Josh Hamilton Signs With Angels
In a shocking and late breaking development, ESPN Dallas is reporting Josh Hamilton has agreed to terms with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for $125 million over 5 years.
ESPN Los Angeles reports that when Rangers General Manager Jon Daniels was asked about the signing after a holiday luncheon he simply replied:
” That’s accurate.”
At age 31 Hamilton is a career .304 hitter who spent his early years battling drug and alcohol addiction while in the Tampa Bay Rays organization. Hamilton entered rehab and in 2007 was picked by the Cincinnati Reds in the Rule 5 Draft. He was then traded in 2008 to the Texas Rangers and became the everyday center fielder.
In 2010 Josh Hamilton won the American League MVP Award, a testament to how far he had come in both his career and personal life.
However, after an inconsistent 2012 season marred by injury, an alcohol relapse and a dreadful postseason; doubt was cast on how much the Rangers wanted him back.
It turns out the Texas Rangers did want Hamilton back, but he did not want to return. Quoting Rangers beat writer Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
“Daniels wasn’t thrilled with the fact that the Rangers did not get an opportunity to match the Angels’ offer, something Hamilton said all along he would give them a chance to do.”
The Angels, who missed the playoffs a year after giving Albert Pujols a record contract have added another expensive free agent and hope to avoid another disappointment. Do you think this was the right move for Josh Hamilton and the Angels?
