Quote:
ARLINGTON -- The Rangers went into the offseason looking for both a center fielder and a big bat for the middle of the order. Their preference was for young players who could "grow" with the team.
The Rangers believe they were able to get both in one deal when they acquired center fielder Josh Hamilton from the Cincinnati Reds for pitcher Edinson Volquez and Minor League reliever Danny Herrera. The trade not only addresses the Rangers' offensive needs but could also open up a spot for rookie Eric Hurley in the rotation.
Hamilton was taken by the Tampa Bay Rays with the first overall pick in the 1999 First-Year Player Draft but had to overcome a long history of personal issues and drug abuse before reaching the Major Leagues. Picked up a year ago by the Reds in the Rule 5 Draft, Hamilton, 26, hit .292 with 19 home runs and 47 RBIs in 298 at-bats this past season.
"Obviously, we've done as much homework on this guy as we've ever had on anybody," Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. "We feel very comfortable about where Josh has been and that he'll be a big part of our team, both on and off the field. He has been through a lot over the past few years and we feel he's over the hump.
"His talent package is really hard to come by. This guy has the ability to do everything you can ask on a baseball field."
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The Official Site of The Texas Rangers: News: Texas Rangers News
Sorry for the recent delay in posting. Anyways, after looking at this trade again, I'm kinda mixed. Volquez going is understandable as he has been playing dismal ball for a while but bringing Hamilton over is interesting. If it doesn't work out for Hamilton, Hurley can make it work for the rotation now that a spot is open!
Rangers Swap with Reds
Rangers Swap with Reds
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