Hidalgo’s powerful bat, good instincts in the outfield and powerful arm had some Astros officials predicting a Sammy Sosa-like career. Unfortunately, pain from a congenital knee defect hampered the Venezuelan’s development. His injury-riddled 1999 campaign was finally cut short due to surgery needed to clear cartilage from under the kneecap, opening the door for 21-year-old Lance Berkman. But Hidalgo finally proved his talent in 2000 when, healthy at last, he put up a .314 batting average and smacked 44 round-trippers.
