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Clips

(March 6, 2015)

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Today’s Clips Contents

FROM THE LOS ANGELES TIMES (Page 3)

Angels' Mike Trout will adjust his approach, swing at more first pitches

Angels defeat Brewers, 3-2, behind C.J. Cron

FROM THE OC REGISTER (Page 5)

Union condemns leaks in Josh Hamilton case

Mike Trout says he's going to be swinging at more first pitches

Angels Notes: Garrett Richards almost ready for next step, Matt Joyce at cleanup, Josh Rutledge gets first shot at 2B

Angels squeak out victory over Brewers in Cactus League opener FROM ANGELS.COM (Page 8)

Trout exemplifies leadership for Angels

Amped up Santiago, Trout contribute in Angels' first game

Cron, Rutledge in lineup; preview of Opening Day?

Trout talks being aggressive at plate, backs it up right away

FROM LA DAILY NEWS (Page 12) Angels’ Mike Trout comes out swinging

FROM ESPN LA (Page 13)

MLBPA supports Josh Hamilton FROM FORBES (Page 14)

Doing Right by Josh Hamilton FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS (Page 16)

Brewers' Lohse, Angels' Santiago sharp in 1st spring outings

March 6, 2015 Page 3 of 17

FROM THE LOS ANGELES TIMES

Angels' Mike Trout will adjust his approach, swing at more first pitches

By Mike DiGiovanna

Angels center fielder Mike Trout took a mighty hack at the first Cactus League pitch he saw Thursday

and sent a fly ball to right-center field for an out.

This would be a normal occurrence for most major leaguers, who swung at the first pitch 25.2% of the

time last season, but not for the ultra-patient Trout, who swung at the first pitch just 10.6% of the time.

That could change this season, as Trout looks to cut down on his American League-high 184 strikeouts,

the only blemish on a most valuable player season in which he hit .287 with 36 homers, 111 runs batted

in and 115 runs.

"I'm looking to drive the ball a little bit," Trout said after going one for two with an RBI in a 3-2

exhibition-opening win over the Milwaukee Brewers at Tempe Diablo Stadium. "The biggest thing in

cutting down strikeouts is getting a pitch early in the zone to drive. I'm going to work on that this

spring."

Trout, 23, said it's obvious why he struck out so often in 2014. "Plain and simple, I was chasing the high

pitch," he said. "The majority of time, they're balls."

Trout's ability to work deep counts helps him measure pitchers, but he is often behind in the count and

has frustrated some by taking too many first-pitch fastballs down the middle. Trout had 401 two-strike

counts last season, second-most in the league.

"Throughout my career, I've been taking," said Trout, a career .341 hitter when he puts the first pitch in

play. "I like to see pitches, but I'm going to get locked and loaded on the first pitch. If it's in the zone, I'm

going to take a hack at it."

Trout hit .292 on the 27 times he put the ball in play on the first pitch last season. The league average in

that situation is .336.

Some coaches might discourage a player of Trout's stature from changing his approach, but Angels

Manager Mike Scioscia believes Trout's adjustments will be subtle.

"I think Mike Trout is going to do what he does best," Scioscia said. "If it's a situation where he should

work the count, he'll work the count. If he's on a pitcher and is going to jump on a first pitch, he will. I

don't think Mike is going to change too many things. They're going to be small adjustments."

Strong words

The players union reiterated comments that Executive Director Tony Clark made at Angels camp

Wednesday, issuing a statement condemning leaks of confidential information regarding Angels

outfielder Josh Hamilton, who is expected to be suspended after a relapse involving drug abuse.

March 6, 2015 Page 4 of 17

"It is regrettable that people who want to see Josh Hamilton hurt personally and professionally have

started leaking information about the status of his treatment program," the statement said. "These

anonymous leaks are cowardly, undermine the integrity of our collectively bargained agreements and in

some instances have been wholly inaccurate."

Several news outlets reported that Hamilton's relapse involved cocaine and alcohol. The Times reported

Thursday that a four-person baseball panel is split on whether Hamilton should enter a rehabilitation

program for substance abuse.

