Los Angeles Angels: Why Josh Hamilton is Overrated
By Connor Muldowney
@Connormuldowney
Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Josh Hamilton is one of those guys that earned himself a boatload of money with a couple of solid seasons. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good player, but he is great? Not in my opinion.
It’s not often you see a guy earn a five-year, $123 million contract after just six years in the majors who is already past the veteran age of 30. The 32-year-old superstar is a good player and he has proven that, hitting a career .296, approaching 200 homers and 600 RBI in his seventh MLB season.
With plenty of off-field issues, Hamilton was considered a liability to sign, especially at his age, for the Los Angeles Angels. However, it has been looking like money is no issue for the Angels as they signed aging superstar Albert Pujols the season before.
Back to the point. While I do believe Hamilton is a solid player that even I would love to have on the team that I root for, he’s not as good as advertised. Yes, he’s hit over 30 homers and 100 RBI three times in his first six seasons, but it’s what he has been doing since signing the monumental contract that has people scratching their heads and second-guessing.
Hamilton is hitting just .218 with 10 home runs and 28 RBI through 75 games this season. On pace to finish with his lowest totals as a pro in nearly every category, you have to be wondering if this is the beginning of his downfall or just a rough year.
Players have bad seasons all the time, but his last two seasons have been a bit of an indication of a struggling hitter. He did have a .285 average and over 40 home runs last season, but his 162 strikeouts made him one of the league leaders in that category and were 36 more than he’s ever had in a season.
The 2013 season hasn’t been much better thus far. Hamilton already has 80 strikeouts through 75 games– on pace to break his previous career-high.
Not sure if this is a sign of future struggles or not, but either way, Hamilton was not worth the money. Sorry, Angels fans.
Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
Giants Should Trade For Kirk Nieuwenhuis
After missing out on Ben Zobrist, the San Francisco Giants should turn their attention to Kirk Nieuwenhuis to fill their left field void. Read More
Top 5 Blue Jays' Pitching Prospects In 2015
The Toronto Blue Jays gave a couple of their pitching prospects a chance in the majors at the end of 2014, so they expect to play a role in the 2015 season, but there is not much more in the pipeline. Read More
5 Players the Oakland A's Should Still Trade
The Oakland Athletics have been active this offseason, but here are five players they should still be looking to trade. Read More
Toronto Blue Jays Miss Out On Ben Zobrist
The Toronto Blue Jays' infield continues to pose a hole at 2B after missing out on trade for Ben Zobrist. Read More
Colorado Rockies: 5 Players That Could Be Traded
The Colorado Rockies need to re-tool to have any hope of becoming a playoff contender. On that note, here are five players they should still be looking to trade. Read More
Zobrist, Escobar Trade Makes A's Contenders
The Oakland Athletics continue to make a splash in the offseason by trading for Ben Zobrist and Yunel Escobar from the Tampa Bay Rays. Read More
5 Players The Braves Should Trade For
The Atlanta Braves have a lot more moves to make before the start of the season. Take a look at these players the Braves should consider trading for. Read More
Tigers Need A Break Out Season From Shane Greene
With multiple uncertainties in the starting rotation, it would be huge if the Detroit Tigers could get a breakout season out of newcomer Shane Greene. Read More
Tampa Bay Rays: 5 Players They Could Still Trade
With the Tampa Bay Rays heading into a transitional season, here are five players they should still look to trade. Read More
Assessing the SF Giants' 2015 25-Man Roster
The San Francisco Giants aren't as dangerous on paper as they were a season ago. Read More
Going Home To Blue Jays May Be What Axford Needs
It has been a long time since John Axford has been great. With a need for bullpen help, the Toronto Blue Jays should take a chance on him. Read More
Shields Would Be Best Ace Add For Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly interested in adding an ace, and signing James Shields would be the best way for them to do so. Read More