Red Sox Preview - Right Field

Team: Boston Red Sox
Position: Right Field
Primary player and backup(s): Trot Nixon

HITTING - From 2001 to 2003 Trot was swinging a mean bat and taking advantage of the short right field in Boston. In that span he averaged 26 HR, 90 RBI, and a .281 BA. Since then he has struggled. In 2004 he only played in 48 games due to a couple different injuries (including back problems that I think are still a factor) and in 2005 he was a shell of his former self, particularly in terms of power, batting .275 with only 13 HR and 67 RBI. Looking at almost all of his batting numbers, he experienced a 25% drop off or more from the 2001 to 2003 averages. His .241 BA after the All-Star break isn't encouraging either. Not good news for Boston. I will say that he can still be a contributor, especially against right-handers who he hit .299 with 12 of his homers off of. I see him getting more and more days off against lefties if he continues to struggle (I'd look for the Youkilis maybe moving to right with Snow becoming the everyday 1st baseman). As one of the faces of this team and maybe one of the toughest outfielders I've ever seen, we may be seeing a real decline sooner rather than later. C

FIELDING - As much as his bat may be suffering, the leather never is with Trot. He plays the tricky right field in Boston better than anyone I've ever seen and routinely makes those diving catches into the seats to rob a homerun or snag a foul ball for an out. Great fielder, above average range, and a solid arm. No need to say more. A

BASE RUNNING - Never has been Trot's forte, never will be. Over his last 3 seasons when he's played atleast 124 games, he's never stolen more than 4 bases. However, he is a smart base runner and, with the fact he's scored over 80 runs 3 times, he knows how to get to the plate. Won't kill you, but also won't stretch the defense. C+

DEPTH - Like I've said with the other outfielders, this is an issue. It could especially flair up with Trot though. Besides 2004's 48 game campaign, he also only played in 124 games last year. If his back acts up, the Red Sox could get stretched pretty thin. D

INTANGIBLES - Trot is one of the true leaders of this team and backs it up by playing his ass off every time he steps on the field. You have to respect that about the guy. Also, with his homer ability (although his postseason stats leave something to be desired) and his play with the glove he has the ability to ignite the home crowd. He definitely brings things to the table in this aspect for the Sox. A

OVERALL - I'm going to give Trot a B- overall, but I could easily see this dropping dramatically if his bat doesn't return or his bad back does. I think the Red Sox really need him on the field if they have a chance at either winning the division (not likely) or advancing deep into the playoffs. I still think Trot makes a difference for his team, I just don't think it will be with the bat as much.