The Brewers, seeking to improve their offense from the left side of the plate and perhaps tab the 2008 version of Gabe Kapler, signed veteran outfielder Trot Nixon to a minor-league contract today.

"Trot is a veteran player who brings energy and experience to our ball club," said Melvin. "He is a valuable left-handed batter who could see time in left field, right field and first base."

Nixon, 34, has a .274 career batting average with 137 homers and 555 RBI over 12 big-league seasons with Boston (1996-2006), Cleveland (2007) and the New York Mets (2008).

Nixon has appeared in 42 playoff games during his career, batting .283 (39-for-138) with 6 HR and 25 RBI. He was a member of the 2004 World Champion Boston Red Sox.

The Brewers also signed outfielder Chris Duffy to a minor-league deal. Duffy, who was invited to big-league camp, spent parts of three seasons with the Pirates from 2005-07. He split last season between Class AA Altoona and Class AAA Indianapolis as he recovered from left shoulder surgery.

Below is an updated spring training non-roster invitee list (nine players):

RHP Joe Bateman
LHP Chris Capuano
LHP Lindsay Gulin
LHP Sam Narron
LHP Chris Narveson
INF/OF Jason Bourgeois
OF Chris Duffy
OF Trot Nixon
1B Scott Thorman