Trot Nixon may be down, but he’s not out.  Playing with the Arizona Diamondback AAA affiliate in Tuscon, Trot is hitting .302 for the Sidewinders with 7 dingers and 25 RBIs. 

  Most of his teammates are younger players trying to make it to the Bigs for the first time, while Trot is the old veteran at 34, just trying to get back “home.”

  It doesn’t look like Trot will get a shot with the Diamondbacks unless they suffer several injuries.  Arizona is getting healthier, and the return of Miguel Montero and Chad Tracy make it look unlikely for a call up.

  Tucson has the worst record in the Pacific Coast League at 16-35 but last Saturday Trot  went 3-for-5 with two doubles and three RBIs in a 17-14 win over Tacoma.

  In 2003, Nixon batted a career-best .306 with 28 home runs and 87 RBIs and in 2004 was one of the key pieces to the 2004 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox.  Now in 2008, he is just working on getting back to the majors. 

  From the sounds of things, despite the fact he’s swinging a good bat, it isn’t about to happen soon.  However, look for a team in the pennant chase in need of a veteran outfielder to look for Trot as part of a trade as the summer heats up.  (Photo Courtesy of the Cleveland Indians)