The Nationals announced that they have agreed to sign Laynce Nix to a minor league deal (Twitter link). The outfielder receives an invitation to Major League Spring Training.
Nix hit .291/.350/.455 in 182 plate appearances for the Reds last year and hit 15 homers the year before that. Though he hit southpaws well in 2010, he has struggled against them over the course of his career so manager Jim Riggleman could choose to limit the 30-year-old's exposure against left-handers. Nix has lots of experience in center field, but has spent most of his time in left since 2007.
Washington traded outfielder Justin Maxwell to the Yankees so this signing helps the team restore depth. Rick Ankiel, Roger Bernadina, Nyjer Morgan, Michael Morse and Jayson Werth are among the Nationals' other outfield options.
At the press conference his placard read “Layce Nx”
We’ll miss u Laynce. Thanks for all u did in your 2 years in Cinci. Wish we could’ve brought ya back, though
I think Morse, Werth and Ankiel would make a pretty decent outfield. Morse just needs time to show he can produce and we all know what Werth can do. And if Ankiel can channel what he did in 2008 into the 2011 the three of them could be formidable
Morse and Bernadina will platoon LF with Bernadina getting righties and Morse getting lefties… Morgan is in CF, unless he starts sucking or is up to the same shenaniganz as last year, then I wouldn’t mind seeing Ankiel plugged into there or have Bernadina move to CF and have Morse take over RF duties. RF is set with Werth. That leaves Ankiel and now Layne Nix as the reserve OF and like mentioned before, Nix could become one of the late inning PH guys
Nix signing makes no sense for Nats. They’re already loaded with lefty outfielders (Morgan, Ankiel, Bernadina, Stairs, Van Every, Coats)… what do they need Nix for?
Stairs, Van Every, and Coats? This actually a great signing, plus he can play center. Very good move by the Nats.
The guy is built like a football player. I am surprised that he hasn’t had Joey Votto type numbers yet. The Nationals are trying to build something big to make for a much more exciting Washington team and leaving the Marlins as the lonesome team at the bottom of the NL East.
you mean the mets?
haha. good one.
Both.
Seriously- Do Nationals fans get annoyed that they’re team’s manager can only sign old Reds players? No knock on the players, I love anyone who played for the Reds- but the Nationals should be the Nationals, not the Reds part II.
Bench guys are one thing, Dunn is in his own category, but Kearns, Lopez, and Willy Mo deserve their own category.
Kearns, Lopez, and Willy Mo [shudders]
Bowden!
ankiel is not the guy you want starting opening day or the majority of the season, he hasnt performed worth a damn in the last couple seasons