Hamilton clarifies confusing comments
Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton has tried to clarify his recent cryptic comments about being disobedient.
Hamilton, who has been in a prolonged slump, talked about disobedience in a pregame interview with reporters last weekend.
But Hamilton, whose past struggles with drugs and alcohol are well-known, didn’t get into specifics. He said then it was frustrating not to be able to share everything.
On Friday, he released a statement in response “to the speculation” since his earlier comments.
“I felt it was important to clarify what the issue was to which I was referring, both personally and professionally. The issue is discipline,” his statement read. “Professionally, it’s been plate discipline. Personally, it’s been being obedient to the Lord in quitting chewing tobacco.”
Hamilton is hitting .201 since June 1, dropping his average 84 points to .284 overall going into Friday night’s game at Kansas City. He had 29 home runs and led the majors with 88 RBIs in 96 games.
In late June, Hamilton said he was trying again to stop using tobacco.
Critical Schilling gets standing ovation
After criticizing Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine earlier in the day, Curt Schilling was given a standing ovation from Boston fans when he was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame.
Schilling was the last of the inductees introduced at Fenway Park on Friday night, and applause began as soon as his picture appeared on the video board in center.
Earlier in the day, Schilling went on WEEI radio and predicted Valentine’s reign as Red Sox manager will end like Mount Vesuvius. Schilling also said “I would have swung” if Valentine had been his manager and made a sarcastic remark similar to one about Red Sox infielder Will Middlebrooks that was attributed to Valentine.
Clearing the bases
Washington acquired catcher Kurt Suzuki from the Oakland for minor league catcher David Freitas. … Joe Blanton was sent from Philadelphia to the Dodgers after Los Angeles claimed him on waivers. … Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria could rejoin the team, after suffering a partially torn hamstring, during a three-game series that starts Tuesday against Toronto. … Outfielder Johnny Damon was cut by Cleveland.