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Reds' Hamilton to start in majors

Josh Hamilton's red equipment bag was in the moving van. Team buses were outside the Reds clubhouse.

By EDUARDO A. ENCINA
Published March 31, 2007

SARASOTA - Josh Hamilton's red equipment bag was in the moving van. Team buses were outside the Reds clubhouse.

It had happened. Hamilton made the major-league roster and was traveling to Cincinnati as the team broke camp Friday.

"It's a dream come true; first of all just to get back to play baseball again," said Hamilton, with his wife, Katie, at his side. "For this to happen, it really couldn't be written any better. We're excited and a little anxious to get there and get the awe or shock over with. We're looking forward to it at the same time, hopefully soak it in."

Hamilton, the top overall pick by the Rays in 1999, benefitted from injuries to outfielders Chris Denorfia and Norris Hopper, but he helped his case by hitting .391 this spring.

Last season, he played 21 games for the Rays' short-season Class A team after a drug suspension that kept him out of the game since 2003. In the offseason, he was selected by the Cubs in the Rule 5 draft, then traded to the Reds.

Monday, the Reds open at home against the Cubs (2 p.m., WGN).

"I think it will sink in opening day, when there are 40,000 fans there and they introduce the team for the first time," the 25-year-old centerfielder said.

"Just the atmosphere is going to be a little different. As far as playing-wise, it will be the same. I'm not worrying about statistics, which I didn't do this spring. I'm not trying to overdo it. I'm just having fun and playing hard."

Asked what he expects in the majors, Hamilton said, "I have no clue. Honest answer. It's a different world. Whatever comes, we'll handle it and try to make the best out of whatever the situation is. I just feel blessed that I have this opportunity to go up to Cincinnati."

[Last modified March 30, 2007, 22:47:00]