Hard Work Pays Off For James Nelson
MIAMI–Third baseman James Nelson hit only one home run as a senior at Redan High in Stone Mountain, Ga. One year later, he hit .400 with 17 home runs at Cisco (Texas) JC.
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Nelson said he has gained about 15 pounds since high school. He didn’t begin lifting weights seriously until he got to college.
But there’s something else at play with Nelson’s new-found power. The 19-year-old still is developing as a slugger.
“He’s always been young for his grade,” said Jon Coyne, who was the recruiting coordinator at Cisco. “But he’s got big-time bat speed.”
The Red Sox recognized that and drafted Nelson in the 18th round in 2015, but the prep shortstop looked at Boston’s depth chart and found what he called a “boatload” of high-end prospects at his position.
Nelson instead enrolled at Cisco, where his coaches ironically shifted him to third base in deference to Jax Biggers, who now plays at Arkansas. The Marlins made Nelson a 15th-round pick in 2016.
“It’s different,” Nelson said of the transition to third base. “But I like it. I love baseball, so anywhere is good.”
Nelson hit .284/.344/.364 with 11 extra-base hits in 43 games last year in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League.
His goal this year is to reach full-season ball. Ultimately, he strives to reach the majors like his uncle Chris Nelson, who is his mentor.
The Rockies made Chris the ninth overall pick in 2004. Drafted as a shortstop, he now is 31 and has played for eight organizations.
James and Chris are extremely close, working out together almost daily.
Coyne said James’ work ethic stands out just as much as his athleticism. He is perhaps the best pure hitter in the Marlins’ 2016 draft class.
“At Cisco, he would be in the batting cages at 6 a.m.,” Coyne said. “He’s not talkative—he just handles his business in a very professional way.”
FISH BITES
• The Marlins signed 24-year-old minor league free agent lefthander Victor Payano, who in the Rangers system last year reached Triple-A for the first time.
• Catcher David Gauntt earns raves for his catch-and-throw skills. The 18th-rounder out of Washburn (Kan.) struggled offensively last year, batting .150 in short-season ball.
— Walter Villa is a writer based in Miami
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