Phillies: Daniel Nava emerges as veteran leader in young outfield
The Phillies have a young outfield group, but Daniel Nava has played well when given the opportunity. He has provided solid veteran leadership this season.
Michael Saunders and Howie Kendrick were expected to provide solid, veteran leadership this season for the Phillies in the outfield, but things do not always go as planned. As it turned out, Daniel Nava emerged as the steady veteran presence and is enjoying one of his best seasons in the Major Leagues.
Saunders never seemed to fit in, couldn’t find his stroke at the plate and was gone before the end of June after batting just .200 with six home runs. Kendrick has played well, but has missed much more time than he’s played, limiting his effectiveness and veteran presence.
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Step in Nava. The 34-year old is quietly having his best season since he played with the Red Sox in 2014. While the young outfield of Odubel Herrera, Aaron Altherr and Nick Williams should be the future of the club, Nava has provided leadership and solid back up play, displaying how to be a professional.
Nava is likely not a household name and with the trade deadline looming, could be out of Philadelphia before many fans get the chance to know him.
Nava went to school at Santa Clara University and battled his way through the Red Sox minor league system. Never a star, he hit .304 with 44 home runs and 245 RBI in 439 minor league games.
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He made his first appearance in the Major Leagues in 2010 at the age of 27. Oddly enough that game was against the Phillies and Nava went 2-for-4 with his first and only home run of the season. He finished the season batting .242 with a home run and 26 RBI in 60 games. He enjoyed his best season with the Red Sox in 2013, batting .303 with 12 home runs and 66 RBI in 134 games.
This season with the Phillies, Nava is batting .300 with three home runs, 17 RBI and a .395 on-base percentage. With the Phillies far out of contention, Nava could be moved and provide an excellent bat off the bench for a team in the playoff chase.
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Should Nava go, he leaves having made an impact on the young outfield group, which would leave another question to be answered. Who will emerge as the next veteran leader?