Daniel Nava - #60 (OF)

Bats: Both, Throws: Left

Age: 28, Size: 5'10" 200 lbs

Acquired: Purchased from Chico of the Independent "Golden League" in January 2008

Contract: Pre-Arbitration

Comments: Injuries in the Red Sox outfield opened a door for Nava, the former independent league player, to make his mark in the big leagues, He started out with a bang - knocking a Grand Slam in his first major league at bat. Unfortunately that was to be his only major league homerun in 2010 in his 188 PAs. Nava posted a 0.711 OPS largely on the back of his 0.350 OBP. In the minor leagues, Nava haas put up some impressive numbers. In 2008 with high-A lancaster he posted a slash-line of 0.341/0.424/0.523 and in 2009 between A+/AA he posted a line of 0.352/0.458/0.533. The stats look great, but bear n mind that he was at an advanced age for his league for both years.

Career Stats (minors): Includes 2007 Chico IL stats

PA: 1292

BA: 0.337

OBP: 0.431

SLG: 0.532

OPS: 0.963

HR/SB: 37/26

Unique Stats/Facts: Nava is only one of four players to hit a GS in his first at bat in the majors. Two of the other players are still playing - Jeremy Hermida and Kevin Kouzmanoff. Hermida and Nava were on the same team last year putting 2 of the 4 players to have accomplished the feat on the same team.

Analysis: Nava is a nice part to have, not your starting OF type but he doesn't kill you out there as a 4th/5th outfielder. He will likely spend time between Pawtucket and the Sox in 2011, filling in for the occasional 15-Day stint. At this point in his career (due to his late start) its really hard to see him as a starter unless he's moved to a lower tier ML team like KC or Pittsburgh.

Projection (James):0.277/0.369/0.438 - 0.345 wOBA in 152 PA

Tomorrow: Yamaico Navarro