"The players association will use every right we have to make sure Josh gets the help he needs, and the

fair and confidential process to which he is entitled," the statement said.

Scioscia has been in touch with Hamilton, who is rehabilitating from right-shoulder surgery in Houston.

"We're all waiting for direction from MLB to see what his status is," Scioscia said. "Everyone wants to get

some clarity there, including Josh."

Angels defeat Brewers, 3-2, behind C.J. Cron

By Mike DiGiovanna

AT THE PLATE: C.J. Cron stroked two opposite-field hits, a third-inning double and fourth-inning single,

off right-handers Kyle Lohse and Ariel Pena. With Matt Joyce replacing the sidelined Josh Hamilton in

left field, Cron could seize more of a full-time designated hitter role if he can hit right-handers

consistently. He hit .255 against right-handers as a rookie last season and .258 against left-handers. "His

upside is to hit right-handers as well as left-handers," Manager Mike Scioscia said. "It's going to take a

little experience, but he'll get there."

ON THE MOUND: Hector Santiago followed a 22-pitch first inning with a smooth 11-pitch second in

which he retired the side in order. "You throw all those bullpens over the winter and the first two weeks

of camp, but this was the first time at game speed," Santiago said. "The adrenaline was flowing, my

heart was beating. I fell behind guys in the first inning, but the second inning was better." Left-hander

Jose Alvarez threw two scoreless innings to earn the win, and Jeremy McBryde retired the side in order

in the ninth.

EXTRA BASES: Catcher Chris Iannetta made a quick and accurate throw to second base to pick off

Scooter Gennett to end the first inning and threw out Martin Maldonado trying to steal second in the

fifth. ... Garrett Richards, who began light fielding drills Wednesday, will throw to hitters as part of his

next mound workout Saturday. "That's an important step," Scioscia said of Richards, who is recovering

from left knee surgery and is expected to return in mid-April.

UP NEXT: Colorado Rockies, noon PST at Tempe Diablo Stadium. On the air: TV: FS West; Radio: 830.

March 6, 2015 Page 5 of 17

FROM THE OC REGISTER

Union condemns leaks in Josh Hamilton case By Jeff Fletcher TEMPE, Ariz. – The Major League Baseball Players Assn. issued a press release Thursday condemning those who leaked confidential information about the Josh Hamilton case. “It is regrettable that people who want to see Josh Hamilton hurt personally and professionally have started leaking information about the status of his treatment program and the confidential process under our Joint Drug Agreement,” the statement read. “These anonymous leaks are cowardly, undermine the integrity of our collectively bargained agreements, and in some cases, have been wholly inaccurate. The Major League Baseball Players Association will use every right we have under the collective bargaining agreement to make sure Josh gets the help he needs, and the fair and confidential process to which he is entitled." The only official confirmation regarding Hamilton has been that he met with MLB officials in New York last week regarding a disciplinary matter. It has since been widely reported that Hamilton suffered a relapse involving cocaine and alcohol. The Los Angeles Times further reported that the four-person medical panel evaluating Hamilton’s case was split on whether he should be entered in a rehab program. Tony Clark, head of the union, said Wednesday at Angels camp that the process was ongoing, and he had no idea when it would conclude. Mike Scioscia said Thursday morning he expected to have “clarity” on Hamilton’s situation by the end of spring training.

Mike Trout says he's going to be swinging at more first pitches By Jeff Fletcher TEMPE, Ariz. – As the Angels reached another milestone in the start of the 2015 season, with the start of their Cactus League schedule, it didn't take long for a clue that something might be different. Mike Trout stepped to the plate for the first time and promptly swung at the first pitch, lofting a fly ball into right center. For Trout, whose MVP season was marred only by a league-leading 184 strikeouts, said swinging early in the count is one of the tweaks he's looking to make to his game this season. Many of those strikeouts last year were a function of Trout being so disciplined that he took so many first pitches and often found himself quickly behind in the count. “The biggest thing cutting down on the strikeouts is getting a pitch early in the zone to drive,” Trout said after going 1 for 2 in the Angels' 3-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in their spring opener Thursday. “I’m going to work on that this spring. Throughout my whole career I’ve been taking. I like to

