DH-OF Jason Botts got the start in left, his first start in the field since his major league debut a week ago. While the Rangers think Botts will be a hitter without a position, they want to give him a chance to prove otherwise. Also, with DH Phil Nevin under contract for next year, the only way Botts is going to challenge for a spot is to prove he's a capable outfielder.
Hopefully, that's incorrect. But if it is true, it is stupid, stupid, stupid.
Nevin blocking Botts, because Nevin is under contract for 2006, is mindboggling. If Botts is ready to contribute, Nevin needs to be released this spring, period.