LA Times: Angels' Josh Hamilton says he's never struggled like this before

[AngelsWin.com]

Hamilton, who is batting .216, is in his first season with the Angels on a five-year, $125-million contract. He says he isn't worried about his lack of input, based on his contributions in the past.

Josh Hamilton is batting .216 overall, .146 with runners in scoring position. He has driven in 18 runs, the same as Alberto Callaspo and Chris Iannetta . He is on pace to strike out 173 times, a career high.

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[CaliAngel]

So the question MUST eventually be asked:

 

Why is it, that practically EVERY player that comes to this team immediately struggles like they never have before?

[Halononymous]

I think the root of the problem here is that everyone on the team is struggling in one way or another.

 

Typically, when someone struggles, the rest of the team rallies to pick up the slack and encourage those who are in a difficult slump. But the team isn't meshing in a way that promotes performance improvement. The hitting is streaky; pitching is inconsistant (but improving); and the defense is lacking that crisp reliability that wins close games.

 

Everyone on the team has the will to win. We all saw it over 12 games. But the gears fall out of sink too easily, as seen over the past three games. One key hit, pitch, or defensive play changes each of the previous games against the Astros (who, regardless of being last in the AL West, are still a professional club).

 

The Angels are particularly missing Torii Hunter's infectious optimism. Until someone takes up that torch in the clubhouse, we may continue to witness more of the same. 

 

Yeah, it's frustrating as hell, especially when all you can do is watch it unfold . . . or if you're one of the guys in the dugout day in and day out.

[Vernster52]

They say hitting is contagious.

 

Apparently, so is not hitting.

[Jason]

So the question MUST eventually be asked:

 

Why is it, that practically EVERY player that comes to this team immediately struggles like they never have before?

It's becoming fairly common these days.

[Lifetime]

So the question MUST eventually be asked:

 

Why is it, that practically EVERY player that comes to this team immediately struggles like they never have before?

Practically every? 

[YouthofToday]

The Willingness to Win (TWTW) has been drawn from Hamilton's blood like a Game of Thrones episode. Perhaps we should call Doctor Who or Gandalf to investigate.

[Angel Oracle]

An exorcism is in order.

[sneaky_flute]

So the question MUST eventually be asked:

 

Why is it, that practically EVERY player that comes to this team immediately struggles like they never have before?

it's because they're in their 30s and declining. pujols was declining before the angels signed him and hamilton's negative tendencies were apparent before the angels signed him. not all players have sucked with the angels so the coaching isn't at fault.

[Mean Spirited]

..so the coaching isn't at fault.

We'll just keep repeating that, no matter what.

[Angel_Fan_4_Life]

Great...glad to hear that once he signs a huge multi-million dollar contract and puts on an Angels uniform he begins to struggle like he never has before.

 

Thanks Josh! All of us Angel fans appreciate it.  

[KingJustinian]

it's because they're in their 30s and declining. pujols was declining before the angels signed him and hamilton's negative tendencies were apparent before the angels signed him. not all players have sucked with the angels so the coaching isn't at fault.

 

A decline shouldn't be as fast/drastic as Pujols/Hamilton might end up being.

[yk9001]

I wonder how Arte is going to outdo himself this offseason.  The bar for the last two offseasons has been set pretty high.

[Angel Oracle]

Guaranteed that an over 30 player will be signed for big bucks, it's the org's way. 

[Lhalo]

Next season's free agent list isn't very impressive. I don't expect any major signings. Hopefully they are able to acquire some decent bullpen arms.

[Angel Oracle]

I predict Arte will get starry eyed again, and pay Cano 8 years/$200 million.

[mbn]

Sorry, that money is earmarked for Nelson Cruz

[Angel Oracle]

Sorry, that money is earmarked for Nelson Cruz

Be very worried if Gulf becomes the gasoline of the Halos.

[Bashbrothers]

A decline shouldn't be as fast/drastic as Pujols/Hamilton might end up being.

Pujols is playing with nagging injuries and Hamilton's decline started into half of last season.  Fangraphs did an article on Hamilton. 

 

Pujols would probably be better healthy. 

 

Most damning evidence that it is not the coaching is the fundamentally sound, do-no wrong Trout. A bad coaching team would not have produced that.  Unless you think he overcame the staff.

[Homebrewer]

Trout is a Once In A Lifetime Talent.

The Halos leadership has done it's best to screw with it.

Move him around in the outfield, take him out of the lead-off spot, and give him an insultingly puny raise

after a historic season.

This org is a joke.

Trout will play out his time here and hit the road to greener pastures.

I only wonder which team will send him to the HOF, because it won't be this one.

[Lifetime]

Gawd you're an insufferable curmudgeon. 

[Tyler]

At least he called Trout a 'Lifetime Talent' doe, amirite?

[YouthofToday]

Trout is a Once In A Lifetime Talent.

The Halos leadership has done it's best to screw with it.

Move him around in the outfield, take him out of the lead-off spot, and give him an insultingly puny raise

after a historic season.

This org is a joke.

Trout will play out his time here and hit the road to greener pastures.

I only wonder which team will send him to the HOF, because it won't be this one.

Wow. A bit ridiculous and over-the-top?

[Homebrewer]

Wow. A bit ridiculous and over-the-top?

Is it?

That is what was said when I started getting on my soap box 5-6 years ago,

saying that this team wouldn't see another WS with Scioscia.

Over the top, and reactionary.

Delusional.

Players of Trout's caliber want to go to the playoffs and World Series.

They want to play in games where the whole world is watching.

Give me one reason that Trout would give this org a Home Town Discount like Weaver signed.

[fan_since79]

Who said anything about Trout getting a home town discount? Arte will probably give him the moon.