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Post by Sideshow Bob on Feb 10, 2011 14:16:56 GMT -6
Glad this got the whip story about Michael Young off the radar for at least a day... sports.espn.go.com/dallas/mlb/news/story?id=6108953ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Rangers have agreed with outfielder Josh Hamilton to a two-year contract through 2012, encompassing both of his remaining arbitration years.
Terms were not announced.
Hamilton is coming off an AL MVP season in which he hit 32 homers and had 100 RBIs to go along with a .359 batting average. A few weeks ago, the club and Hamilton exchanged figures and were $3.3 million apart. But after more discussions, they were able to bridge the gap before a hearing scheduled for Tuesday.
Hamilton said Monday that the club had thrown out the two-year contract possibility and that both sides were having better talks.
"If two years gets done, it's a plus and takes some of the stress off and this whole situation doesn't have to happen next year," Hamilton said Monday.
The new deal doesn't have to keep the two sides from talking about a longer-term deal, but it does mean they aren't under any pressure right now to do it.
Hamilton, who turns 30 in May, said earlier this week that he's gained back the 10 pounds that he lost during a bout with pneumonia in January. Hamilton spent six days in the hospital receiving treatment, but said he feels better and is working out in preparation for spring training.
Hamilton said he weighs 233 pounds but would like to gain five to seven more pounds.
"The reason I'd like to be heavier is you obviously lose weight when you play here in the summer months," Hamilton said Monday. |
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Post by Sideshow Bob on Feb 10, 2011 14:17:13 GMT -6
Also, it's very good that this didn't end up in arbitration.
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Post by matt51180 on Feb 10, 2011 19:40:31 GMT -6
Two years is a good length for him. He's an injury waiting to happen, so I'm glad there isn't a ton of money sunk into him. Plus he's streaky. I'm curious to see which Hamilton shows up. The MVP one or the 2009 version.
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Post by Sideshow Bob on Feb 11, 2011 7:38:46 GMT -6
Two years is a good length for him. He's an injury waiting to happen, so I'm glad there isn't a ton of money sunk into him. Plus he's streaky. I'm curious to see which Hamilton shows up. The MVP one or the 2009 version. yeah, that's a great point not having to tie him up long term was a good move |
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Post by Terd Ferguson on Feb 11, 2011 17:02:10 GMT -6
Nolan mentioned during the Cliff Lee negotiations that he is not a big fan of long term contracts. I think we'll see more 2-3 year deals. We may also see some guys get traded when their value is high. If Nolan and Daniels get the feel from a player like they won't extend here for 2-3 year deals, they may trade them (like Texiera).
I'm glad Josh is here. I think the more he plays and stays healthy, the more consistent he'll be.
I also think that he may not be as brittle as people think. Yeah, he partied hard when he was younger and abused his body, but now I bet he stays in better shape and doesn't do the whole staying out late and partying thing anymore. Because of that, thing will start to even out.
He was probably in terrible shape as a 26 yr old, compared to other 26 yr old professional athletes (in terms of being more prone to injury and recovery times). I bet he is one of the better 30 or 31 year olds in the next couple of years because he has left all that behind him and many of those guys still drink and party all night.
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Post by matt51180 on Feb 11, 2011 21:53:08 GMT -6
It wouldn't surprise me if Hamilton gets traded summer of 2012. Especially if he is on a down swing. The dude is aging in baseball years and is even older because of all the junk he put his body through during his drug phase.
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Post by Terd Ferguson on Feb 16, 2011 16:27:07 GMT -6
Living clean now though...don't be surprised to see him hold up better than Juando and guys like that who were juicing in their 20s.
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