The Phillies are looking to fill their void in left field via platoon.
Instead of dropping big bucks on Michael Cuddyer, the Phillies went out and signed Nationals left fielder Laynce Nix, according to CSN’s Jim Salisbury. The signing comes only a couple weeks after they picked up corner infielder/outfielder Ty Wigginton.
The reported length of the deal is two years and is pending a physical.
Nix, 31, is another role player, starting his career in Texas before playing for Milwaukee, Cincinnati and Washington during his nine-year career.
Last season, Nix enjoyed his best season with a .250 average, 16 homers and 44 RBIs. As a career pinch hitter, Nix is hitting .187 (.276 OBP; .269 slugging) with two homers and 40 strike outs in 152 plate appearances.
This is a great move to add depth. First Jim Thome, then Wigginton and now Nix.
The Phillies are adding cheap but high profile players to their bench. Each and every one of them are capable of starting to spell the Phillies every day starters and this is important for the long haul.
This also spells the doom for Ben Francisco, who was never really a top option off the bench. Players like Francisco and Ross Gload never showed the Phillies any true value during the 2011 campaign.
TTB 