Josh Hamilton

2013

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2012

Hamilton took a big step back from his MVP-winning 2010, though a .298/.346/.536 line doesn't grow on trees. He was limited by what was discovered to be a sports hernia as the season waned, but he still managed 14 homers after the All-Star break. Hamilton hasn't played more than 133 games since 2008, though, and it's not the type of trend that one should expect to reverse as he ages. As part of the effort to keep him on the field more consistently, the Rangers are looking to remove him from center field duty this season.

2011

Hamilton won the AL MVP despite missing most of the final month with cracked ribs, far outpacing his poor 2009 season. Growing concern of his continued injury woes has Texas planning on moving him to left field for 2011. His insane numbers at home last year (.390/.438/.750) and against righties (.401/.447/.716) are due for a drop-off, but there's still plenty to like. There are going to be injury concerns for as long as he plays, but the underlying talent is through the roof. Keeping him healthy for 130 games should be the only concern.

2010

Hamilton battled a litany of injuries all season, dealing with a rib injury in April, a sports hernia in May and June, and finally a back injury in September. It's obviously tough to judge his disappointing season as a result, but you have to dig pretty deep to find anything positive. He had just one month (May) where he hit more than two homers, and only one full month (August) where he hit above .242. There's too much recent success to not expect a rebound, but be aware that staying healthy has long been a struggle so bidding and expecting 30-plus homers in a full season again has some risk involved.

2009

Hamilton emerged as an early-season MVP candidate before an August swoon (.243/.333/.456) ended his campaign. He showed marked improvement against lefties (.801 OPS in 205 at-bats after hitting .208 with one homer in 72 at-bats in 2007) after struggling against them with the Reds. Hamilton will be the center of Texas' offense, and is a good bet to continue to improve given his home park and that he's just now entering his peak at age 27.

2008

Hamilton's 2007 season is a good illustration of why you never give up on premium talent, even if they've failed with multiple trials. Reds GM Wayne Krivsky may have his faults, but it's hard to dismiss his ability to find freely available talent. In addition to acquiring Hamilton in a trade through the Rule 5 draft, he's also gotten Brandon Phillips, Jeff Keppinger and Jared Burton for virtually free. While Hamilton is a wonderful story, he has to overcome a severe platoon split (he hit just .208 with one homer in 72 at-bats against lefties) and continuing health problems. Krivsky traded Hamilton to Texas for two starting pitchers, and his stats should benefit from another hitter's park. He'll start in center field, but he could be platooned.

2007

The 1999 No. 1 overall pick by Tampa Bay is getting a fresh start with the Reds after being taken in the Rule 5 draft. After serving a two year suspension for violating the league's drug policy, Hamilton's 2006 season was derailed by a knee injury. He could win a spot as a reserve outfielder with a strong spring.

2005

Hamilton missed all of 2004 due to a suspension after violating MLB's drug policy, a suspension that was extended in January 2005 to include the 2005 season. Since he hasn't played competitively since mid-2002 also due to injuries, he'll likely need a full year at either Double-A or Triple-A to get back into the swing of things.

2004

Hamilton has played less than 70 games in the last three season -- not each, but combined -- due to back and other injuries in 2001-02, and finally a major bout with depression that cost him all of last season. He can still hit (he had a decent spring in 2003 before things started unraveling), but he really needs to show it on the field very soon. If he's OK, he'll start at Triple-A in 2004, and the Rays will bring him to the bigs as soon as he gives them the slightest excuse to do so. However, he was suspended by MLB in February 2004, possibly for repeated failed drug tests; he won't have any roto value until the suspension is lifted, whenever that is.

2003

He's played less than 70 games over the last two years due to a variety of injuries, but when he's healthy, he can hit. Batted .303 with 14 homers in only 56 games at Single-A Bakersfield before undergoing rotator cuff surgery in July. Starts 2003 at either Double-A or Triple-A, and if he keeps hitting and stays healthy, he's on a fast track to the majors.