Josh Hamilton Expects to File for Free Agency

Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton hasn’t exactly had what you’d consider to be a dream offseason.  Instead of signing a lucrative contract extension with the Rangers, Hamilton endured a much publicized relapse and made several comments that have drawn the ire of the media and fans alike.  Now, with Spring Training underway, Hamilton has said that, while his loyalty remains with the Rangers, he expects to file for free agency following the season.

Hamilton was back in front of the microphones yesterday trying to explain comments he made late last week.  During said sound bite, Hamilton told reporters that he didn’t owe the Rangers anything.

His comments have irritated Rangers fans and members of the baseball community, but it’s hard to argue with what most agree Hamilton was trying to say.  The four-time All-Star wanted to make it clear that he didn’t feel he owed his team a hometown discount.  This is something that many players have said in the past.  Heck, several guys have already made this point clear this offseason.

But it was how Hamilton went about making his statement that rubbed people the wrong way.  To say you don’t owe the team that pays your mega-salary (in the context of the everyday worker) and employs you to play the game you love is certain to do that.

So Hamilton made things clearer yesterday, indicating that he’s a Ranger first.  Hamilton said that he’d love to remain in Texas, and, in the words of the 2010 AL MVP, if he does hit the free agent market next offseason the Rangers will get a chance “to do what they need to do” to keep him.

Hamilton added that he’s not going to set a deadline on contract discussions; his only stipulation is that he’s not involved in negotiations once the season begins.  Hamilton said he trusts his agent to do right by him without feeling like he has to be by his side through the entire process.

All that Hamilton will be focused on is his production on the field in 2012.  Hamilton finished by clarifying the statements he made a few days ago, saying what he owes “the Rangers is 100 percent on the field, 100 percent in the clubhouse and 100 percent to the fans”.

For more on the Rangers, be sure to check out Nolan Writin’.

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