Josh Hamilton
To answer everyone’s favorite question about the rankings…
Josh Hamilton entered 2008 with 1.398 at-bats in nine years as a professional. The first overall pick in the 1999 draft missed time in 2000 with a knee injury, in 2001 with back, quad and hamstring injuries and in 2002 with shoulder and elbow injuries that required surgery. In spring 2003, he missed time with a hip injury before his leave of absence kicked in. After returning 3 ½ years later, he lasted 15 games before requiring knee surgery. In 2007, he went on the DL twice (gastroenteritis, sprained wrist) and would have been put there a third time in September with a strained hamstring if not for the expanded rosters.
Even discounting the drug issues, this is a player who has displayed absolutely no ability to stay healthy. I’m not arguing against his talent, but I can’t see putting him in the top 10 until he shows he can play in 150 games.
