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Nelson hoping that Toronto is the right
situation for him Bryant Nelson has played for 12 teams during his 11-year professional baseball career, including a six week stint with the Boston Red Sox in 2002 and one season in Japan in 2003. But the 30-year-old switch hitter is more optimistic about his opportunity to play in the big leagues in 2005 than ever before in his career. The Arkansas native recently signed a minor league deal, with an invitation to the big league camp, with the Toronto Blue Jays. What excites Nelson most about his new affiliation with the Blue Jays is that it’s the first time he’s been contacted directly by the major league general manager. 
“J.P. (Ricciardi) called me personally,” said Nelson. “He made the commitment to me just by giving me a call and letting me know I was wanted by the team. He explained their situation … and what they expected out of me. I can play numerous positions in the infield and outfield … I can switch hit … I can be a lefty off the bench or a righty off the bench … I can pinch run and play defense. I felt like they were really the right team.” “That was the first time that a general manager called me to express his interest that I would be able to help the club,” continued Nelson, “and not go in with the hopes of being able to get some at bats to impress someone. I think this is going to help going in. I don’t need any favors, but I just want a fair shot.” With the growing emphasis on having versatile players coming off the bench, major league teams are always looking for the next Melvin Mora or Chone Figgins. Nelson hopes that this opportunity will be his chance to make the big leagues for good. “The type of player I am is more of an American League player,” said Nelson, “where you can play a different position every day, giving everybody a break.” In order to prep for the 2005 season, Nelson returned to Hermosillo of the Mexican Pacific League, a team for which he played three seasons and was the league MVP and batting champion in 2000, helping to lead the Naranjeros to the 2001 Caribbean Series. “The fans here treated me like I never left,” said Nelson. “I left on a sour note (during the 2002 winter season) because I didn’t play my best and I was contemplating going to Japan. It’s good to be here and trying to help the team win.” Nelson is coming off what is arguably his best professional season. He played the entire year for the White Sox AAA affiliate in Charlotte, batting .288-22-83 and being selected to the International League starting lineup for the AAA all-star game. He played mostly at second base, but also saw action at third base and in the outfield. Most impressive was Nelson’s strikeout to walk totals of 50-56. His ability to work the count and put the ball in play was undoubtedly a factor in convincing the Toronto organization, which puts an emphasis on statistical analysis over traditional scouting methods, to give him this opportunity. Nelson also impressed International League opponents with his 2004 performance. “He had a really good year,” said Pat Kelly, Nelson’s manager at Hermosillo and an opposing manager during the 2004 regular season. “He had an extremely good year against Richmond. I remember him very well.” Despite his success at Charlotte, the call to Chicago never came. “I didn’t really anticipate it being a whole year,” said Nelson, “with what the team was doing at the time and the need on the team that I thought I could fulfill. Those things are out of my control and I decided to make sure I could do my best so my numbers would speak for themselves at the end of the year.” Part of Nelson’s improvement can be attributed to his year in Japan, although he readily admits he didn’t enjoy living or playing there. 
“It helped me to learn my own abilities,” said Nelson about his season with the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks. “I know it sounds funny coming from a guy with as many years experience as I have. I spent a lot of time with myself. I couldn’t really communicate, so I had to find ways myself to prepare for the games and do my own work. I really learned a lot about my own game.” Nelson believes there’s another important factor in his improvement as a baseball player. He became a father for the first time just over a year ago when Prince Bryant Nelson was born. “It changed me personally,” said Nelson. “I’m not the guy that wants to hang out as much. I’d rather be with my fiancé and my son and do family things in the off-season. I’m into him and watching him grow. That’s changed me a lot in my life.” Fatherhood has also mellowed Nelson’s approach to the game. “0 for 4’s don’t matter as much once you get home,” said Nelson. “Beating yourself up mentally, thinking about it and waiting for tomorrow … (instead) you have your son there smiling and everything’s OK. It helped me on and off the field more than I could ever imagine.” Nelson believes he’s just reaching his peak at 30 and that his age shouldn’t hold him back from any opportunities in baseball. “In baseball, we have a lot of downtime and a lot of rest,” said Nelson. “I’m a great athlete. I think I’m at my best. As far as my ability level, I can get better every day, but I’m getting to where I know I’m a good player. When I get in the game, I’m prepared.” Nelson’s short time with the Boston Red Sox in 2002 provided him with a good role model for keeping in top shape and continuing to play the game hard. “One of the most important people that I’ve ever met in my life is Ricky Henderson,” said Nelson. “There’s nobody that can tell him he should stop playing or that he can’t play. He knows in his mind that, given the opportunity, he can still do what he can do … not at the same level, but at a competitive level.” Henderson’s best gift to Nelson was the advice that helped him improve his outlook towards the game. “He gave me that mental edge,” said Nelson about Henderson. “I listened to him a lot. He’s so misquoted and misunderstood, it’s unbelievable. He’s a very intelligent guy. He’ll go out of his way to help anyone … he spent numerous hours just talking to me and talking to me and talking to me. I just let him talk; I didn’t say a word.” Nelson hopes that Henderson gets that one last shot in the big leagues. “He just needs his last farewell,” said Nelson. “I think it would do him justice. I don’t know what team it would be ... but if they gave him that last chance to say goodbye to baseball, that would be great. I really hope that happens for him.” --- Bill Mitchell |
