Trot Nixon

After being as much of a Boston staple for the last nine years as the Union Oyster House, it seems that Nixon's tenure in a Red Sox uniform has come to an end. Starting in 2007, J.D. Drew will occupy the role of oft-injured Red Sox right fielder. Injuries to Nixon's groin and biceps last year allowed him to play only 114 games. The time that he did play embodied his worst season in years. His slugging percentage dipped below .400 for the first time in nearly a decade. Nixon's batting average and OPS were also well below his career averages, and show little sign of improving, especially since he’ll turn 33 this year. If he stays healthy and lands with the right team, Nixon may surprise in 2007, but we wouldn't count on it.

With his peak years behind him, Nixon will be 31 this season and seems to be aging quickly. Injuries have robbed him of at-bats for the past two seasons and his inability to hit lefties makes him an ideal candidate for a platoon. He doesn't have an athlete's body, so injuries will remain a concern for as long as he remains in baseball.

A hamstring injury limited Nixon to just 48 games in 2004 and was never really himself until late September (.429, 18-for-42). He is a candidate for a platoon based on his .220 batting average against southpaws in the last three seasons. The Red Sox are among a handful of teams utilizing statistical analysis, so they're well aware of Nixon's poor track record against lefties. Plan on him getting 350-400 at-bats.

Nixon emerged as one of several team leaders for the Red Sox last season and will remain a cog in the lineup. He still has a problem hitting lefties, but he'll get 500-plus at-bats with solid offensive numbers.

Nixon, 28, slumped at times last season, never finding a groove. Although he eventually finished with 24 HR and 94 RBI, his .256 average and .338 OBP were his lowest to date, thanks in part to his struggles against lefties (.233 in 2002, .230 career) He batted primarily eighth in the order, but the lineup for 2003 is far from set. There isn't an alternative for the Sox in right field, so Nixon will remain the starter. He's another member of the team whose name comes up in trade talks.