LaRussa on Hamilton: “I Don't Know I'd Risk More Than Five, Six Years On Anybody”

With Josh Hamilton set to become a free agent this offseason, speculation is building as to not only how large of a deal Hamilton will get, but where it will come from. Former Cardinals’ manager Tony LaRussa knows well that Hamilton is one of the better players in the game today, but he wouldn’t give Hamilton any more than five or six seasons on a deal--and not just because of Hamilton’s past struggles off the field.

LaRussa said he would also pause before signing Albert Pujols to a longterm deal at this point in his career--which the Angels did this offseason--as well.

"My two cents, for what it's worth, if I'm an executive, whether it's Josh or whether it's Albert (Pujols) last year, I don't know I would risk more than five, six years on anybody,” LaRussa said, per ESPN Dallas. “I just think it's one of the dangers in our game when an organization is pushed beyond something--five or six is a big commitment. When you go longer, I think it's scary and dangerous."

For what it’s worth, Pujols’ deal with Los Angeles is worth $210 million over ten years.