Baseball Notebook: Josh Hamilton Traded to Rangers
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by Niteowl049
Josh Hamilton has been traded from the Cincinnati Reds to the Texas Rangers in exchange for pitcher Edinson Volquez and pitcher Danny Herrera. Hamilton played in only 90 games last season but hit 19 home runs and drove in 47 runs while hitting .292 in his first major league season.
With the addition of Hamilton they will have a much better outfield with Milton Bradley having joined the team earlier this winter. The main concern about either of them is that they have a injury history with them playing only 151 games last season combined. Hamilton did struggle against lefthanders hitting only .222 against them but hit .314 against righthanders. Hamilton also struggled in day games hitting .195 but hit .326 at night. He also slugged .554 last season showing he is a bona fide power hitter.
If Hamilton and Bradley can stay healthy, the Rangers should have a much better outfield than last season. Since Sammy Sosa only played 16 games in outfield in 2007, Frank Catalanotto led the outfielders in home runs with only 11. Bradley and Hamilton are both capable of hitting 25 home runs if they get 500 at bats. Hamilton will be 27 next May, so he should be approaching the prime time of his career. I admire Hamilton for making it to the Major Leagues last season after him being named Amateur Baseball Player of the Year by Baseball America in 1999. In 2008, some nine years later, he may be ready to have a breakout season after a very good rookie year, considering the few times at bat. I have never rooted for a player the way I have rooted for Hamilton. The Rangers gain will be the Reds loss and can't understand them letting him go so cheaply.
Alexi Ramirez Agrees With White Sox On $4.7 Million Contract For Four Years
Alexi Ramirez has agreed with the Chicago White Sox on a four year deal for $4.7 million. The Cuban who defected while visiting his wife in the Dominican Republic led Cuba in home runs last season. Ramirez is an athlete in every sense of the word being able to play shortstop, second base and center field.
If Ramirez can hit in the majors like he has in Cuba, he could help the White Sox immediately. Ramirez has yet to take his physical, so that is main reason he has not signed his official contract. I can't wait to hear how he does in spring training but have a feeling he may be getting a lot of playing time with White Sox in 2008 because of his versatility.
