Los Angeles Angels Look Bad In The Josh Hamilton Mess

The Los Angeles Angels entered the 2015 season as one of the favorites to contend for the World Series. We should be showering reigning AL MVP Mike Trout with praise as we witness the soon-to-be new face of baseball take the field. Trout became the youngest player to hit 100 home runs and steal 100 bases on Friday night.

Instead media coverage has the Josh Hamilton mess hovering over the team. Hamilton admitted to officials that he relapsed on cocaine and alcohol in February. As the Angels awaited a decision, the 33-year-old slugger was recovering from shoulder surgery and was hoping to join his teammates once healthy. The decision came with no suspension handed down and the situation kept getting ugly by the day. According to reports, a solution may be on the horizon.

Sources: #Angels, Hamilton in talks aimed at resolving their dispute. A number of scenarios being explored, including trades. Nothing close.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 18, 2015

When the arbitrator ruled Hamilton would not be suspended, you’d think the Angels would be overjoyed that there star slugger would not be punished. Instead the Angels brass was disappointed. General Manager Jerry Dipoto said the Angels,”have serious concerns about Josh’s conduct, health and behavior.” They even questioned the “logic” of the arbitrator. MLB echoed their disgust at the decision. Did either one mention any help towards Josh?

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It seems the Angels have turned their back on Hamilton when he needs them now more than ever. Any substance-abuse problem is serious. The troubled player has had multiple issues with drugs and alcohol in the past. The Angels knew his checkered past before signing Hamilton to a 5-year $125 million contract. The way the organization is handling the matter; it seems that they were taken completely by surprise by the incident. They are at fault as much as Hamilton is.

Hamilton’s teammates have rallied behind him. An L.A. Times report says that teammates recently had lunch with him in Texas. They say he’s good to go. Angels Manager Mike Scioscia told MLB Network Radio that he is “frustrated” that Hamilton “is not getting enough help and support.” I would think the Angels would like to protect their investment. It seems they are more concerned in recouping their money instead of helping the outfielder. Hamilton is owed $83 million.

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Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reported that there is language inserted in Hamilton’s contract, which would allow the team to terminate the contract or convert the deal to non-guaranteed if the player was not in “first-class physical condition.” It just seems shady to me that the organization is not taking into account the player’s best interest. Yes, I understand he hasn’t lived up to his high price tag, but he hasn’t caused any trouble within the clubhouse to be painted as the bad guy. He needs help. Designated Hitter Alex Rodriguez went on a suing rampage against MLB and the New York Yankees for his treatment during the whole biogenesis scandal. He eventually served his yearlong suspension and is now trying to redeem what’s left of his career. This season the 39-year-old as hit three home runs and everything is all good again. I bring this up because C.J. Wilson said to Pedro Moura of the OC Register a week ago,

C.J. Wilson on Arte Moreno/Josh Hamilton: “If Josh was hitting .300 with 35 home runs a year, what’s the situation?”
— Pedro Moura (@pedromoura) April 11, 2015

More Wilson on Josh Hamilton situation: “If you’re good, you get away with everything. That’s all there is to it.”
— Pedro Moura (@pedromoura) April 11, 2015

Wilson brings up very valid points. Would the Angels be fighting this if Hamilton was outperforming his contract? In 2014, Hamilton hit 10 home runs with 44 RBI while hitting .263. A-Rod’s situation is comical to me in relation to Hamilton. Rodriguez eventually dropped the suits but even after he admitted his faults he went after them.