Josh Hamilton keeps it weird with the Angels

Mar 25, 2014; Mesa, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Josh Hamilton (32) makes the catch in the third inning against the Chicago Cubs at HoHoKam Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Mariners hosted the Los Angeles Angels for another division series.  The Angels have had another rough start to the season, but Josh Hamilton has been red hot at the plate.  But, the Angels got to see an example of how Hamilton keeps it weird.

In the bottom of the 5th inning Corey Hart hit a deep shot to right field.  Hamilton appeared to have a good catch with the ball firmly in his glove, but when he opened his glove to transfer it to is throwing hand he dropped it.  His throwing hand never had the ball.

Video of the drop by Josh Hamilton

You be the judge, did he get the out?  According to the MLB Replay Officials in New York, no he didn’t.  The call was over turned and Corey Hart was granted first base.  To me, this came as no surprise, the Texas Rangers had a similar call during Monday’s Texas Rangers @ Boston Red Sox game.

On that play it appeared that Elvis Andrus caught the ball from Donnie Murphy and applied the force out tag of the bag at second.  But, Andrus caught the ball, made the tag, then attempted the transfer the ball to his throwing hand.  And this was even after the tag, he dropped the ball on the attempted double play.  Both runners were ruled safe.

Video of Elvis Andrus play on Monday – Rangers @ Red Sox 

So what’s the explanation: Basically the rule states that the player must secure show controlled possession of the catch.  When both players, Hamilton and Andrus, dropped the ball while trying to transfer it to their throwing arm, they failed to show control.  At least on both plays the call was the same.  I think we might see more challenges this year when balls are dropped on the transfer.

Keeping it weird: If the dropped ball wasn’t bad enough for Josh Hamilton, in the top of the 9th inning he injured his right thumb sliding into first base, yes that’s right first base.   He’s been known to do that before and I’m sure he was again asked why.

Hamilton sliding to first base

After the game he commented on his slide to first.

"“Sometimes your instincts more than anything take over; the fun of the game,” Hamilton said. “I thought maybe when he was fielding the ball he had to go a little farther than he did, but he didn’t. I shouldn’t have done it, probably, but I’m not going to say I’m not going to do it again because I’d be lying.” (MLB.com -Alden Gonzalez )"

After that slide he was replaced with a pinch runner.    He’s been almost the opposite player he was last year.  He didn’t bat .250 until the last day of the season.  Currently he is batting a .444 with 2 home runs and 6 RBI over 8 games.

Hamilton had an X-ray on his thumb and the results were negative.  He is scheduled to have an MRI today on it.  Nothing official from the Angels yet, but it wouldn’t surprise me if this lands him on the 15-day disabled list. Why you may ask, because it’s Josh Hamilton.  While he is a great player, weird things happen to him.  He once missed some time because he drank too much caffeine and energy drinks which caused him to have dry eyes.   So if something different or strange can put a player out, seems likely it will happen to Hamilton.

Updated: Reports say Josh Hamilton thumb will require surgery and will miss 6-8 weeks.  The MRI that was performed today showed he had a complete tear of the ulnar collateral ligament on his left thumb and also a torn capsule.