Sidewinders’ Nixon seeking another shot

Cashman Field never will be mistaken for Fenway Park -- or Cleveland's Progressive Field or Phoenix's Chase Field, for that matter.

It doesn't take the trained eye of a major league hitter to discern the difference.

Trot Nixon, a nine-year major league veteran, finds himself in Triple-A ballparks such as Cashman Field these days, playing for the Tucson Sidewinders and trying to prove he deserves to return to the big leagues.

"It took a little bit to get me to accept the fact that I was down here in Triple A. It is kind of a transition," the 34-year-old Nixon, an integral member of the 2004 Boston Red Sox club that ended an 86-year drought by winning the World Series, said before Thursday's 13-3 loss to the 51s at Cashman Field.

Nixon started slow with Tucson, batting .214 through April 22, but the outfielder has his average up to .311.

"To me, it looks like he could still play and still help somebody," said Sidewinders manager Bill Plummer, who played 10 seasons in the majors. "I'm sure he's frustrated, but he's played very well here for us."

Nixon still approaches each day like a big leaguer, leading by example for his younger Tucson teammates.

"It seems like he's pretty open," Plummer said. "We basically talk about, 'Hey, he's here, use him.' See what he had to do. A lot of guys have gotten there (to the majors) but have not been able to stay, and he was able to do that."

But being a mentor to 23-year-olds wasn't what Nixon had in mind when he signed a minor league contract in February with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

He would much rather be providing that same type of leadership in a major league clubhouse.

Nixon certainly has the experience. He batted .357 with three doubles and three RBIs in Boston's four-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2004 Series.

After spending his major league career in Boston, Nixon signed with the Cleveland Indians last year and batted .251 with three home runs and 31 RBIs in 99 games. It wasn't the kind of season he wanted, but Nixon thought he was in catch-up mode after offseason back surgery.

He has batted .275 in his major league career with 136 homers and 555 RBIs.

Nixon said if he didn't think he could still contribute as part of a big league roster, he would be back home in North Carolina with his family.

"The only reason why I'm here now is I love baseball," Nixon said. "I still know that I can perform at a high level at the major league level."

• NOTE -- Major league umpire Kerwin Danley worked second base as he began what is expected to be a seven-game rehabilitation stint. Danley was smashed in the face by a 96 mph fastball from the Los Angeles Dodgers' Brad Penny on April 26 and suffered a concussion. Danley will work home plate tonight.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914.