Bubba

Nelson

Nelson was 8-10 with a 3.18 ERA, 106 H and 77/45 K/BB in 119 IP for Greenville. The 2000 second-round pick gets a lot of grounders with his low-90s sinking fastball and projects as a third or fourth starter in the majors.

''We wanted to see how he could handle the role,’' GM John Schuerholz said. ''If we happened to bring him up this year, it would be as a reliever.’' Nelson, a second-round pick in 2000, had a 3.18 ERA as a starter at Double-A Greenville, and hasn’t allowed a hit in three innings of relief since his promotion to Richmond.

After a night of drinking at Hooters in Sarasota, Nelson was observed at 5:45 a.m. passed out and slumped over the wheel as his vehicle idled. Two breath tests recorded Nelson’s blood alcohol level at .151 and .161. Nelson won’t be released by the Reds over the incident. ''We’re going to meet with Bubba in the morning and outline a very specific and mandatory plan going forward,’' GM Dan O’Brien said.

Nelson, one of the two prospects the Reds received from the Braves for Chris Reitsma two years ago, was turned into a reliever this season and went 2-4 with 12 saves, a 4.61 ERA, 67 H and 70/27 K/BB in 68 1/3 IP. His performance in the AFL may dictate whether he keeps his 40-man roster spot this winter.

The Reds prospect was found passed out in his car with the engine running after a night of drinking at Hooters last month. He should start the season in Double-A Chattanooga.

Nelson, a massive disappointment as a starting pitcher last season, has a 3.20 ERA and a 24/7 K/BB ratio in 19 2/3 IP as Chattanooga’s closer. He might spend some time in the Cincinnati’s bullpen during the second half of the year.

Nelson should rejoin the Braves in July or August, but whether he’ll do so as a starter or as a reliever will be determined by his performance at Richmond. Langerhans will be called up to act as a reserve outfielder should any of the regulars get hurt.

Reds GM Dave Miley’s first trade looks like a very good one. The Braves have a reputation for holding on to the right pitching prospects, but both Nelson and Bong can be assets this year and in the future. Although the Braves were starting to see him as more of a reliever, Nelson should get a chance to be part of Cincinnati’s rotation by midseason. His hard sinker makes him a potential No. 3 starter. Expect him to spend at least the first two months of the season at Triple-A Louisville.

Nelson, who was picked up from the Braves in the Chris Reitsma deal two years ago, had a 4.61 ERA as a reliever for Double-A Chattanooga last season. Considering that he did have more strikeouts than innings pitched or hits allowed and he’s still just 24, there should be several teams interested in him on a minor league deal.

Nelson, released by the Reds earlier this month, will likely pitch out of the pen in Double- or Triple-A. He had a 4.61 ERA and a 70/27 K/BB ratio for Double-A Chattanooga last season.