Angel In The Outfield

The Angels' deal with Hamilton reportedly just materialized in recent days

With another "bold move that could steal some headlines from the crosstown Dodgers," the Angels Thursday signed free agent CF Josh Hamilton to a five-year, $125M deal that will put the Angels' payroll next season "in the area of $160 million," according to Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. TIMES. A source said the deal came together "over the course of the last several days" ( LATIMES.com, 12/13 ). In California, Jeff Fletcher writes the Angels are "taking a risk with the Hamilton deal, beyond the obvious gamble involved in any contract of that size." Hamilton has had "trouble staying healthy over the past few years." He also "reported some vision problems, which he blamed on drinking too much caffeine," and has had a "well-chronicled history ...