Thanks Trot

The Red Sox have declined an option on the contract of long time Red Sox rightfielder Trot Nixon. Trot has ONLY played for the Red Sox Nation. Trot is what I call a "Regional Star." He is a good player that does not make a huge national splash but is loved by their fans. A few other players such as this would Mike Greenwell from the RedSox of the 80's and early 90's, Jose Lind from the Pirates of the 90's and current players such as Baltimore's Jay Gibbons. All are solid players but never recieve the full recognition they truly deserve!

Throughout his time in Beantown, Trot is everything that every ball play should aspire to be. In a day and age of shameless self promotion, Trot was one of a few players to play for the name on the front of the jersey as well as the people that jersey represents. Today's players are out to create an image, one that is marketable. Derek Jeter is the cool, calm and collected leader of the bastards. Opps, I mean Yankees. Andruw Jones is the defensive wizard behind the Atlanta Braves. Albert Pujols is the freak lighting up the scoreboard in St. Louis ... I am in no way saying that these players hype themselves but rather thier team and the media does. Trot is simply and affectionately "The Dirt Dog." Trot is certainly a throw back player. He reminds me of that guy who would be on your high school team who wouldn't wash his jock strap while the team is on a winning streak. Sure, he never put up mind blowing stats but he was the face of consistency in the right field of Fenway! Trot played the game how many people wish today's player would approach it ... All out, all the time!

If Trot has, in fact, played his final game as a member of the Red Sox Nation, I feel there are a few things the Sox must do.
I believe his pine tar covered batting helmet as well as his trademarke dirt covered hat should be placed in the Red Sox Hall of Fame.

With the announcemnet of the JD Drew signing as well as reports that Manny will be staying in Boston, it appears there is "no room in the Inn" for Trot. It is my hope that Trot will be signed by a team where he can flourish and be appreciated for what he brings to the ball park on a routine basis. I believe his style of play would best be suited for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Pittsburgh is a blue colared town who loves hard work! Trot would be loved in Pittsburgh. Besides, I go to a lot of games in Pittsburgh!

During his time in Boston Trot has compiled a batting average of .278, hitting 133 homeruns, and driving in 523 runs. All of this while sporting an impressive .984 fielding percentage in a tricky right field. When Opening Day rolls around, Trot probably won't be apart of the Red Sox team. However, my autographed 2004 World Series picture will still hang on my wall.
Eventhough Trot wears #7 in honor of Yankee great Mickey Mantle, Trot Nixon has epitomized what the Red Sox Nation is all about!

PS. I am not sure if this is flattering, but Lindsay and I will be naming our first dog Trot in honor of "The Dirt Dog."

Thanks Trot!