Six UTA Mavericks Selected in MLB Draft, Setting New Record
By City of Arlington, TX
Posted on June 10, 2014, June 10, 2014

UT Arlington had three players selected on the final day of the 2014 MLB Draft on Saturday to bring the overall total to a record-breaking six draftees.

Outfielders Ryan Bottger and Derek Miller joined pitcher Jess Amedee as Mavericks taken on the final day of the draft. UTA's all-time draft total was raised to 48 overall with the six selections. The six drafted players broke a single-season UTA record, which previously was four.

Ryan Bottger

Bottger began Day 3 action for UTA as the outfielder went in the 12th round to the Houston Astros. Bottger played one season for the Mavericks, leading UTA with a .368 batting average while belting seven homers. He featured a slugging percentage of .588 and an on base percentage of .472, both team highs. His 22 strikeouts were a team low amongst qualifying hitters.

"Ryan made a great transition to the outfield in the spring," UT Arlington coach Darin Thomas said. "He put up outstanding numbers. I always felt good with him at the plate."

Derek Miller

Featured in the leadoff position for the last two seasons, Miller hit .277 over for his three-year UTA career. His 46 runs scored in 2014 were second on the team, and Miller hit .304 as a junior in 2014.

"Derek is a tremendous athlete and he played center field as well as anyone," Thomas said. "He has a great future in this game. His best days are still ahead of him."

Jess Amedee

Amedee pitched one season for UTA and transitioned to the bullpen after beginning the year as a starter. Amedee finished with four saves, tying for the team lead, and pitched in 19 games for UTA. Amedee had 46 strikeouts in 48.1 innings.

"Jess has three plus pitches," Thomas said. "He has shown the ability to start and close, which is a plus. He led Northwoods League in saves last summer. The Pirates drafted a good arm."

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