Chris Nelson became a former Rockies player on Wednesday after Colorado completed a trade to send him to the New York Yankees to bolster the depth at third base with Kevin Youkilis and Alex Rodriquez on the DL.
The inevitable slump for Nelson occurred early and with rising prospect Nolan Arenado waiting in triple-A the Rockies made the call to bring him up to the majors. Nelson was a clubhouse favorite and players such as Troy Tulowitzki and Eric Young Jr. were unhappy to see a longtime player in the organization moved.
But he’ll be back.
Next week the Yankees make a trip to Coors Field for a three-game series, and Chris Nelson will see his former team again from the visitor’s dugout. The trade for Nelson will involve cash and a player to be named later, but the talk is the Rockies may just ask for more cash instead of a PTBNL.
Chris Nelson was batting .242 with four RBIs in 66 ABs. His time at third was contingent upon him being more productive and that did not happen, during April or in spring training. The job was his to lose, and he lost it on his offensive and defensive liabilities. Arenado is projected to be more capable on offense and defense than Nelson, but the veteran was given another chance over the rookie.
That chance didn’t last the entire first month of the season.
Chris Nelson was no fan favorite, and his trade was a breath of fresh air for fans dying to see Arenado get his shot.