Josh Hamilton Trades in His Halo for a Cowboy Hat

Post date: May 9, 2015 3:27:28 AM

Well, things have come full circle for Josh Hamilton. Hamilton was traded back to the Texas Rangers for cash considerations. While I realize this entry regarding the issue is a little late, I wanted to wait until the storm passed before I made my comments.

For those who read my entry when Hamilton was acquired, I questioned the Angels' organization's ability to handle Hamilton's off field issues. I inquired as to how they would react should Hamilton have a relapse of is well documented substance abuse problem. I guess I got my answer. The Angels were unable to handle that which was a well-known possibility. Trading him back to a division rival, while being responsible for all but $15,000,000 of Hamilton's $125,000,000 contract.

Why would the Angels' organization take the risk of basically giving Hamilton back to a team where he has had success? The Angels are essentially taking the risk of a player beating them and paying him to do so. It doesn't make sense. When the trade was being negotiated, the Angels pulled all of Hamilton's merchandise from the team store even before the trade was completed. A head scratcher indeed.

Before one starts feeling sorry for Hamilton, I believe that he should be held responsible for this fiasco as well. Hamilton stated during the Rangers press conference that his support system was not as good with Angels as it was with the Rangers. According to Los Angeles times, Mike Scioscia responded to Hamilton's remarks. The Angels' longtime manager stated that it was Hamilton himself who decided to downsize his support system while in Anaheim, relying almost exclusively on his soon-to-be ex-wife Katie Hamilton, family, and close friends.

Neither side is completely responsible for the circus, both parties have responsibilities as to how the situation turned out. The Angels have been punched in the gut, but they can't say, that they were blindsided and didn't see it coming. My hope of this entire situation is that it doesn't come back and bite them in the end.

For the Rangers' fan perspective on the situation please visit "One Strike Away Twice" on the MLBlogs network. http://40yearrangerfan.mlblogs.com/2015/04/27/its-josh-its-gonna-be-something-weird/

-ICE

related articles:http://angels.mlblogs.com/2012/12/13/josh-hamilton-trades-in-his-cowboy-hat-for-a-halo

http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-angels-manager-mike-scioscia-comments-on-josh-hamilton-press-conference-20150428-story.html