Josh Hamilton won his arbitration case with MLB Friday and will not be suspended for reportedly admitting to the commissioner that he had a relapse over the offseason involving cocaine. His team, the Los Angeles Angels, are not happy about that.
“It defies logic that Josh’s reported behavior is not a violation of his drug program,” Angels president John Carpino told reporters.
The team, which is on the hook for $83 million over the next three seasons, expressed concern over Hamilton’s well being.
“The Angels have serious concerns about Josh’s conduct, health and behavior,” Angels GM Jerry Dipoto said, “and we are disappointed that he has broken an important commitment which he made to himself, his family, his teammates and our fans. We are going to do everything possible to assure he receives proper help for himself and for the well-being of his family.”
The outcome of the case resulted in mixed feelings for the Angels. On one hand, they’re happy that they might get the outfielder back for most of the season. On the other, had Hamilton been suspended by MLB, not only would they have been freed of part of their contractual obligation to him, but they also would have been happier seeing him forced to receive treatment.
This whole thing is just odd. How often do you see a team seem angry that their player was NOT suspended? That just goes to show you how dissatisfied they are with his production.
