The headlines have the Angels trading Josh Hamilton to the Texas Rangers. I guess that’s correct technically, but the truth is the Halos are literally giving the troubled outfielder away. In return for saving a small percentage of Hamilton’s remaining salary, the Angels are receiving nothing in return. No prospect, no fringe Quad-A organizational guy, nothing.
So ends what was clearly a fractured relationship between Hamilton and Angels owner Arte Moreno. The contract proved to be an utter disaster for the Halos, and Moreno wanted him out of Anaheim at any cost.
I have no idea what Hamilton has left in the tank, if anything. My guess is he could look good in brief spurts, but that’s certainly not a likelihood long term. The simple fact of the matter is that Hamilton has a brittle body and the way I see it, his only chance to stay in the lineup is as a designated hitter. Put Hamilton in the outfield and he’s a big favorite to break down physically.
Regardless of whether the guy can still play at a big league level, he was a sight to behold for a short time. Hamilton is one of the most gifted talents you’ll ever see, and the proof of that is what he was able to accomplish in spite of missing all that time with his addiction issues before his career ever really got started.
I guess it’s a win/win for the teams involved. The Angels wanted him gone and the Rangers have nothing to lose as they’ve basically gotten Hamilton for free. I hope he can somehow stay healthy for a bit and can also find the strength to avoid another relapse. I wouldn’t bet on either to be perfectly honest, but aside from making lots of money, Hamilton has had some terrible luck and I figure he’s got a good break coming. Maybe this is it.
(One quick add here. I already know there are some readers who will say Hamilton made his own bed, so let him lay in it. Maybe so, but let’s not forget this whole addiction issue started with pain killers prescribed following an accident. And let’s also not forget that harrowing incident a few years back where Josh tossed a baseball to a dad and his kid attending a game. The toss was a little off, the fan toppled over a railing trying to catch it and got killed in the process. I don’t know how I’d handle something like that, and I’m not an addict.)