Posted by Frank Klose
Oh man, the spell check on Google Chrome is going to bother me for the next two years, as the Phillies have signed outfielder Laynce Nix to a two-year contract, according to the Washington Post.
Nix spent the last season with the Washington Nationals, but lost a great deal of playing time with the emergence of Michael Morse. According to the Washington Post report, Nix offers just what the Phillies need:
Last year, Nix clubbed a career-high 16 home runs, all of them against right-handers, and hit .263 with a .306 on-base percentage and a .475 slugging percentage against right-handed pitching.
Sounds like the Phillies got just what they were looking for: a left-handed bat that hits right handed pitching, can play the outfield and first base (well, he played nine games there last year). Nix probably will play the bulk of left field to start the season, allowing John Mayberry Jr. to play first base most days.
The best part of this deal is that Nix will earn nowhere near the $11.5 million Raul Ibañez earned last year. The money the Phillies save can be used to sign a shortstop or bullpen help. As eerie as it is to say, the Phillies probably could afford Jose Reyes, having signed a utility infielder and utility outfielder this cheap. Nix has never made more than $700,000 a year in the major leagues.
Solid pickup; this move gives the Phillies options, particularly against right-handed pitching and in Ryan Howard's absence.
