There have been whispers about a potential Colvin trade in the past few weeks, and the most recent mentions of it hardly qualify as more than continued whispers. Still, one cannot help but wonder if a trade might actually be in the works.

The case for trading Colvin

Colvin. Image: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Even with a woeful spring (.167 avg, 0 HR), trading Colvin now would capitalize on the opportunity to sell high. He posted a .858 OPS as a 2.3 WAR player last season, stellar numbers from a player who spent much of the year platooning in the outfield and at first base. The Rockies have a surplus of options at both of those positions, with the emergence of Eric Young Jr. as a 4th outfielder and Jordan Pacheco eager to snag spot starts at first. Because Colvin is a younger player, the Rockies might actually be able to get a decent return for him. When it comes to selling high, Colvin’s up and down career might provide extra incentive. It would give the team a chance to get something for him now in case he does regress (likely) or if his production craters as it did in 2011 (less likely, but a possibility).

The case against trading Colvin

He is a key part of the group of young hitters that emerged last season. None of the players who would replace Colvin have the power potential that he does. Indications last season were that Colvin had adjusted his swing so that it had fewer holes. It would put the team two not-unlikely injuries to Michael Cuddyer and Todd Helton from an everyday lineup with Young Jr. and Pacheco; Colvin is less of a drop-off than either of them and better equipped to start. His ceiling is simply too high, as indicated by those numbers from last season. In what seemed to be a swap of big-time disappointments with the Cubs, Colvin took advantage of his opportunity in Colorado while Ian Stewart fell apart in Chicago. The Rockies should keep Colvin and reap the benefits of that trade. The team wants pitching in return in a trade, and even with Colvin being more valuable, they probably would not get enough to feel good about a deal.

So Rox Pilers, should the Rockies try to trade Tyler Colvin?

Arenado will start 2013 with the Sky Sox. Image: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Entering today’s game against the Milwauke Brewers, Arenado is batting .288 with 4 home runs and 12 RBI. The .288 mark represents Arenado’s decline in the last few games; the home runs show the kind of power outburst he is capable of. Ultimately it makes sense to show patience. With their most valued position player, the Rockies can learn from their mistakes with their young pitching and not rush him into a position for which he is not ready.

Chris Nelson‘s performance should not be discounted. With everything going on around him (trade chatter included), Nelson was still able to build on the solid second half he enjoyed in the 2012 season. That included some flashes of power in his bat. He has knocked a couple home runs of his own this spring, including an impressive opposite field shot to right-center this week. The Denver Post’s Troy Renck has further analysis:

And let’s not forget that Chris Nelson finished strong. Had he keep slumping or attracted more trade interest, perhaps this decision goes the other way. But in the end Nelson hit just like he did in the second half of last season. He earned his spot. And I am sure he realizes he has to keep performing to keep the job with Arenado potentially a hot streak away.

Nelson is not getting the job by default because Arenado was not yet ready. He went and got it. Tracy Ringolsby sees good things for Nelson this season:

Chris Nelson retains Rockies 3B job. Feel like he’s going to build off last six weeks of 2012. Ability is there, confidence growing.

— Tracy Ringolsby (@ROOTSPORTS_TR) March 28, 2013

If today’s lineup is a preview of the opening day lineup, the Rockies could do a lot worse than Wilin Rosario batting 7th and Chris Nelson batting 8th. That might not quite be worthy of an American League lineup, but it’s a heck of a deep order nonetheless.

Nelson. Image: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Nelson needs to keep hitting and needs to show that his athleticism can translate to good defense at the hot corner. Having Troy Tulowitzki back at shortstop should help in that regard. If Nelson can do those things, the job is his to keep in the short term, even if the long term is already spoken for.

So Rox Pile faithful, what do you think? Did the Rockies make the right decision with Arenado?