Hamilton's Latest Issue Further Validates Rangers

Before we get started here, let's get this much out of the way. It's obvious that most Texas Rangers fans enjoy seeing the demise of Josh Hamilton from a baseball perspective, and it's totally understandable.

He's been a below average baseball player since the second half of 2012 — his final season in Texas — and has been awful in his two seasons with the AL West rival Angels, who gave him a ridiculous five-year, $125 million deal.

It's fun to point and laugh at the stupidity of that deal and be thankful the Rangers didn't bite on such a deal.

But from a human perspective, what's happening with Hamilton right now is just sad.

Of course, we all know by now that Hamilton was in New York on Wednesday to meet with the MLB Commissioner's office where he, according to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, confessed to having a relapse involving "at least cocaine" this winter.

From my best understanding of the rules, he won't face any suspension because his prior offenses were before he was on a major league roster, and will instead be classified as a first-time offender in the league's substance abuse policy. But there are also reports floating around that the extent of his prior transgressions could result in a 50-game suspension. He's already expected to be out until at least late May after undergoing shoulder surgery earlier this month.

All the while, the 2010 AL MVP with the Rangers, is still owed $90.2 million over the next three seasons. In the first two years of his deal with the Angels, Hamilton was paid $17 million a season to hit .250 and .263, respectively, while totaling just 31 homers and playing in only 89 games last season.

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In other words, it's been a complete disaster for the Angels and a reason to rejoice for Rangers fans.

Ultimately, Hamilton has a wife and young children, and it's sad to see his life spiraling downward again.

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