During the years 2008-2012, Josh Hamilton was a star player with the Texas Rangers, albeit one with a struggling personal life. He faced issues with drugs and alcohol but seemed to be on the upswing with winning an MVP award and turning his free agency into a 5-year contract, worth $125 million with the Los Angeles Angels in 2012. His latest drug/alcohol relapse, however, resulted in a loophole that allowed the Angels who didn't want him anymore after the failed experiment to be able to trade him with the Rangers.
Even with the reported failed drug or alcohol test, Hamilton had much control over where the Angels were allowed to shop him, because of the no-trade clause in his contract. The Rangers were happy to allow him to return with general manager Jon Daniels, telling the Dallas News:
"At the end of the day, this is was a pretty easy decision for us. This is about a player we think can be productive and help us win games. A healthy Josh Hamilton in a good state of mind -- where we believe he is - can help our offense and help us win baseball games. It was nothing more, nothing less, a pretty easy decision from a baseball standpoint."
The Rangers should be able to find out what version of Hamilton they will be getting once he returns from dealing with a shoulder injury. Hamilton just recently had an extended batting practice with Texas pitcher Matt Harrison throwing to him. Fox Sports Southwest has Harrison praising the work ethic of Hamilton,
"He looked good...He's working his tail off in every aspect out here."
If the Rangers manage to get some solid years out of Hamilton, with him cleaning up his personal life in the meantime, it will make this deal a win-win for both parties.
What do you think of the return to Texas for troubled slugger Hamilton? Will he be able to continue to clean up his act? Tell us what you think in the comment field below.
© 2024 Classicalite All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
