Josh Hamilton and Rangers Make a Deal

Today the Rangers avoided arbitration with Josh Hamilton. The reigning AL MVP was in his second year of arbitration eligibility and was able to "settle" outside of the arbitration panel.  Hamilton signed a two-year $24 million deal, with $7.25 million in 2011, and $13.75 million in 2012. He will also obtain a $3 million signing bonus that will be paid in two $1.5 million installments. Earlier this year, Hamilton filed for $12 million in arbitration, and the Rangers countered with $8.7 million. The Rangers looked to signed Hamilton because the arbitration court would most likely side with Hamilton, who won the AL MVP, a Silver Slugger, and the batting title in 2010, even with many injuries. Hamilton posted a .359 batting average and 32 home runs. Hamilton greatly contributed to the Rangers first-ever franchise World Series appearance, even though he had a bad ribcage injury in mid September (which by the way totally killed my fantasy baseball team). This also comes from the fact that Hamilton was the ALCS MVP. But I really hope that Josh Hamilton can continue what he had in 2010 in 2011, without the injuries. I really like Josh Hamilton's story of recovery and success and support him wholeheartedly. I wish Josh Hamilton luck in the 2011 season with the Rangers.