Josh Hamilton Doesn't Feel He Owe Texas Rangers Ahead of Upcoming Free Agency

It does not appear as though Josh Hamilton is too concerned with staying in Texas at the end of the 2012 season. Hamilton will be a widely-sought free agent when his contract expires and will command top dollar in the free-agent market for sure.

In an interview with MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan, Hamilton is on record saying:

"

The Rangers have done a lot of me. I have a question. Have I done a lot for the Rangers? I think I have given them everything I’ve got. When it comes down to is, people have to understand this is a business. I love Texas, I love the fans, I love the organization and I love my teammates. But I’m not going to sit here and say I owe the Rangers. I don’t feel I owe the Rangers.

"

Needless to say, it appears as though Hamilton will be chasing the top dollar, which will likely not come from the Rangers. All talks of a contract extension came to a halt earlier this year when Hamilton had an alcohol-related relapse.

Looking forward to the expected free-agent class in 2012, Hamilton will obviously be one of the headliners. Hamilton, alongside outfield free agents like Andre Ethier, Delmon Young, Carlos Quentin and possibly even Curtis Granderson will garner much attention from teams needing a solid bat from the outfield.

Looking at the size of the contracts dished out over the past two offseasons, Hamilton could realistically be targeting Carl Crawford money. While he may not get it, that could be his brass ring, so to speak. The Rangers, obviously, would not be willing to spend that much on him. 

In turn, they could be a player in the Delmon Young sweepstakes, a younger player with solid offensive numbers.

All things being equal, it probably was not the best timing for Hamilton to say these things. It just makes me think about a fantastic line from The Office by one Dwight K. Shrute, who said:

"

Would I ever leave this company? Look, I’m all about loyalty. In fact, I feel like part of what I’m being paid for here is my loyalty. But if there were somewhere else that valued loyalty more highly, I’m going wherever they value loyalty the most.

"

Looks like Hamilton "Shruted" this one.