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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.