Thursday morning stuff

by Adam J. Morris on Feb 21, 2008 8:55 AM CST in News

Evan Grant has an item up today about the different atmosphere in the Rangers camp this spring, and talks about how Michael Young, Ian Kinsler, and Hank Blalock came out to listen to Josh Hamilton talking to reporters about his battles with addiction:

Hamilton spoke for nearly 40 minutes about his battles with cocaine and crack. He has done it countless times since he first tested positive for illegal drugs in 2002. He said he has never before had teammates present.

It was a nearly identical show of support, albeit one of far lower profile, to the gesture by New York Yankees Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada on Monday. All three showed up when teammate Andy Pettitte discussed his use of performance-enhancing drugs.

"We respect what he's gone through," Young said of Hamilton.

"And we want to support him," Blalock said, finishing the sentence. "He wants to be treated like any other guy. We wanted him to know we are right there with him."

Jim Reeves has a column up on Hamilton's struggles...

Jeff Wilson discusses the bullpen, and the need for the Rangers to have 3 or 4 guys out there who can go 2-3 innings in relief if needed. Wilson indicates that Kam Loe is expected to get one of open bullpen slots.

The S-T also has a few notes on German Duran, A.J. Murray, Ben Broussard, Frank Catalanotto, and Elvis Andrus (and his achy back).

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OT

AZ has extended GM Josh Byrnes and team pres. Derrick Hall through 2015. Now that's what you call an extension.

OT aside. I like these little pictures that some have now by their usernames. Makes it even easier to identify and ignore Sharky posts.

A working class hero is something to be.

by t ball on Feb 21, 2008 10:05 AM CST 0 recs

I'd like to know

CJ's feelings on Hamilton and his whole situation (What with the straight-edge lifestyle).

http://heartbreakplex.blogspot.com "I'm a winner." -Miles

by BudLight on Feb 21, 2008 10:43 AM CST 0 recs

Pure Class

That was pure class on Young's, Kinsler and Blalock did. Hamilton has to relive his mistakes every day because he's in the public eye. We all have demons, most of us have the luxury to keep to ourselves and compartmentalize it. No one will ever know but us, Hamilton doesn't enjoy that option.

Good for the Rangers!

Glad to Be Richie's Dad

by imrichiesdad on Feb 21, 2008 10:51 AM CST 0 recs

+1

I couldn't agree more.

"My death certificate will probably say: 'Cause of Death: World Series.'" Jamey Newberg

by boomer1 on Feb 21, 2008 11:05 AM CST up 0 recs

Don't forget Josh's class

The media's myopic view that Hamilton=addiction interview is getting annoying. But credit Josh for never trying sidestep the topic. I'm sure he'd prefer to discuss some baseball here and there but he never avoids that surely painful part of his past. I hate +1s, but Hamilton should get one.

Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.

by WyoRanger on Feb 21, 2008 11:34 AM CST up 0 recs

Perspective

Mr. Hamilton will never tire of telling "his story". From his Christian world view, the story is about what Jesus did for him, saving his earthly life and spiritual soul. I'm sure Mr. Hamilton would love to talk about baseball and other subjects, but I doubt he views speaking about his past as monotonous or a chore.

If one does not have a Christian world view, then the focus would not be on salvation, it would be on "look what happened to me". I can see how it would get old telling that story.

Proud Supporter of the Texas Rangers since 1973

by T Coleman on Feb 21, 2008 4:27 PM CST up 0 recs