Neal Cotts, a left-handed pitcher, spent over a decade in Major League Baseball, showcasing his skills with several teams. Born on March 25, 1980, in Lebanon, Illinois, Cotts attended Illinois State University, where he honed his pitching abilities. His journey to the majors began when the Oakland Athletics selected him in the second round of the 2001 MLB Draft. However, before he could make his debut with the Athletics, Cotts was traded to the Chicago White Sox in 2002.
Cotts made his MLB debut with the White Sox on August 12, 2003. During his early years with the team, he primarily served as a relief pitcher. His performance was a mix of promise and challenges, as he adjusted to the demands of the major leagues. The 2005 season marked a turning point for Cotts. He played a crucial role in the White Sox bullpen, appearing in 69 games with an impressive 1.94 ERA. His efforts were instrumental in helping the White Sox secure the World Series title that year, their first since 1917. Cotts pitched effectively throughout the postseason, including in the World Series against the Houston Astros.
Following his success with the White Sox, Cotts faced a series of ups and downs. In 2006, his performance dipped, and he struggled to maintain the same level of effectiveness. The White Sox traded him to the Chicago Cubs in November 2006. His time with the Cubs was marred by inconsistency and injuries, which limited his appearances and effectiveness on the mound.
In 2009, Cotts underwent Tommy John surgery, a significant procedure that sidelined him for an extended period. This surgery, coupled with hip surgery in 2010, kept him out of the major leagues for several years. Despite these setbacks, Cotts remained determined to return to professional baseball. He spent time in the minor leagues, working on his recovery and refining his pitching skills.
Cotts made a remarkable comeback in 2013 with the Texas Rangers. After several years away from the majors, he returned with renewed vigor, posting a 1.11 ERA in 58 games. His performance that season was a testament to his perseverance and ability to overcome adversity. Cotts continued to pitch for the Rangers in 2014, maintaining a solid presence in their bullpen.
In 2015, Cotts signed with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he continued to contribute as a reliable left-handed reliever. Later that year, he was traded to the Minnesota Twins, where he finished the season. Throughout his career, Cotts was known for his effective use of a fastball-slider combination, which he used to challenge hitters from both sides of the plate.
Neal Cotts' baseball career is a story of resilience and adaptability.
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