From the Master of All That is Kaegelesque:
"Nelson opts out: Right-handed pitcher Joe Nelson decided to become a free agent instead of accepting the Royals' outright assignment to Triple-A Omaha.
Nelson was dropped from the 40-man roster earlier this week. He missed last season because of shoulder surgery and illness. In 2006, his only season with the Royals, Nelson had nine saves, a 1-1 record and a 4.43 ERA in 43 relief appearances."
I don't know that the 2006 Royals had the best reliever in baseball, but I find it hard to argue that they had one of the grittiest. Sorry we missed you in 2007, Joe--best of luck in the future.