Josh's story

Former Rays phenom Josh Hamilton, traded from the Reds to the Rangers during the winter, is offering more and more details of just how far he fell due to drugs and alcohol, and seems to find more and more strength in his faith,  and Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News does a nice job capturing Josh's story.

Josh Hamilton cleared to play

Josh Hamilton, the No. 1 overall pick of the 1999 draft who has been suspended since February 2004 because of persistent drug and alcohol problems, has been cleared by Major League Baseball to play. He is expected to join the Devil Rays’ short-season Class A team at Hudson Valley (N.Y.).

Hamilton, who spent two weeks working out at the Naimoli Complex during extended spring training, has been waiting to hear if he can take the next step in his comeback. “It feels awesome,” Hamilton said. “It’s what I’ve been looking for. I’m very excited to get started.”

Hamilton, 25, says he has been clean since October and is drug tested three times a week.

--Damian Cristodero, Times staff writer

Outside the lines

ESPN's Outside the Lines show on Wednesday night (actually Thursday at 1:40 a.m.) focuses on the comeback of troubled Devil Rays prospect Josh Hamilton and the issues top prospects face. ESPN presents an interview with Hamilton and his wife, outfielder Carl Crawford and St. Pete Times beat writer Marc Topkin.