Devil Rays’ Hamilton takes step forward
Josh Hamilton was nervous each time he walked into the batting cage.
It didn’t stop him from putting on a power display Friday that illustrated why Tampa Bay took the troubled outfielder with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 draft.
Whether he makes it to the majors, that remains to be seen.
Hamilton has been on Major League Baseball’s restricted list the last two seasons. The 25-year-old outfielder was suspended in February 2004 for violating baseball’s drug policy, and hasn’t played since July 2002 because of injuries and unspecified personal issues.
Hamilton joined the Devil Rays extended spring training program and hit 12 home runs – including several tape-measure shots – in his first batting practice session. He received permission Thursday to participate in extended spring workouts, but remains ineligible to play in minor or major league games.
“My stomach was going,” Hamilton said. “It feels like day one all around. It feels like I’ve got to start at the beginning again. That’s the attitude I’m taking toward it. The drive I have right now is unbelievable.”
Hamilton is expected to play in some extended spring training games during the next couple of weeks. There is no timetable for when baseball will clear him to play in minor league games.
“It’s a great first step for Josh,” Tampa Bay executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. “There’s still a long way to go.”
Cards delay Edmonds move
St. Louis delayed making a move with injured Jim Edmonds, at least for the weekend, although it added an outfielder to the roster.
Edmonds hasn’t played since Sunday and hasn’t started in a week because of what the team described as a mild to moderate abdominal strain. He visited a specialist in sports hernias on Wednesday, who ruled out that injury.
The Cardinals got good news on injured Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter.
The right-hander went on the DL with bursitis in his shoulder Tuesday and is due to return to the rotation next week after passing his second bullpen session in four days. Carpenter threw an extended session and just like earlier in the week reported no physical issues.
Torrealba makes Rockies debut
Yorvit Torrealba’s eyes got wide and his biceps got big after he was traded from Seattle to Colorado last winter.
Expecting to become the Rockies’ starting catcher, Torrealba bulked up with the help of a personal trainer, but the added muscle and reduced mobility resulted in a strained throwing shoulder that required two months of rehab.
Torrealba was finally activated from the 15-day DL and was in the starting lineup against Florida.
Clearing the bases
Houston optioned struggling left-hander Mike Gallo to Triple-A Round Rock and called up right-hander Chris Sampson. The Astros also moved Jeff Bagwell to the 60-day disabled list. … San Diego left-hander Shawn Estes decided to have reconstructive left elbow surgery after consulting with three doctors and will miss the rest of this season and possibly the start of the 2007 season. … San Francisco placed catcher Mike Matheny on the 15-day disabled list with a concussion, and recalled catcher Eliezer Alfonzo from Double-A Connecticut.