Just Desserts

Angels’ owner Arte Moreno thought he was ever so smart by signing outfielder Josh Hamilton to a five-year $125 million contract back in 2013.  Forget about Hamilton’s drug and alcohol addictions and his relapses.  Moreno knew better, in part because he had the contract drawn up in such a way the team would be protected if Hamilton relapsed yet again.  When he did, lo and behold, there was no clear-cut “out” in the contract for the Angels.

But Moreno wasn’t alone being too smart by half; the same holds for Hamilton, who apparently thought it was enough to proclaim in front of every TV camera how Jesus was his savior.  (Note: I share Hamilton’s faith in Christ if not his need to publicize it.  I figure the Son of God is embarrassed enough having me as a fan w/o the whole world knowing.)  That the Lord helps those who help themselves must have been a lesson Hamilton forgot on the way to the bank.

So, this week the Angels traded Hamilton back to the Rangers while picking up $60 million of the contract.  Texas kicks in another $6 million and Hamilton gives the Angels what he would have been paying in state income tax had he stayed in California.  (Texas has no state income tax.)  Everybody wins, kind of, just as nobody will remember the next time a talented but troubled free agent comes on the market.  Professional sports are full of people too smart for their own good.