Congratulations Josh, we barely knew ya.
July 15th, 2008 by Eric Snider in SportsEx-Ray, ex-drug abuser Josh Hamilton warped minds last night with his display of power-hitting at the MLB Home Run Derby, part of the All-Star Game festivities.
Without going into rules particulars, Hamilton swung at 38 pitches (friendly throws from a batting-practice pitcher). He knocked 28 out of the park, and lots of ’em were moon shots. That 28 is a record for one round in the event.
Hamilton is, of course, a great story. Once considered The Natural, the first pick (overall) of the Rays in the 1999 draft, drug problems derailed his career. The Rays nurtured his recovery (and helped him through setbacks), then, prior to the 2007 season, left him unprotected via some rule that I don’t really understand. The Cincinnati Reds picked him up, and last year he was productive in the Big Leagues. The Reds traded him to the Texas Rangers, and now he’s an American League MVP candidate.
The Home Run Derby can be long and dull, but Hamilton’s display was genuinely awe-inspiring. It also had all the feel-good hooks going for it. It’s hard not to root for Hamilton, but while I was watching him crush the ball repeatedly, another feeling hit me:
The Rays could still have this guy. They don’t have a regular right fielder. Hamilton is a right fielder. Ouch. It’s not the first time I’ve had what-if-we-had-Hamilton? thoughts, but last night started them anew.
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