Infielder Jayson Nix is going to be the 24th player on the Olympic roster for Team USA. USA Baseball asked the Colorado Rockies organization if they would make him available for the Games in Beijing this August. As all players have to be in the minors and Nix is out of options, they had to designate him for assignment last weekend to sent him to triple A. If he clears waivers he will complete the national team roster, which was announced last Wednesday in New York.
Nix still waits to break out at the big league level, after batting .259 (OBP .325/SLG .412) in eight minor leagues seasons. Last November he was awarded with the MVP award at the Baseball World Cup in Taiwan, leading Team USA to the title against Cuba. He hit .387 with two homeruns, nine runs scored and six RBI in the tournament. During spring training he got the chance to succeed Kaz Matsui as the starting second baseman for the Rockies and made the opening day roster. However he hit just .111 (.216/.133) in April and was sent back to the minors after just 23 games. He was called up once before the All Star Break, but again could not impress. However Team USA manager Davey Johnson likes him and wants him on the Olympic roster.