The Reds resigned Laynce Nix to a minor league contract. I believe bringing Nix back is a good move. He’s a player with big holes in his game who excels in other areas. While Nix hits for a low average, strikes out too much, and doesn’t get on base enough, he is however an excellent defensive OF in LF, RF, or CF, he has very good power, and is a good PH. Most cringe at first glance at Nix slash line due to his poor AVG and OBP. Keep in mind though that his power boosts his offensive numbers such that his 98 OPS+ makes him an average ML hitter. Note that the average major league CF posted a slash line of .266/.334/.414/.748 last season. A lot of teams could do a lot worse than having Laynce Nix in CF. I don’t think he’s necessarily a good fit as the Reds starting CF, I like a Dickerson/Stubbs combo there, since this team is OBP starved and that is not Nix strength. I do think he could be good a part of a LF mix with Balentien or Heisey.
For the Reds next season Nix makes for a good fourth OF who can spell a RH hitter against tough RHs and as a LH hitter with power off the bench. Used correctly he can be an asset to the Reds. I think he has a good chance at making the opening day roster next season given the current roster.
Nix AB AVG OBP SLG OPS 2009 337 .239 .291 .476 .767 vs RH 277 .249 .300 .502 .802 PH 34 .235 .350 .441 .791