March 6, 2015 Page 6 of 17

see pitches, but I’m going to get ready, locked and loaded first pitch. If it’s in the zone, I’m going to take a hack at it.” Trout has swung at the first pitch 10.3 percent of the time in his career. The major league average is 26.9 percent. Trout’s first-swing percentage of 10.6 last year was the lowest on the team. Last year, on the 27 times that Trout put the first pitch in play, he hit .292 with a .619 OPS. The major league average in that situation was .336 with an .867 OPS, because hitters usually don’t swing at the first pitch unless especially hittable. Trout's career average when putting the first pitch in play is .341 with an .887 OPS. Simply swinging at more first pitches could help Trout even on the times he doesn't swing. If pitchers are more leery that he might swing, they will be less apt just toss one over the middle on the first pitch. Trout actually might find himself ahead, 1-0, more often. He's hit .337 in his career after taking a first-pitch ball. Manager Mike Scioscia said he's OK with Trout making subtle changes in his game. "You trust players to have a better feel than a coach will give them," Scioscia said. "Players will feel it more. Mike has made adjustments to get from Point A to Point B throughout his career, but there’s no major overhaul." Scioscia suggested that also may bunt for base hits more often this season. "If it’s a situation he can turn a bunt into a double, when he can steal second, he has that in his game," Scioscia said. "Bringing a bunt here or there or jumping on the first pitch are small adjustments he will make."

Angels Notes: Garrett Richards almost ready for next step, Matt Joyce at cleanup, Josh Rutledge gets first shot at 2B By Jeff Fletcher TEMPE, Ariz. – A day after doing his most extensive fielding drills of the spring, Garrett Richards is approaching the next milestone in his recovery from knee surgery. Garrett Richards is scheduled to face hitters in live batting practice for the first time on Saturday, pitching coach Mike Butcher said. “That’s an important step,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. Butcher said Angels pitchers have been throwing live BP sessions in preparation for their first appearance in a game. If Richards throws two, with two days off in between, the earliest he could appear in a Cactus League game would be around Mar. 13. Richards has thrown six bullpen sessions, getting up to about 50 pitches in each of the last three.

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Richards is expected to make his regular season debut about two or three weeks into the season. • The Angels lineup for Thursday’s exhibition opener included all of the projected starters. Although Scioscia wouldn’t commit to it being his opening day lineup, it fit the parameters he had described for what he was thinking with the lineup. It had Mike Trout and Albert Pujols batting second and third, just as they did last year, with newcomer Matt Joyce hitting cleanup. “I think it’s a great opportunity to hit behind those guys,” Joyce said. “Both of them are possibly future Hall of Famers. It’s something I’m looking forward to.” Joyce said the key to hitting in that spot will be not try to do too much: “Just concentrate on the situation and don’t get too caught up where I’m hitting. Don’t make the situation bigger than it has to be.” • Josh Rutledge got the first start of the spring at second base, which was no surprise. Rutledge went into camp considered the favorite to win the job. He’s also been working out with the other starters and hitting in their group since the start of camp. Officially, it’s a four-man race between Rutledge, Grant Green, Johnny Giavotella and Taylor Featherston. Rutledge and Green probably have a sizeable lead on the other two, with Featherston having a decent shot at making the team as a utility infielder because he’s a Rule 5 pick. • Joyce said he’s worked at first base only once this spring. Scioscia said the Angels are still interested in exploring his versatility. It is likely that Joyce wouldn’t be needed at first until Josh Hamilton comes back, though.

