Very frankly Nix will be in a battle with Lillibridge for a reserve spot. They will not carry both, they can't. Lillibridge has a slight edge because he is a better SS and a better baserunner and can play CF. But Lillibridge is his own worst enemy at the plate and Nix despite his low average had some great at bats and impressed the staff. This will be one of the most interesting competitions in Glendale, assuming both are still with the organization. I suspect they both will be as neither has much trade value.
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