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Rays of hope?

By MARC TOPKIN

© St. Petersburg Times,
published June 5, 2001

Here is what the Rays have done with their first pick in each draft, and how the player has done:

(Year,Overall Pick,Player, pos)

1996, 29,Paul Wilder, OF

STATUS: Has a chance to be released without playing a full season at even Class A because of injuries and inconsistency.

(1997, 31, Jason Standridge, RHP)

STATUS: Moved impressively through system, though he's battling a bit at Triple A (3-4, 4.56). Should pitch in the majors this season.

1998, 4th rd,Josh Pressley, 1B

STATUS: Rays lost top three picks because of free agent signings. Pressley has hit for average but not power. Is at Double A this season.

1999, 1, Josh Hamilton, OF

STATUS: Consensus No. 1 pick is game's top prospect, but he started poorly at Double-A Orlando and has been out six weeks with a back injury.

2000, 6, Rocco Baldelli, OF

STATUS: Rays took best athlete, and he is off to a decent start at Class A Charleston, hitting .288.

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