Bad news for Josh Hamilton

I had Josh Hamilton ranked in my top 10 entering this season, but he hasn't belonged there. He was hitting only .240 with six home runs before the news that he'll be out 4-6 weeks following surgery for a torn abdominal muscle.

It's a shame, not just that he suffered an ufortunate injury when crashing into a wall a few weeks ago, but that he wasn't lighting the world on fire at the plate the way he did last year. It's surprising really, given that the Texas Rangers are in first place and their lineup is chock full of developing young hitters like Nelson Cruz, Ian Kinsler and Chris Davis. Imagine how scary the Rangers would be if Hamilton had been hitting at last year's level (.304, 32 HRs, 130 RBIs).

At this point, the best we can hope for as Hamilton owners - or owners of any Rangers hitter - is that he returns from surgery right on schedule (mid-July) and can revert to his 2008 form. Otherwise, we'll have to label him one of '09's biggest busts.