Laynce Nix
| AB | 1915 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .24 |
| OBP | .286 |
| SLG | .417 |
| HR | 69 |
- Full name Laynce Michael Nix
- Born 10/30/1980 in Houston, TX
- Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 220 / Bats: L / Throws: L
- School Midland
- Debut 07/10/2003
- Drafted in the 4th round (124th overall) by the Texas Rangers in 2000.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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A second-team baseball All-American and a star quarterback in high school, Nix has continued to achieve success since spurning a baseball scholarship from Louisiana State. His Arizona Fall League campaign was cut short by a ligament injury in his right thumb. His brother Jayson plays second base in the Rockies organization. Many compare Nix to Brian Giles because of his compact, muscular build and power potential. Nix' power has developed to the point that he has outstripped comparisons to Rusty Greer, though like Greer he has an excellent work ethic, a nice swing and a disciplined-yet-aggressive approach. He ranked third in the minor leagues in RBIs in 2002. While Nix played center field in 2002 and the Rangers have a need at the position, scouts see him as a corner outfielder. He's an average runner and probably will slow down. The thick Nix must be careful that he doesn't cost himself flexibility with his workouts. Nix should move up to Double-A Frisco and continue to play center field in 2003. A successful tour of his native Texas League should have Nix ready for a trip to Arlington in 2004. -
Nix plays the game with the same toughness that made him an outstanding quarterback at Midland (Texas) High. His brother Jayson made his pro debut last season after the Rockies drafted him in the supplemental first round. Laynce is probably the most intense player in the Rangers organization, a trait that leads to favorable comparisons to Rusty Greer. His mental toughness allowed him to handle a big jump to low Class A in 2001 after he struggled in his pro debut in the Gulf Coast League. Nix, who overcame a spring-training wrist injury, concentrated on hitting the ball up the middle last season, which served him well. However, he'll need to add more power and patience as he advances. He currently projects as a platoon corner outfielder, but Nix has the drive to accomplish more than that. This year he'll go to high Class A, where he ended last season.
Minor League Top Prospects
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After taking a step-by-step progression through the Rangers organization in his first 2 1/2 seasons, Nix got on the fast track. He moved from one Dallas suburb to another in July and holding his own in the Texas outfield. Few players can match the strength of Nix, who has serious power to all fields. All of his other tools should be at least average, assuming his body doesn't slow him down. A high school quarterback, he's a good athlete. He's a fearless defender and can play center field, though he definitely profiles as a corner outfielder in the long term. Nix is also very confident, to the point that it put off some observers. "He has all the talent in the world, but at times he acted like he had 10 years in the big leagues already," one manager said. "He needs to get some of Ramon Nivar's enthusiasm." -
Nix transformed himself from an athletic prospect with a quarterback background into the league's MVP and one of the Rangers' most promising prospects. It didn't happen overnight–just over the offseason. Nix bulked up and showed much-improved discipline at the plate. While he once was likened to Rusty Greer for his hard-nosed play, Nix now earns comparisons to Brian Giles for his ripped physique. "He has made himself into a player," one scout said "He plays hard and gets great jumps in the outfield. He had decent bat speed last year and he increased it this year. And the ball doesn't carry well to right field in Charlotte either." Nix showed outstanding first-step quickness and a natural ability to run down balls in the outfield. He has taken to center field, working hard to improve his routes on fly balls.
