On February 17th, Major League Baseball suspended Tampa Bay outfield prospect Josh Hamilton until at least March 19th for violation of the League's Joint Drug Treatment and Prevention Program. In order for baseball to lift the suspension, Hamilton must not test positive for drugs during the suspension. The length of the suspension indicates Hamilton more than once tested positive for a banned substance considered more severe than marijuana. This policy covers traditional illegal drugs and is separate from the MLB policy regarding steroids and similar substances.

Hamilton disappeared in late March of 2003, reappearing in May to announce that he was taking a personal leave to deal with private matters unrelated to baseball. The Devil Rays placed Hamilton on the restricted list. Rumors of a drug problem surrounded the announcement but the gossip was unconfirmed. Hamilton seemed optimistic that he would be able to put his personal problems behind him this spring, but this suspension once again brings them to the forefront and delays his further development as a player.

Tampa Bay drafted Hamilton out of high school with the first overall pick in the first round of the 1999 draft. He was making headway through the minors when he needed knee surgery late in the 2000 season. In the spring of 2001, Hamilton was involved in a car accident that led to further health problems, including a back problem that he underwent surgery to correct after the 2001 season. Shoulder surgery ended his 2002 season in July.

Given the 22-year-old's limited experience prior to his extended absence from the game, I think the Devil Rays would be wise to place him at least as low as AA when he returns. Even if he goes all the way back to A+, Hamilton may make his major league debut in September, since Tampa Bay isn't opposed to fast tracking players. Despite his health problems, Hamilton's considered highly athletic. He excels defensively and possesses considerable power and speed skills. The left-handed hitter's plate discipline concerns me, as it hasn't been a strong suit, and he appears susceptible to becoming mired in a slump once down. However, his walk rate was improving in his last substantial minor league stint. While Hamilton's personal and health problems pose obstacles, his youth leaves open the possibility he still could develop into a talented major league player, particularly if he's allowed to master the minors before he advances to the big leagues.

The Devil Rays already moved RHP Seth McClung to the 60-day disabled list in order to create an opening on their 40-man roster. McClung underwent Tommy John surgery in late June of 2003. The 23-year-old hopes to begin throwing off a mound in a couple weeks, but he won't be prepared to pitch regularly when the season opens. Since McClung broke camp with Tampa Bay in 2003, many have assumed he'll be back in the majors as soon as he's recovered from the surgery. However, he completely bypassed AAA on the way to the big leagues and with RHP Danys Baez now in position as the Devil Rays' closer, Tampa Bay may want McClung to gather experience as a starter in the minors. I think the Devil Rays will be disappointed in the results if they try to rush him back to the majors even as a reliever.

Tampa Bay claimed RHP John Webb off waivers from the Cubs this week. Chicago attempted to pass Webb through waivers after he broke his right leg in a recent accident. The injury occurred when the Florida native fell down stairs while chasing his dog.

The Cubs drafted Webb out of community college with a 19th round pick in the 1999 draft. Webb underwent Tommy John surgery in 2001, and while looked okay in 2002, he struggled in his first full season at AA last year. His fractured fibula is expected to keep him out until at least June. The 24-year-old could still develop into an acceptable starter if brought slowly through AA and AAA, though he probably won't be in position to contribute more than a couple of starts before 2006. Conversely, the Devil Rays could choose to have him move to relief, potentially allowing him to advance quickly through the minors and into a position to contribute to Tampa Bay's bullpen in 2005. He's a decent gamble for the Devil Rays, but I'm not going to chastise Chicago for trying to slip him off their roster given the Cubs' pitching depth.

Webb's injury was one among a couple for Chicago recently. SS-R Nate Frese also broke the fibula in his right leg and dislocated his right ankle in an accident in an ATV on his Iowa Farm. Frese may miss the entire season. The Cubs drafted Frese out of the University of Iowa with a 10th round pick in 1998. He progressed steadily through the minors, but despite decent plate discipline, he's never displayed much offensive prowess. The 26-year-old possesses only marginal speed and power skills and hasn't even been able to hit for average, so he isn't on Chicago's 40-man roster. Unless the Iowa native simply wants to remain in the Cubs' organization in order to stay close to home while playing at AAA, I suspect he'll move on as a minor league free agent next off-season.

Meanwhile, 2B/3B-R Brandon Harris underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee last week. The 23-year-old credited over-training as the cause of the injury. Recovery from the surgery is expected to take between four and six weeks. Chicago drafted Harris out of the College of William and Mary with a fifth round pick in 2001. He's advanced smoothly through the organization and should spend 2004 at AAA Iowa in the Pacific Coast League once he's recovered from this procedure. Harris complements solid plate discipline with modest power and speed, making him a strong candidate for the Cubs' second base job in 2005 provided he does well at AAA this year.