Show Josh Hamilton some love

In various social circles there phrase “you can’t go home again” is sometimes uttered.

Within select baseball circles, former Los Angeles Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton is putting that theory to the test.

Late April, there was escalating chatter that there might be a trade in place where the Angels could trade troubled outfielder Josh Hamilton back to the Texas Rangers.

The trade became official . Hamilton will be giving up roughly $6 million of more than $80 million left on the $125 million, five-year contract he had originally signed in December of 2012.

In essence, the Angels are paying the Rangers $68 million to have their hands washed clean of Hamilton. Baseball fans and the media have been dissecting and analyzing the lengths the Angels are going to to rid themselves of the 33-year-old slugger. The New York Yankees are on of a few teams that would understand the Angels predicament. The Yankees would have paid $61 million to third baseman Alex Rodriguez for him to leave the Bronx.

This past winter it was reported that Hamilton opened about a relapse with his on-going battles with alcohol and drugs. In a statement made earlier this season by Angels GM Jerry Dipoto, he had the following to say:

"“The Angels have serious concerns about Josh’s conduct, health and behavior, and we are disappointed that he has broken an important commitment which he made to himself, his family, his teammates and our fans.”"

The Angels’ management obviously felt that Hamilton’s actions were not justified and he went down the wrong path to try an mend things. There appears to be disharmony between the Angels and Hamilton. The only way to fix things was to cut him free and have him play elsewhere.

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Anyone, in sports or in life, who has battled addictions of any kind know how difficult it can be to resist the harmful act. Family and friends of that loved one would hope that their heartfelt words of encouragement and nudging to the troubled person would be of comfort. Their words are said in the hope that it would draw the person to seek some sort of professional help and stay away from the addictive behavior.

If you look back at Dipoto’s comment above, does that sound like someone who’s standing behind Hamilton? It certainly doesn’t sound that way to me. To me, it sounds like Dipoto’s words could tempt Hamilton more after that quote to drown himself in the addictive behavior. Dipoto doesn’t seem to show love and support to his player.

Josh Hamilton returning to Texas could be a great move. The Texas Rangers are aware of his addictions. When Hamilton was on his game, he played fantastic for fans in Arlington. Perhaps the Rangers will show love and respect to Hamilton and provide him with the resources and professional counseling.

In all substance abuse programs you are taught that you must admit you have a problem and are powerless over your addictions. You are also taught that you must forgive those who have harmed you and make amends to them all.