It's official: Josh Hamilton opts for free agency
Could this signal break-up of Dodgers' dynasty?
Dec. 1, 2004
Sources with the Dodgers confirmed today that all-star left fielder Josh Hamilton will file for free agency. Apparently, last ditch efforts by Los Angeles to lock him up long term were unsuccessful.
"He and his agent just wanted way too much money than we could afford," one member of the Dodgers' brass told us this week.
That's a telling statement for a team that just won its second World Series in three years and looks poised to contend for more in the years to come. Are the Dodgers finally deciding to pinch pennies or is Hamilton just asking for out-of-this-world numbers?
Reportedly, the Angels and the Padres have expressed the most interest in inking Hamilton, who is just 23 years old and may fetch a contract worth more than $20 million a year. Of course, LA may regret not giving in to Hamilton's demands if he winds up in San Diego, able to terrorize them in the division for years to come...