Angels squeak out victory over Brewers in Cactus League opener By Jeff Fletcher The game: The Angels opened their Cactus League schedule with a 3-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Pitching report: Hector Santiago pitched two scoreless innings on 33 pitches. “I started breaking into a sweat before I threw my first pitch,” Santiago said. “It was intense.” Santiago spent his winter working on learning his mechanics well enough to self-diagnose problems quickly on the mound, and he said he did that several times in his outing. ... Jose Alvarez, who got the victory with two scoreless innings, was particularly impressive to pitching coach Mike Butcher. ... Jeremy McBryde, a candidate for the last bullpen spot, pitched a perfect ninth for the save. Hitting report: C.J. Cron had a pair of hits, including a double, both to the opposite field. “We know what a threat he is on the offensive side,” Mike Scioscia said. “Hopefully he’s still going to grow from what he was last year.” … Josh Rutledge singled home a run. ... Mike Trout drove in a run with an infield hit. Defense report: C Chris Iannetta picked Scooter Gennett off second base and nailed Martin Maldonado attempting to steal second. ... 2B Rutledge took a throw from RF Kole Calhoun and threw to first to nail Matt Clark when he rounded first too far after a single.

March 6, 2015 Page 8 of 17

Up next: Jered Weaver, who is in line to make his seventh opening day start, will take the mound for the Angels against the Colorado Rockies at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Friday. RHP Kyle Kendrick starts for the Rockies in the 12:05 p.m. game.

FROM ANGELS.COM

Trout exemplifies leadership for Angels

By Lyle Spencer / MLB.com | @LyleMSpencer | March 5, 2015

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Leadership in baseball clubhouses ordinarily flows in a natural arc, from veterans who

are able and willing to impart their wisdom and knowledge to younger players.

In the Angels' camp, Albert Pujols, Jered Weaver and Huston Street fill the role nicely. But there is

another leader here, and there is nothing ordinary about him. Mike Trout, at 23, doesn't have to say a

word. But make no mistake, he already is a formidable presence as a leader by example.

"If you have that talent, even if you're not vocal, you're going to lead," Angels manager Mike Scioscia

said. "Some of the younger guys are definitely looking to Mike for mentoring, and he's receptive. Mike's

a great teammate in addition to being the best player in the game.

"From Day One, the way he carries himself, he lifts people up. He's never been intimidated by anyone or

anything in baseball. That's a great quality for other players to be around and absorb. He hit the ground

running at 19. He's extremely mature for his age."

As the 2014 American League Most Valuable Player Award winner by unanimous vote of the Baseball

Writers' Association of America, and runner-up to Miguel Cabrera the previous two seasons, Trout

carries clout well beyond his years. He understands the scope of his influence and wears it well, with the

humility of the small-town New Jersey guy he is.

"A bunch of young guys look up to guys -- especially Albert and Weave -- for leadership," Trout said. "My

goal is not just to speak out in here but to come in and get [my] work done, have a mindset: 'This is how

it's supposed to be.' If I can help some guys that way, great."

Trout spent his winter the way he always has, with family at home in Millville, N.J. He did some hunting

and fishing, and he invested in about 220 acres of land in South Jersey -- "in the middle of nowhere" --

where he plans to build a home.

"Nothing crazy," Trout said, grinning, when asked if his AL MVP Award honor had changed his life in any

way. "[I just] stayed home. You know me."

A big part of Trout's appeal as a performer and a person is that he never seems to get caught in any

hype traps. He stays in touch all season with the people he trusts -- Mom, Dad, siblings, friends -- and it

keeps him grounded over the long haul.

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Teammates marvel at how Trout maintains his love of the game and the competition on a daily basis.

He's remarkably durable -- rarely even coming out of a game, let alone sitting one out -- and plays with

the unbridled joy of a young Willie Mays.

This quality adds to Trout's leadership appeal, alongside his unsurpassed skill set and fearlessness.

"He's the best at what he does," teammate C.J. Cron said, "and already he's part of the leadership of this

team. A lot of guys look up to him -- the way he prepares, the way he plays the game, the way he's

always happy. It rubs off on you.

"Everyone's different, and you can't say one way's better than another. He's always the same, no matter

what kind of game he has. The way he goes about it, you understand why he's so good -- and why he's

able to bounce back so fast after he doesn't have a good day."

