Chris Nelson

Through the first four months of last season, Nelson did not look like he would factor into the team's infield mix for 2013, as he batted .256 while playing substandard defense at second and third base. After coming back from the DL in early August from an irregular heartbeat, Nelson looked like a different hitter, batting .328 in August and .346 in September, getting on-base at a .375 clip each month. With Josh Rutledge set to open the season at second base, Nelson should get a shot to compete with Jordan Pacheco at third base. Nelson's light pop and poor fielding at third base (-12.3 UZR and .931 fielding percentage) might inhibit from earning the full-time gig, but his increased walk rate and ability to hit both left- and right-handed pitching should at least afford him several pinch-hitting chances.

Nelson was part of the Rockies' revolving door situation at second base last season, but he didn't do much in limited opportunities to distinguish himself as a viable everyday option. His time in the big leagues over the last two seasons has resulted in a very low walk rate (3.7 percent) which doesn't bode well for a middle-infielder with limited pop. Now 26, he may be fated to battling for a utility job as his only means to stick in Colorado. Unfortunately, the Rockies have similar alternatives available in Jonathan Herrera and Thomas Field should Nelson fail to impress.

Nelson's stock has risen and fallen a few times since he was drafted ninth overall in 2004. He's battled various injuries such as a broken hamate bone and a strained oblique. He offers a modest blend of power, speed, and average along with the ability to play most infield positions, albeit not well. He spent much of 2010 in Triple-A Colorado Springs, where he hit .317/.379/.498 with 12 homers and seven stolen bases. If he can stay healthy, improve his defense, and find at-bats, he may yet live up to some of the hype that once surrounded him.

Nelson is seen as an offensive middle infielder by the Rockies, bringing the potential for stolen bases and power. His 2009 season ended with a torn wrist ligament in June, but he should be healthy enough to start 2010 at Triple-A Colorado Springs. The fact that he can fill-in anywhere in the infield with good speed will help his utility chances. However, the Rockies are gaining depth in their farm system, perhaps leaving Nelson behind.

A broken hamate bone split his season, but Nelson was playing terribly when the injury happened, so you can't pin the stat line on the busted left hand. He's a second baseman now, although his long-term future is likely as a utility infielder.

Nelson finally started to make progress in 2007. The ninth-overall pick in the 2004 draft spent the entire year at High-A Modesto and hit .289/.358/.503 with 19 home runs, 99 RBI and 27 stolen bases. He has five-tool talent and at 22 years old, there is still plenty of time to develop. Expect him to start the year at Double-A.

A disappointment since the Rockies made him the ninth overall pick in 2004, Nelson spent 2006 repeating low-A. Talent-wise, he has earned the coveted "five-tool" label, but the numbers just haven't been there. He's also struggled with injuries each year, including one to his hamstring this past season. Nelson's power-speed combination makes him worth watching as he strives for a breakout year for high-A Modesto.

The ninth overall pick in 2004, Nelson is a five-tool player who is rated one of the most talented shortstops in the minors. Yet he spent 2005 at Low-A Asheville hitting a meager .241/.304/.330. He has great bat speed and hand-eye coordination and will look to improve upon his mediocre season at high-A Modesto in 2006.

Nelson, the Rockies' first round pick in 2004, will start the season in low Single-A. He has a quick bat, but the Rockies won't rush him, and a major league debut is at least two years away.

An advanced hitter for a high schooler, he has good bat speed, and strong baseball instincts with a quality arm. Is considered more advanced that B.J. Upton was when he was a high schooler but doesn’t likely have the same power ceiling.