Grading every Rockies’ first round pick in franchise history

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

2001 – Jayson Nix SS (44th overall) Midland High School (Texas)

The Rockies selected Nix as a sandwich pick between the first and second rounds of the 2001 Major League draft as compensation for not signing their first round pick in 2000 (Matt Harrington). Nix spent seven seasons in the Rockies’ farm system before making his Major League debut as the team’s starting second baseman in 2008. He lasted less than a month before losing his starting job due to lack of production.

Nix was then designated for assignment, cleared waivers and was sent to Triple-A. After the 2008 season he was signed by the Chicago White Sox as a free agent and that was it for Nix in a Rockies’ uniform. Although he was dreadful in his short time with the Rockies, Nix went on to be a formidable utility player for a number of Major League teams.

Numbers with Rockies: .125, 0 HR, 2 RBIs, .161 SLG

Where Are They Now? Nix is still in the Majors, most recently with the Kansas City Royals. His numbers have never been pretty but he has always seemed to find a spot on a Major League roster.

Grade: D. While Nix is still in the Major Leagues and has played for some good teams, he only appeared in 22 games as a Rockie after spending almost a decade in the Minors. I would consider this pick a bust.