Trout's magical 2014 season, driving the Angels to the best record in the Majors with 98 wins, featured

league-leading production in runs scored for the third straight year (115), RBIs (111) and total bases

(338), while going deep 36 times. He also led in strikeouts with 184, a number he plans to reduce by

resisting high heat. Trout's steals have fallen from an AL-high 49 in 2012 to 33 in '13 and then 16 in just

18 attempts last year.

Asked if he plans to run more this season, Trout said, "I'm always trying to be aggressive. I've done it

before; it's definitely something I'd like to do."

Scioscia and his staff have discussed moving Trout down to the No. 3 spot in the order; it was close to

incredible that he led the league in RBIs hitting second. But they are unsure it's practical with the nature

of the talent at hand.

"I'll hit wherever Sosh wants me to hit," Trout said.

As great as Trout's 2014 season was, it did not end the way he imagined with a Royals sweep of the AL

West champions in their AL Division Series. Kansas City rode the momentum of an amazing Wild Card

ride to seven gripping World Series games against the champion Giants.

In the immediate aftermath of the Game 3 loss in Kansas city, having homered for his lone hit in the

series -- along with three walks in 15 plate appearances -- Trout was true to character.

Expressing his respect of the Royals, whose brilliant defense was the difference, Trout embraced

teammates, vowed to come back with a better ending to 2015 and was gracious with media members

who had followed the team all season.

Performance levels rise and fall, even with superstars. But character is a constant.

March 6, 2015 Page 10 of 17

Amped up Santiago, Trout contribute in Angels' first game By Alden Gonzalez TEMPE, Ariz. -- Hector Santiago threw about 20 offseason bullpen sessions before arriving at the Angels' Spring Training facility, the last one at more than 90 pitches and all of them geared toward slowing everything down on the mound. Then he started the Angels' Cactus League opener Thursday, and that new between-innings clock started and hitters weren't stepping out of the box as frequently, and everything started to move really fast again. Santiago got through his two-inning outing without any damage, giving up a hit, a walk and a strikeout while throwing 33 pitches in the Angels' 3-2 win over the Brewers. "That first inning, my heart was beating," Santiago said. "I started breaking a sweat before I even threw a pitch. It was really intense. But it was fun." He eventually settled in, throwing only 11 pitches while establishing a more comfortable tempo in the second inning. Santiago's opponent, Brewers starter Kyle Lohse, seemed calm from the get-go. The 36-year-old right-hander gave up a run -- on an RBI infield single by Mike Trout off Ariel Pena -- but he didn't walk anyone, struck out three and came back out for the third inning, recording a couple of outs because he still hadn't reached his 30-pitch limit. "It felt really good," Lohse said. "It was kind of a continuation of what I've been doing in my bullpens and my live BPs. I was going out and just doing what I normally do -- get ahead of guys and try to mix it up." C.J. Cron, vying to be the Angels' designated hitter with Josh Hamilton's situation uncertain, notched a couple of opposite-field hits against right-handers. Brewers second baseman Scooter Gennett led off the game with a single off Santiago -- of note, because Gennett is trying to prove he can succeed against lefties -- then added a sacrifice fly off Cory Rasmus in the third. Josh Rutledge, vying for the Halos' starting second-base job, hit an RBI single off Brewers reliever Chris Perez in the fifth. Thursday marked the first Cactus League game for both teams, though the Brewers played against the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Wednesday. Trout, who flied out to deep right-center field in his first at-bat, said he was "just anxious to get out there. Sitting at the house for three months and now you're playing every day, it's definitely an adrenaline rush." In the bullpen just before jogging out to the field, Santiago felt like his heart was going to pound out of his chest. It's hard to simulate game action -- even a Spring Training game. "I did all those bullpens and worked on all those mechanics, and it's not the same," Santiago said. "I know what I did wrong. I felt it. But it's just a different intensity. It feels like everything's going a lot faster." Up next for the Angels: Jered Weaver will make his Cactus League debut on Friday, when the Angels host the Rockies at Tempe Diablo Stadium at 12:10 p.m. PT on MLB.TV and Fox Sports West. Angels manager

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Mike Scioscia traditionally doesn't announce his Opening Day starter until the very end of Spring Training, but Weaver is primed to start his franchise-record seventh Opening Day, and sixth in a row. The 32-year-old right-hander won an American League-leading 18 games last year, adding a 3.59 ERA in 213 1/3 innings. Over the offseason, he bulked up to 221 pounds, which is 22 pounds heavier than his lightest point in 2014.

