jordan

I just don't get why Arte ignored the warning signs in Texas back in late 2012, including the massive mid-season slump, the lackadaisical play down the stretch, and not to mention the knowledge that drug use deteriorates the body more rapidly?
Was he that desperate for a name hitter?

Don't be offended Jordan, but I will take the word of doctors over one person's experience. So reading what you wrote of course she thinks it is a choice because it is an ex that wronged her and her family. If you were an addict or if I was an addict we would call it a disease because we have no reason to paint ourselves in a bad light. I am not saying some people aren't weaker and won't be more susceptible to "falling off the wagon", but addiction is real.

I haven't commented yet, but was talking to my girlfriend about the Hamilton issue. She is not a baseball fan and is completely unbiased. She does however have some first hand experience with addiction to the same drugs Hamilton has experience with. Anyways, her response to addiction being a choice, she said addiction IS a choice after being clean for so long. He chose to go out and seek cocaine this go around. She also said he should have some penalty for this so that he feels a "sting" for his actions. Anyways, I thought her take was a good one and unbiased.

This is a good point. It wasn't like Josh's body was going through withdrawals and he took the cocaine to feel better physically. He consciously decided to go out and seek it, and probably had ample opportunity to "turn the car around" and reverse course.

I haven't commented yet, but was talking to my girlfriend about the Hamilton issue. She is not a baseball fan and is completely unbiased. She does however have some first hand experience with addiction to the same drugs Hamilton has experience with. Anyways, her response to addiction being a choice, she said addiction IS a choice after being clean for so long. He chose to go out and seek cocaine this go around. She also said he should have some penalty for this so that he feels a "sting" for his actions. Anyways, I thought her take was a good one and unbiased.

That's all well and good but many medical professionals say it's a disease and addicts are to be treated differently than you and I.

WOW! Man I will miss Howie, but this is what's best.

Aybar is about the 13th best shortstop in the majors and he's signed for $8M a year. He's also coming off a not so good year.
The Cardinals, who were desperate for a SS, would not give up any of their starters for him.
As for Kendrick, the Angels no doubt would have preferred to trade him instead of Trumbo but no one wanted to give up a pitcher for him.
They won't get anyone who makes them better in 2014 for trading either guy. It will be either a guy who is no better than one of the FAs (Capuano, etc) or a risky prospect who isn't ready now.