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Irked Josh Hamilton starts new life with Angels

 
Tampa Bay Times
Published Dec. 16, 2012

ANAHEIM, Calif. — "A little upset" because the Ran­gers didn't move quick enough to re-sign him, Josh Hamilton donned an Angels jersey after finalizing a $125 million, five-year deal he called a new chapter in his life on Saturday.

"I started off with the Devil Rays, and now I'm an Angel," said Hamilton, whom the Rays took No. 1 overall in 1999

The outfielder, 31, the 2010 AL MVP, joins a lineup with Albert Pujols and rookie of the year Mike Trout. In 2012, he had a career-high 43 homers and hit .285 with 128 RBIs.

"To get a guy like Josh and combine him with Albert is going to give us building blocks for what we hope is years to come," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "We can't wait."

Neither could the dozens of Angels fans who lined up outside the restaurant where Hamilton was introduced. The team set up a table for ticket sales, and he signed autographs.

Hamilton agreed to the deal Wednesday. Rangers GM Jon Daniels said then that he hoped to re-sign Hamilton and was disappointed that he didn't get a chance to match the offer.

"I gave them everything I had for five years," Hamilton said. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little upset they didn't put the press on."

Hamilton's wife, Katie, compared the situation to dating.

"If you're going to date someone, you make it known and official pretty quick," she said. "They let us date other teams. Josh had said he would give them first chance, and they didn't (make a move)."

Hamilton interjected, saying, "She said, 'You should have put a ring on it.' "

MLB.com reported the contract is backloaded. Hamilton will make $15 million in 2013 and 2014, $23 million in 2015 and $30 million in 2016 and 2017. It also includes a $10 million signing bonus, a $2 million donation to charity and a full no-trade cause.

Hamilton was considered a risk by some teams because of his history of alcohol and substance abuse that led to him never playing in the majors for the Rays. He had relapses with alcohol in January and 2009.

"They're going to help me with my support system to put things in place that I had with the Rangers," Hamilton said; "nothing that is straining the organization or the clubhouse."

Angels owner Arte Moreno said there's no special protection in the contract if he relapses. Shayne Kelley, who worked in a support role for Hamilton in Texas, will be a daily presence with the team, according to GM Jerry Dipoto.

Said Dipoto: "We've done our fair share of due diligence."

Dickey trade: The Mets are close to a seven-player deal that would send NL Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey to the Blue Jays, the New York Post reported. Among the four going to New York would be touted minor-league catcher Travis d'Arnaud. Dickey, 38, has not discussed an extension with Toronto, espn.com reported. He is set to make $5 million in 2013, the final year of his deal, and reportedly sought a two-year extension worth $26 million. The Mets reportedly offered $20 million.

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Phillies: Pitchers Mike Adams and John Lannan agreed to deals. Adams, 34, a right-hander expected to be a setup man, agreed to a two-year, $12 million deal. He went 5-3 with a 3.27 ERA last season for the Rangers. Lannan, 28, a left-hander, agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million deal. He went 4-1 with a 4.13 ERA in six starts last season for the Nationals.