Cron, Rutledge in lineup; preview of Opening Day? By Alden Gonzalez TEMPE, Ariz. -- Was the Angels' starting lineup for Thursday's Cactus League opener the same one they'll trot out for Opening Day 32 days from now? It sure is possible. Mike Trout stayed in the No. 2 spot, Albert Pujols batted third, Matt Joyce was the cleanup hitter, C.J. Cron started at designated hitter and Josh Rutledge was at second base. It went like this: Kole Calhoun, RF Trout, CF Pujols, 1B Joyce, LF David Freese, 3B Erick Aybar, SS Cron, DH Chris Iannetta, C Rutledge, 2B The second-base job is still an open competition, but Rutledge has the most experience among the candidates. The DH spot is still a question, but it's essentially Cron's job to lose. And though a lot can change over the course of Spring Training, this seems to be a lineup Scioscia likes against right-handed starters. Some additional notes from Thursday • Garrett Richards, in the final stages of his recovery from left knee surgery, is slated to throw to hitters on Saturday, which could be a precursor to starting in Cactus League games. • Asked who impressed in the Cactus League opener, Scioscia and pitching coach Mike Butcher both mentioned Jose Alvarez, the veteran left-hander and rotation hopeful who threw two scoreless innings. • Cron had a couple of opposite-field hits against right-handed starters, a good sign for a young right-handed hitter still trying to get comfortable against same-side pitchers. "His upside is definitely to be an everyday hitter, hitting against righties or lefties," Scioscia said. "He'll get there." • The Angels will have a "B" game on March 19 to make sure all their rotation candidates get enough innings. They also have split-squad games scheduled for March 14. There's usually no issue getting everyone work early in camp because starting pitchers aren't throwing that many pitches.

March 6, 2015 Page 12 of 17

Trout talks being aggressive at plate, backs it up right away By Alden Gonzalez TEMPE, Ariz. -- Mike Trout wants to be more aggressive early in counts. If you think you've heard this before, you're probably right. Trout has talked previously about his desire to take advantage of pitchers' early mistakes and not fall into too many two-strike counts, which tend to lend themselves to a high strikeout total. In his first Cactus League at-bat on Thursday, he swung at a first-pitch fastball from Brewers veteran Kyle Lohse and skied it to right-center field, a towering fly ball that was knocked down by the wind. And it wasn't really a coincidence. "I'm looking to drive the ball a little bit," Trout said after going 1-for-2 with an RBI infield single in his spring debut. "The biggest thing about cutting down on the strikeouts is getting a pitch early in the zone to drive. I'm going to work on that this spring. Throughout my whole career, I've been taking. I like to see pitches, but I'm going to get locked and loaded first pitch. If it's in the zone, I'm going to take a hack at it." Trout struck out an American League-leading 184 times last year, the most ever by a Most Valuable Player Award winner. During that 2014 season, he ranked eighth in the Majors in plate appearances (705), but he put the first pitch in play only 27 times. On 401 occurrences, Trout had a two-strike count, second only to Matt Carpenter for the Major League lead. But Angels manager Mike Scioscia doesn't necessarily believe Trout needs a change in approach. He's had an incredible amount of success regardless. "I think Mike Trout is going to do what he does best," Scioscia said. "If it's a situation where he needs to work a count, he's going to work a count. If he's on a pitcher and he's going to jump on a first pitch, he will. I don't think Mike's going to change too many things."

