Former Athens Drive Standout Josh Hamilton....

"It almost feels like my first spring training all over again. And I just thank God every day for it."
-- Josh Hamilton

As of March 19 Hamilton is leading the Reds with a .487 (19-39) batting avg.,and also has a team leading .543 on base percentage. He is second only to Adam Dunn with a .692 slugging percentage. Shin splints have kept him on "0" in the stolen base column. Hamilton was picked up by the Cubs in December's Rule 5 draft, and then traded to the Reds. According to the rules of the Rule 5 draft, the Reds must keep him in the majors. If they do drop him to the minors, they are required to offer him to the Devil Rays, who drafted him originally. Judging by his stats, and the relationship he has with Red's manager, Jerry Narron, staying in the majors won't be a problem. Getting a position in the Red's already packed outfield will be. As of right now opening day looks to have Freel in center, Adam Dunn in left, and then there is right field. Ken Griffey Jr. was injured in the off-season and Narron has made it clear that if he is ready on opening day, he will be in right field. So as of right now it looks like Hamilton's shot at starting opening day will depend on Griffey Jr. Jr. has been working out in the field, taking fly balls, but the injury is to his throwing hand, and Narron seems to be uneasy about rushing him back in. Just thought some of you might like an update on a former NC player.....

 

Thanks for the info hotcorner. We did have a thread last week about Josh, but all information is welcomed. He's a great story!

http://thisboardrocks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=124758