Fansided

Rangers fan applaud Jon Daniels shooting down Josh Hamilton rumors

By Mike Dyce

Aug 15, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Josh Hamilton (32) bats during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Josh Hamilton (32) bats during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Slugger Josh Hamilton was an integral part of the Texas Rangers’ two American League crowns and World Series appearances. When he left in free agency for the Los Angeles Angels, there was a sense of abandonment and betrayal by a man the fans had supported through thick and thin, including some substance abuse issues and relapses.

They booed him mercilessly in his return to Texas.

If you’re curious whether those feelings have died down over time, they haven’t. The Rangers held their annual fan fest and during a question and answer session a fan asked general manager Jon Daniels about rumors that Hamilton could be coming back to Arlington.

Fox Sports reported back in December that the Rangers had “exploratory” talks with the Angels about trading for Hamilton. It is worth noting that the Rangers were listed as just one of several teams that inquired about Hamilton in the report.

Daniels acted quickly to deny those rumors, and it brought about a whole bunch of cheers from Rangers fans in attendance.

From the Dallas Morning News:

"At Rangers Fan Fest on Saturday, general manager Jon Daniels was asked during a fan Q&A session what the chances were that Josh Hamilton would return to the Rangers.“Small,” Daniels responded.The response drew a laugh and then a round of applause from the crowd.“A rather popular sentiment,” said Rangers announcer Tom Grieve, who was moderating the Q&A."

Part of the reason the Angels were able to pry Hamilton away was a willingness to give him more money and time.

Given Hamilton’s age and past, there were concerns about his durability. The Rangers might have gambled correctly. With the Angels Hamilton is batting .255, a big drop off from his .305 average in Texas.

More from FanSided

Home/MLB