FROM THE LA DAILY NEWS

Angels’ Mike Trout comes out swinging

By JP Hoornstra

TEMPE, Ariz. >> On his first day of spring training, Angels outfielder Mike Trout identified two ways he

would try to improve on his MVP season. One was to pump up his career-low 16 stolen bases; the other

was to decrease his American League-leading 184 strikeouts.

Trout backed up his words in his first Cactus League game on Thursday. He swung at the first pitch he

saw from Kyle Lohse and flew out to deep right-center field. He later added a generously scored infield

single — not on the first pitch — to finish 1 for 2.

March 6, 2015 Page 13 of 17

“I’m looking to drive the ball a little bit,” he said. “That’s the biggest thing for cutting down the

strikeouts, is getting a pitch early in the zone to drive. I’ll work on it definitely this spring.

“Throughout my whole career I’ve been taking the first pitch because I like to see pitches,” Trout

continued. “I like to get more comfortable throughout the game. I’m going to get ready, locked and

loaded first pitch, and if it’s in the zone I’m going to take a hack at it.”

Trout didn’t appear rushed by any of the new pace-of-game initiatives. He hardly broke from his routine

of stepping out of the batter’s box to take a practice swing before every pitch, even with a runner on

base.

“I talked to Gerry (Davis, the home plate umpire),” Trout said. “He said he thinks that … I can’t do it. He’s

going to get back to me. I’m sure I’ll figure it out.”

Angels manager Mike Scioscia said he’s heard nothing new about outfielder Josh Hamilton, who is facing

a possible suspension from Major League Baseball for a reported cocaine relapse.

“We’re all waiting from MLB to see what his status is,” Scioscia said. “Everybody wants to get some

clarity there, including Josh.”

Scioscia said he expects MLB to make a decision well before the end of spring training.

Meanwhile, the MLB Players’ Association pleaded for non-clarity, condemning leaks about Hamilton’s

case to the media as “cowardly.”

“It is regrettable that people who want to see Josh Hamilton hurt personally and professionally have

started leaking information about the status of his treatment program and the confidential processes

under our Joint Drug Agreement,” the statement read. “These anonymous leaks are cowardly,

undermine the integrity of our collectively bargained agreements and in some instances have been

wholly inaccurate.

FROM ESPN LA

MLBPA supports Josh Hamilton By Jerry Crasnick The Major League Baseball Players Association sprang to the defense of Los Angeles Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton on Thursday, issuing a statement critical of news leaks that it calls "cowardly" and intended to hurt Hamilton "personally and professionally." The MLBPA has come to the defense of Josh Hamilton and called out "cowardly" leaks. "It is regrettable that people who want to see Josh Hamilton hurt personally and professionally have started leaking information about the status of his treatment program and the confidential processes under our Joint Drug Agreement," said the union statement. "These anonymous leaks are cowardly,

March 6, 2015 Page 14 of 17

undermine the integrity of our collectively bargained agreements and in some instances have been wholly inaccurate. "The Major League Baseball Players Association will use every right we have under the collective bargaining agreement to make sure Josh gets the help he needs, and the fair and confidential process to which he is entitled." Hamilton, a five-time All-Star who signed a five-year, $125 million contract with the Angels in December 2012, suffered a relapse involving the use of cocaine and alcohol in the offseason, according to an ESPN source and media reports. He met with MLB officials in New York last week as a precursor to possible disciplinary action. The commissioner's office and the MLBPA each appointed a lawyer and a physician to a committee to determine whether the drug policy was violated and decide on a course of treatment, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times. The committee deadlocked on the course of treatment, necessitating the involvement of an arbitrator who will break the split decision, a source told the Times. Hamilton, 33, has a well-documented history of substance-abuse problems dating to his days in the minor leagues, when he was suspended from baseball from February 2004 to June 2006 for issues related to cocaine and alcohol addiction. One of the conditions of Hamilton's reinstatement in 2006 was that he undergo drug testing three times a week. He had alcohol relapses in 2009 and 2012 but recovered to win the American League MVP Award with the Texas Rangers in 2010 and appear in consecutive World Series in 2010 and 2011. The arbitrator's decision on a rehabilitation program will affect the $25 million Hamilton is owed this season, according to the Times report. He would be paid his full salary for 30 days and half his salary for the next 30 days ($6.2 million total) if in rehab. He would not be paid if suspended and not in treatment. In addition, MLB is deciding whether to classify Hamilton as a fourth-time offender, the source told the Times, which could increase a suspension from 50-75 games to at least one full season. Hamilton slugged 43 homers and drove in 128 runs in 2012, his final season with the Rangers. But he has been a major disappointment since signing his mega-deal with the Angels. He appeared in only 89 games last season because of injuries and hit .263 with 10 homers and 44 RBIs.

