Current Contract:
Contract renewable through 2007.

Became a Cardinal:
Selected in the 8th round (254th overall) of the June, 2001 First-Year Player Draft. Received a $10,000 signing bonus.

2006 Season:
Nelson hit .215 with 21 home runs and 48 RBI in 125 games for Triple-A Memphis. The Cardinals purchased his contract in September and called him up. He went hitless in five at-bats for the Cards. He was removed from the 40-man roster following the season.

Career Notes:
Converted to shortstop from the outfield in 2002, Nelson was selected to play in the Arizona Fall League in both 2003 and 2004 by the Cardinals. He missed most of the 2004 season after tearing ligaments in his ankle. He is a career .247 hitter with 72 home runs in 650 career minor league games.

Photo: Fernando Medina/Getty Images