Hamilton: “I Don't Feel Like I Owe The Rangers”

Josh Hamilton is grateful for the opportunity he’s been given by the Texas Rangers, but he doesn’t believe the peculiar nature of his situation, or his well-documented relapse with alcohol a few weeks ago should mean taking a cut in pay when the two sides sit down to negotiate a new deal.

Which is to say, according to Hamilton, he doesn’t feel he owes the Rangers any sort of discount.

"The Rangers have done a lot for me, but I've got a question for ya'll: Have I done a lot for the Rangers?" Hamilton said, in response to a question asked by NBC 5's Newy Scruggs. "I think I've given them everything I've had. I don't think anybody can say I haven't. When it comes down to it, people don't understand, fans don't understand, this is a business, this is an entertainment business.

"I love Texas. I love my fans. I love fans of the Rangers. I love the organization. I love my teammates. I love everything about it. But I'm not going to sit here and say that I owe the Rangers. I don’t feel like I owe the Rangers."

Hamilton, who reported to spring training in Surprise, Az., on Thursday, said he doubts contract talks will continue during the season, and the two sides agreed to cease the discussion after the aforementioned relapse. Since then, Hamilton has been attending both one-on-one counseling sessions as well as counseling with his wife, Katie.