Jason Botts
Jason Carl Botts is an American former professional baseball left fielder, designated hitter and first baseman. He played in Major League Baseball for the Texas Rangers, and in Nippon Professional Baseball for the Hokkaido [Nippon Ham Fighters].
Early life
As a senior for Paso Robles High School in 1998, Botts had a.413 batting average and went 9-2 as a pitcher with a 2.13 earned-run average, winning San Luis Obispo County Player of the Year honors from the San Luis Obispo Tribune.He was drafted in the 28th round by Baltimore out of high school before going on to play for Glendale College.
Professional baseball career
Texas Rangers
Botts was called-up after hitting.326 against left-handed pitching while with Oklahoma at the Triple-A level. He made his major league debut for the Texas Rangers on September 14,, against the Baltimore Orioles, and had a total of 27 at-bats in that month. His fortunes at the plate were somewhat mixed: he produced 8 hits and 3 RBI, but also struck out 13 times.On May 28,, Botts started as the DH against the Oakland Athletics. He hit his first major league home run into the upper deck at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington against A's righthander Kirk Saarloos in the 2nd inning. On August 1,, Botts was called up again by the Texas Rangers to be the designated hitter for the remainder of the 2007 season. Through his first eight games, he had a.219 batting average with one home run and four RBI.
On April 29,, the Rangers designated Botts for assignment, giving them 10 days to trade, release, or outright him to the minors. On May 7, 2008, the Rangers outrighted Botts to Triple-A Oklahoma.