The element of surprise often produces positive results in baseball. Former Athens Drive High star Josh Hamilton, a hitter with prodigious power, had one of those moments on Wednesday.
Hamilton, a Texas Rangers outfielder, laid down a bunt for a base hit in the first inning of an exhibition game against the San Diego Padres.
"I'll do it as many times as they play me back," Hamilton told MLB.com. "Maybe not in a situation where it's a tie game but if we're a couple of runs down and need to get something started. I've been working on it in practice ... I'm a pretty good bunter.
"The last time I did it in the minor leagues I got fined $50."
Texas manager Ron Washington didn't mind his slugger laying one down. In fact, he kind of liked the idea.
"That can be a weapon for him," Washington said. "I hope he's smart enough to use it when they are giving it to him and we need a baserunner."
Hamilton, who led the American League in RBIs last year with 130, didn't have a bunt hit in 2008.
Maybe we'll see a couple this year if corner infielders play deep on him. But he'll be swinging away 99 percent of the time. And why not?
He's hitting .439 in 14 spring training games this year with three homers and 15 RBIs.
Last season, Hamilton's remarkable comeback from substance abuse problems that nearly cost the first-round pick his career was one of baseball's most compelling stores. Hamilton hit .304 with 32 homers, giving hope and a shining example to those who find themselves in the grip of drugs or alcohol.
