FanPost

Poll: Is Hamilton worth the risk?

"After he's endured an extremely long career detour from baseball caused by drugs, alcohol and injuries, can former overall No. 1 pick Josh Hamilton ever reach his potential?

The Reds decided it was worth the risk to find out.

The usually mundane proceedings of Thursday's Rule 5 Draft at the Winter Meetings took an interesting turn when the Cubs selected Hamilton from Tampa Bay with the third pick of the day. Chicago turned around and dealt the 25-year-old outfielder to the Reds for cash considerations.

Under the Rule 5 provisions, Hamilton must stay on Cincinnati's 25-man Major League roster for the entire season, or be offered back to Tampa Bay for $25,000."

Interesting.  I've always felt bad for this guy.  Hopefully he can turn his life around and be productive.

Do you think he's worth the risk?