When "Josh Hamilton" became a trending topic on Twitter a few days ago, my mind started wandering. Did he and the Texas Rangers work out a new contract before Spring Training, per his preference? Did he get hurt in a freak accident and tear an ACL or something?
Unfortunately, it was worse.
Hamilton suffered his second relapse with alcohol in the past three years when he went out to Sherlock's in Dallas on Monday, Jan. 30.
It's a sad story for the Rangers and Hamilton, a recovering alcoholic who admitted he had a "moment of weakness" that night when he consumed quite a few drinks.
Hamilton called a press conference for Friday, one day after the news was leaked:
I'm so torn on the incident because he's such an easy guy to root for. I love how there was no script or statement involved with the presser. Just a sincere, honest and candid account of what took place on the night of the relapse. He didn't drink and drive, didn't harm anyone and didn't cause much of a fuss at the bar.
No laws were broken. That's kind of what makes the situation so scary. Hamilton can't afford to have these weak moments. Not a recovering alcoholic. One slip-up and you make yourself susceptible to trouble and awaken dark demons that have no sympathy for Hamilton's remarkable journey and inspiring story.
Hamilton and the Rangers seemed to have set aside talks of a contract extension after the news was released. Probably not a bad idea.
I want Hamilton to succeed. I'd still love for him to be a Texas Ranger after he becomes a free agent following the 2012 season. But only for the right price.
It's going to be one of the most interesting contract negotiations I can ever remember because of the uncertainty surrounding the terms. Who in their right mind would offer, say, six years and $150 million? Not for someone who's 31 and just relapsed.
Hopefully, Rangers general manager Jon Daniels can craft a deal heavy on incentives and stipulations. Basically something like, if you relapse again during any point of the contract, we reserve the right to void it. Not sure contracts can be written like that, but that's how the Rangers could protect themselves.
Hamilton hasn't played a full season since 2008 because of numerous injuries from his admirable, yet dangerous all-out playing style. He remains a massive risk, and he didn't do himself any favors by making the news for all the wrong reasons last week.
Yet I still find myself pulling for a deal to be struck that appeases both sides. I'm just not sure if it will be possible.
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