Have The Angels Have Turned Their Back on Josh Hamilton?

Angels owner Arte Moreno told reporters on Friday that Josh Hamilton's contract contains language that prohibited him from using drugs or alcohol, according to the Orange County Register.

Prior to the start of the 2015 season, Hamilton admitted to Major League Baseball that he relapsed. Hamilton has battled drug and alcohol addiction for the majority of his professional career.

If Hamilton is in violation of his contract, the Angels could potentially get out of owing the outfielder the remaining $83 million he's under contract for.

“It's not about money, nothing about money,” Moreno said. “In our contract, there's language that he signed and that his agent approved that said he cannot drink and use drugs. So, we have specific language in the agreement. We have a couple other players who have the same language.”

The Angels were surprisingly critical of the MLB's decision to not suspend or punish Hamilton, who hit .263 with 10 home runs in 89 games in 2014.

It's terrible that the Angels are clearly just trying to rid themselves of a problem contract, without showing any compassion for the player. They knew what they were signing, and they went ahead with it — Moreno and Josh Hamilton shook hands in the introductory press conference.

All in all, it’s a really ugly situation on a number of different levels that’s being made worse and worse by Moreno every time he opens his mouth. The entire Angels organization is handling this as poorly as possible in terms of public relations, managing the clubhouse, and - most importantly - being decent human beings. There is a way to handle this unfortunate moment in Hamilton’s life, and this isn’t it. For the sake of everyone involved, I hope this is resolved quickly and quietly, but it appears this is going to get worse before it gets any better.

Christine O'Connor

@christineeeeO

Josh Hamilton Expected to be Suspended 25 Games for Drug Relapse

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton suffered a drug relapse involving the use of cocaine and alcohol in the offseason. When Hamilton realized a drug test, which is administered three times a week, would come out positive, he self-reported his relapse. 

​Image Credit: sportstalkflorida.com

Hamilton’s father-in-law, Michael Chadwick, who has previously counseled Hamilton over his substance issues, said the 33-year-old “hit a bump in the road, keep him in your prayers,” according to Newsday.

The Angels outfielder met with MLB officials in New York on Wednesday to discuss a “disciplinary issue,” according to the Los Angeles Times. Angels spokesman Tim Mead confirmed the meeting to the Associated Press.

 

Hamilton, 33, was out of baseball for nearly three years for his struggles with drugs and alcohol. He was suspended multiple times as a minor-leaguer. He came back with the Cincinnati Reds in 2007 and had five strong seasons with the Texas Rangers, in which he won an MVP in 2010. He joined the Angels in 2013 as a free agent with a $125 million contract.

One of the conditions of Hamilton's reinstatement in 2006 was that he undergo drug testing three times a week. He had alcohol relapses in 2009 and 2012, bouncing back in between to make back-to-back trips to the World Series with the Texas Rangers and win the 2010 American League MVP award.

It is very disappointing to see Josh Hamilton relapse. Seeing him sober up and make a little bit of a comeback was great to see for baseball fans. We are all pulling for him to get better. 

Christine O'Connor

@christineeeeO

Angel In The Outfield

There’s an Angel in the Outfield?

Los Angeles Angels center field, Mike Trout, was awarded the Most Valuable Player of the All-star Game on Tuesday night. The Millville Meteor of The American League excitedly won the game with a 5-3 box score. Trout went 2-for-3 with a double , a triple, a run scored and two runs. He tripled in a run in the first inning and then came around to score on Miguel Cabrera’s home run. He then excited the crowd with a game winning double in the fifth inning!

In leu of all the excitement going on he was united with his admirer, Derek Jeter, captain of the New York Yankees and partner in the AllStar games going for the MVP spot. While this was Derek Jeter’s final All-star Game, he commended Trout for his great work and was ecstatic for the fellow player. While Jeter is not being recognized as the most valuable player this time around, he was left with a standing ovation of commence from the fans inside and out of the arena, including Mike Trout. Jeter, 14 time All Star MVP of the 2000 game in Atlanta, will forever be recognized as a remarkable player. His 481 batting average and .517 on-base percentage are just behind Charlie Gehringer, the Detroit Tigers second baseman who hit .500 and got on base at a .655 clip in 29 plate appearances. Behind Willie Mays , Stan Musial, Ted Williams, and Nellie Fox Derek Jeter is tied for the fifth all-time in All-Star game hits. Jeter has had a pretty promising career and it is completely understandable as to why Trout might see him as an inspiration. Trout states that he was honored to play alongside of Jeter. 

At the age of 22, Trout is the second youngest player to be named All-Star game MVP behind Ken Griffey Jr. in 1992. Jeter leaves the field with a legacy and Trout is leaving as well with a MVP award to be proud of. The both have had an impactful night and not touched only their fans but their fellow team members as well, everyone is left with something to be proud of. Turns out there was more than one angel in the outfield, great work Jeter and congrats to you Mike Trout!