So, Josh Hamilton.

**ca4cy** · 05-09-2012, 09:52 AM

When healthy, he's one of the elite baseball players I've seen in a long time. The problem is that his body is an old 31, and he's yet to show the ability to stay healthy for 150+ games a year. The guy is a stud and there's always a stupid team willing to throw huge money, but given his off the field history and at least a couple relapses, I'm not sure how much leverage he has.

It sounds like he's asking for 5 years, which is better than 7-10, but I'm sure the $$ will add up fast. After his performance in the HR derby at Yankee Stadium a couple years ago and the way the fans took to him there, I won't be the least bit suprised if the Yanks are in this thing. That will drive the price big-time.

**Hawkeye11en1** · 05-09-2012, 09:57 AM

I knew I should have never started Arieta against the Rangers. Live and learn!

**cyhiphopp** · 05-09-2012, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by CyCy

In one of the Cubs all time bad moves they drafted Josh Hamilton in the Rule 5 draft and then sold him to the Reds for $50,000 net. I guess they used that money to pay for about 4 innings of Soriano's contract.

As a Cub fan I don't really regret that decision too much. There was absolutely NO guarantee that he wouldn't crash and burn. And who knows, the situation may not have worked out at all with the Cubs.

I remember hearing that he basically had a babysitter for the first few years to make sure he didn't relapse.

It would have been nice if they had given him a shot, but they'd probably be in the position where they would have to pay too much to keep him and there is always the risk that he will get injured or relapse.

The best scenario for the Cubs would have been to give him a shot, and if he succeeded, sell as soon as his stock got high enough for a decent return.

**cybsball20** · 05-09-2012, 10:46 AM

I don't think the injury problems with Hamilton have to do with him being an "old" body, but rather of going hard all the time. Alot of his injuries are from flat out going hard, much like Griffey in his younger years.

**tm3308** · 05-09-2012, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by cybsball20

I don't think the injury problems with Hamilton have to do with him being an "old" body, but rather of going hard all the time. Alot of his injuries are from flat out going hard, much like Griffey in his younger years.

This. That's another reason I love watching Hamilton play.

**ca4cy** · 05-09-2012, 11:31 AM

Originally Posted by cybsball20

I don't think the injury problems with Hamilton have to do with him being an "old" body, but rather of going hard all the time. Alot of his injuries are from flat out going hard, much like Griffey in his younger years.

I agree that the guy plays extremely hard and that causes most of his problems, but you can't tell me that some of the stuff he put through his body when he was an addict didn't at least have some adverse effect on muscles, joints, ligaments etc.

**BigJCy** · 05-11-2012, 10:08 PM

Guy hit another bomb tonight. Baseball must look like a beach ball to him right now.

**enisthemenace** · 05-11-2012, 10:14 PM

Originally Posted by BigJCy

Guy hit another bomb tonight. Baseball must look like a beach ball to him right now.

The thing has always looked like a beach ball to him. If it weren't for the mental aspect, there would be absolutely no ceiling for him, in terms of known baseball statistics. He's as physically gifted as anyone who has ever played the game.

**BigJCy** · 05-11-2012, 10:34 PM

Originally Posted by enisthemenace

The thing has always looked like a beach ball to him. If it weren't for the mental aspect, there would be absolutely no ceiling for him, in terms of known baseball statistics. He's as physically gifted as anyone who has ever played the game.

Alright, Hamilton is not human. Just hit his 2nd homer of the night. Now has 17 on the season.