Mark Hamilton

2013

There was no outlook written for Mark Hamilton.

2012

The backup to Albert Pujols generally doesn't play much, and Hamilton was no exception last year. He spent three stints with the Cardinals and only got 47 at-bats, and his inactivity in the majors probably contributed to his absence of power in the minors. After hitting 18 home runs in 258 at-bats for Triple-A Memphis in 2010, he had just two dingers in nearly the same amount in 2011. On the plus side, he did hit .345 with 26 doubles and improved his BB:K ratio to 42:44 (from 35:70), so it's possible that he was just trying to change his game a little. He's 27, though, so there's not much time left.

2011

The backup first base job in St. Louis has to be one of the worst jobs in baseball. Hamilton is 26 and has great power, but as long as Albert Pujols is around, he's not going to make a splash with the Cardinals. He could have a good future as a DH in the American League, but that will require a departure from the Cards in the form of a trade or eventual release should they need a more versatile bench option in his place.

2010

The 25-year-old Hamilton has slowly been making his way up the Cardinals system for four years, finally reaching Triple-A last year after showing his mastery in Double-A with a .307/.421/.521 line. He held his own in Memphis, showing some mild power, and he may be ready for the majors soon, but there's a certain guy blocking his path in St. Louis.

2007

A 2006 second-round pick with great power, Hamilton came out of the gate quickly with eight HR in 106 at-bats in the New York-Penn League. He struggled a bit when he was promoted to the Low-A Midwest League, hitting only three homers and striking out 32 times in 142 at-bats. The Cardinals expect him to move up the ladder quickly, but with Albert Pujols blocking his way at first base, he may follow the Chris Duncan path to the majors.