Josh Hamilton Wants More Than Rangers Are Offering

With today being the deadline, things are heating up in the world of salary arbitration. I just posted that left-handed pitcher C.J. Wilson and outfielder Nelson Cruz have agreed to one-year contract agreements with the Texas Rangers; however, that still leaves Josh Hamilton, the American League MVP as well as Darren O’Day and Frank Francisco, both right-handed pitching relievers.

The Rangers and Hamilton swapped their figures and requests earlier today, but the Rangers weren’t quite offering the same amount that Hamilton was requesting. The Rangers offered the AL MVP $8.7 million while Hamilton requested $12 million.

I don’t know about you guys but in my opinion, Hamilton is worth it. The 29-year-old led the majors with a fantastic batting average of .359 and can definitely hit those home runs securing 32 homers last season. He’s great in the outfield even though he is a bit more prone to injuries in a certain outfield spot…not going there right, though.

So, I think the Rangers should give it to him. I mean, come on, he did just win the MVP award for the AL this last year. Keep yourselves out of the hearing, which could lead to uncomfortable words being exchanged that both sides will likely wish they could take back after they are said…such as conversations relating to Hamilton’s past substance abuse problems. There’s no reason for this to be brought back up. He’s sober and doing very well.  He is by far one of the best players on the team, both defensively and offensively. Just give him the extra $3.3 million and get on with it.

What do you guys think? Is Hamilton worth the extra $3.3 million that he is requesting from the Rangers or should the Rangers just take it to the arbitration hearing next month?