DENVER -- The Colorado Rockies traded outfield prospect Victor Hall to the Houston Astros in return for right-handed pitcher Nelson Cruz, the club announced Tuesday.

The deal was reached during the day Monday, but Cruz was eligible for salary arbitration and the Rockies asked that the Astros get him under contract before completing the trade. The Astros reached agreement with the right-hander Monday night on a one-year contract.

The Rockies acquired Hall off the Arizona Diamondbacks' roster in the Rule 5 draft of minor leaguers Monday on the final day of the winter meetings.

Cruz, who voiced his displeasure over playing for manager Jimy Williams, never got in a groove in 2002. After going 3-3 with a 4.15 ERA in 82 innings (66 appearances) in 2001, he struggled in 2002 and finished 2-6 with a 4.48 ERA in 43 games.

In Cruz's most consistent period of work, he did not allow an earned run in 13 innings from June 17 to July 1. He was 1-1 with a 4.58 ERA in five fill-in appearances as a starter, allowing 10 earned runs in 19 2/3 innings.

Hall spent most of the 2002 season at Class A Lancaster of the California League, hitting .278 with three home runs and 32 RBI in 91 games. He was promoted to Double-A El Paso, where he hit .286 (46-for-161) in 38 games. The Astros hoped to acquire Hall in the Rule 5 draft, but the Rockies beat them to him.