Jason

Botts

Montero, who was just signed to a minor league contract, seems like an odd choice. The Rangers must really like his arm. Left off the roster were SS Drew Meyer, INF Marshall McDougal, RHP Erik Thompson and OF Juan Senreiso. Meyer, a 2002 first-round pick, was injured and unproductive in Double-A last year. McDougal might be picked in the Rule 5 draft for the second time in his career. He’s worthy of a roster spot as a reserve infielder. Thompson has been involved in trade talks with the Rockies. It’s believed he was to go to Colorado with Ian Kinsler in the Larry Walker trade, and he’s also been talked about as part of a Shawn Chacon trade. Now if the Rockies want him, they can just take him in next month’s draft.

Botts, 23, has an OBP of over .400 in the minors, but he hasn’t hit for power like the Rangers hoped he would. He’s a decent prospect, but he’s not likely to be snared in the Rule 5 draft. Jimenez, a 23-year-old right-hander signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2000, is a better bet to go.

The others are infielder Ian Kinsler, outfielder Juan Senreiso and RHPs Kameron Loe, John Hudgins and Chris Young. 2003 second-round pick Vince Sinisi would have joined them if not for a setback in his recovery from a broken arm. Botts, hitting .292-21-75 with seven stolen bases at Double-A Frisco, might already be at Triple-A if not for the presence of Adrian Gonzalez. He does, however, need to improve his defense (14 errors) and curtail his strikeouts (104).

Jason Conti also had six RBI for Oklahoma, who scored all 21 runs in the first five innings against Chris Narveson, Jimmy Journell, David Lee and Carmen Cali. Botts is batting .301/.389/.551 in 448 AB. He’ll be called up in September, but his only chance of getting playing time is if Phil Nevin is dealt or injuries continue to strike the Rangers.

He’ll likely miss the remainder of the season, which means no September callup. After the recent acquisitions of Matt Stairs and Nelson Cruz, it didn’t look like the team wanted to give him a real chance anyway.

Yeah, but his fantasy owners sure are. “He’s started two or three games a week and has been fairly productive,” Daniels said. Botts went 2-for-4 with two doubles Sunday.

Botts’ first major league homer was an upper-deck shot off Kirk Saarloos in the second inning. He later added two walks and a ninth-inning double. This will definitely help him solidify his status as the Rangers’ designated hitter against right-handers. However, Phil Nevin should be back in the lineup versus the Mariners’ Jarrod Washburn on Monday.

The Rangers still might platoon him, with Mark DeRosa seeing time as a DH against left-handers. Also, the Rangers could use the DH spot to give Brad Wilkerson and Kevin Mench the occasional day off, with DeRosa in the outfield. However, Botts deserves a lengthy opportunity to prove himself. He’ll likely get one now.

The theory was that Phil Nevin’s departure would result in even more playing time for Botts. Instead, it’s somehow done the opposite. Botts is hitting .250/.423/.500 in 20 at-bats since being recalled, so it’s not a performance issue. He’s earned the opportunity. It’s just up to Buck Showalter to give it to him.

A decent start. Botts isn’t going to get every start versus right-handers without proving he can handle big-league pitching first, but it could end up that way. He shouldn’t be left unowned in most AL-only formats.