The Colorado Rockies have named Chris Nelson as their starter at third base to begin the 2013 campaign, electing to option top prospect Nolan Arenado to Triple-A, according to Thomas Harding of MLB.com.
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Arenado entered camp as a candidate for Colorado's starting job at third base. However, the 22-year-old hasn't played above the Triple-A level, and the Rockies seem like a team that should be able to afford patience at this point.
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The veteran right-hander will take the No. 5 spot in the Rockies' rotation. Arenado has shown off his power this spring -- .596 slugging percentage with eight extra-base hits in 52 plate appearances -- and whenever delaying a top prospect's debut is involved money is bound to be discussed. Depending on how long Colorado keeps the third baseman in the minors, they will likely be able to delay his arbitration and free agency clocks from starting.
Arenado enters the season considered a top-70 prospect by MLB.com and Baseball America. He hit .285/.337/.428 with 36 doubles and 12 home runs over 573 plate appearances last season in Double-A.
