Jason Botts Designated

He has a strong minor league track record and might be a shrewd pick-up for a team that will not be contending this year and has the time to work through some kinks. I could see the Giants having some interest.

I can see him clearing waivers as well. That's not the point, though.

Rangers management stated that when Botts made the team that he would be given a chance to play, and that the team wouldn't give up on him the way they did with a similar guy named Travis Hafner. Their definition of playing (38ABs) and mine are apparently somewhat different. Then the team brings up a right-handed batting savior in Chris Shelton, who obviously has proven his mettle in 48ABs in AAA.

What a train wreck this team is. Reactionary moves like this when he's got nothing in AAA to fall back on do not place JD in a very positive light IMO.

Botts would be a nice pickup for the Giants. I wonder if Sabean remebers how to be an efficient GM

Too smart for the Giants.

This kid really has never gotten a shot with Texas. Here's hoping he gets a chance for a mid-career renaissance ala Carlos Pena.

Dan Johnson - ABs = Jason Botts

Besides, didn't Shelton already prove his mettle over 51 ABs in April '06?

Send him to the Mets. He could split time with Delgado (or take over completely if it becomes necessary, but I dunno that it will) and can play the outfield as well so it's not like we're wasting a bench spot on a guy with one position.

I agree Ben. I am not sure how well he can play LF, but I wouldnt mind having him around as a LF/1B backup. Even though Pagan has done solid for the Mets for far, for some reason I just dont like him as a player and dont trust him. Plus I believe that you need to have power coming out of the corners and with Delgado and Pagan at 2 corner spots right now there isnt much power. Something about seeing Pagan batting 6 or 7 and playing LF almost every night just annoys me.

I thought if a player was designated for assignment once they cleared waivers they could choose free agency or accept a minor league assignment?

It actually looks like he's played more games in the OF than at 1B, and at 27 there's no reason he should be declining too much on his range out there. He's got a little speed with 57 career steals in the minors so I don't think he'd be a defensive liability in right or left. He doesn't have huge power, probably shouldn't expect more than 20-25 HR, but he gets on base very well and I don't see any reason why the Mets shouldn't give him a try. His minor league numbers would definitely be better than what Delgado's done for us over the past year plus, if he can only figure out how to translate that into success in the bigs.
Plus he's 27. You know what they say about that being the age to break out.

Botts is a below average defender in either RF or LF. Hes had very little playing time as a 1B.

Hes a DH. So far it looks as if hes a AAAA DH. He has great #'s in the minors at all levels after being slightly old fr each level.

I hope the kid does alright, but I'm not holding my breath to see him do it.

I was never crazy about Jason Botts. He came up from the minors, and he was mostly used as a DH (a position that should not exist). He was never able to produce with his bat, and he was mediocre when he did get a chance to play the field. Designating Botts was a rare move by the Rangers that was a good move.