Whatever Happened to Melvin Nieves?
I’m doing some research for a book I’m writing, and you know who got a bum deal? Melvin Nieves. Sure, the guy struck out a lot, but no more than Russell Branyan does now. Nieves had some sick power and probably should have been given another shot in the big leagues at some point.
In his final season, at age 26, Nieves hit .252/.381/.336 in a reserve role for the Reds. Seriously, a .381 OBP has to count for something. Nieves, who turned 35 just after Christmas, last was seen playing 16 games in 2006 for Joliet in the Northern League.
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POSTED IN: Personalities
2 opinions for Whatever Happened to Melvin Nieves?
Lance Richardson
Jan 5, 2007 at 3:51 pm
Under the right circumstances (i.e. an organization with a clue), Nieves could have had a Jeremy Burnitz-type career.
The guy who shoulda been real good was Marc Newfield. Don’t know how the hell he didn’t pan out.
Geoff Young
Jan 5, 2007 at 5:09 pm
Good call on Newfield. He should’ve had Jermaine Dye’s career, or at least Butch Huskey’s.
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