Galloway: Josh Hamilton might be Rangers’ best prospect ever

How soon they drop Shelton McMath from the equation…

Even so, not once in spring training since the Texas portion of the franchise’s history began in 1972 can I remember one player so quickly captivating teammates and team officials because of his ample display of skills.

Juan Gonzalez as a 19-year-old rookie was something to see. So was Pudge at the same age. Hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo, a longtime Rangers’ employee, called Ruben Sierra “the most polished young player I’ve ever seen.”

But after working with Hamilton this spring, Rudy Jaramillo noted, “This kid is off the charts when it comes to the complete package of talent.”

Manager Ron Washington, a baseball lifer, dealt with some immense talent that came through the A’s system. “For having all the skills, I never saw one like Josh,” he said. “He has all the somethings you are looking for. Now we’ve got to find out what it all means.”

..."I’ve never worked with anyone who can hit a baseball as far as Josh can,” said Jaramillo, “and I’ve had some big bombers along the way. Just nothing like him.”

Rangers catcher Gerald Laird was speaking of Hamilton on Tuesday, and he was stuck for the proper description. “I see him do something, and go, ‘Wow.’ About five times a day, I say, ‘Wow.’”