FROM FORBES

Doing Right by Josh Hamilton By Howard Cole There’s a line of thinking in recovery circles that goes something like this: Why not get into treatment before you’re compelled to do so, show the decision makers you’re serious about sobriety, and get a head start on your recovery all at the same time?

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A follow-up line might be this: “Give us 90 days, and if you’re not satisfied, we’ll gladly refund your misery.” Clever, huh? I thought so 15 years ago and I haven’t had occasion to pick up since (that’s 15 World Series-less Octobers in Los Angeles, if you’re scoring). I have today and only today. A daily reprieve, you might say. I’ll cross the bridge to tomorrow when I get to it. If I get to it. If I am so fortunate. I don’t know Josh Hamilton. I haven’t a clue about his drinking and using, and I wouldn’t share it with you if I did. What I do know, however, is that the young man can get well if he’s willing. He might never play baseball again or he might win the American League Most Valuable Player award in 2015. A hundred outcomes in between are possible too. He might come back as a pitcher and win a Cy Young Award, for all we know. And I’m rooting for him. Reports about the four-person panel assigned to determine Hamilton’s fate being deadlocked surfaced yesterday, and perhaps that’s appropriate. Because while it makes some sense that the task falls to two doctors and two lawyers, one of each appointed by Major League Baseball and the players’ union, the notion that four individuals – none of whom are named Josh Hamilton – can decide whether the Angels outfielder is to enter a rehab facility doesn’t. Deciding on a punishment; some form of suspension, yes. Assigning treatment for the young man, no. That’s quite a bit beyond the pay-grade of strangers. I don’t agree with the suggestion that because addiction is a disease – and it is a disease – that there should be no punishment when rules (and laws) are broken. Recovery isn’t about getting to keep all your stuff, or getting back the things (or the people) you lost further on down the road. Not necessarily. Punishment should fit the crime, and I suppose this panel, with the help of an arbiter and Commissioner Rob Manfred, can handle the baseball part of this equation. But the decision about treatment – or the type of treatment – has to be Hamilton’s. Maybe he’s already made it. Maybe he’s in a facility right now, or attending meetings, or in counseling, or taking a whole host of steps available to him. Maybe he’s re-upped with an “accountability partner,” or rethought the concept entirely. I have no idea, but I know that he can get well. Let’s keep a good thought about this. Positive vibes and high-fives all around, in advance. I’m thinking something in the neighborhood of a 50-game suspension, served while Hamilton is on the disabled list, with the four-time loser label thrown completely out the window where it belongs. Pay the man, don’t pay the man; I don’t care. It doesn’t matter. What matters is that Hamilton is sober this very moment and getting well. If he’s got those 90 days under his belt when the suspension ends, and doesn’t want a refund on that misery, great. God bless him. What do you say we let him take it a day at a time though, huh? Josh Hamilton has fallen, but he can get up. Baseball can help, doing right by the player – doing right for the player – and for the game. If it so chooses. More will be revealed.

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FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Brewers' Lohse, Angels' Santiago sharp in 1st spring outings TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) Milwaukee ace Kyle Lohse and Los Angeles rotation hopeful Hector Santiago both had solid spring training debuts in the Angels' 3-2 victory over the Brewers on Thursday. Lohse, 13-9 with a 3.54 ERA last season, allowed one hit and one run with three strikeouts in 2 1-3 innings. Lohse retired the first six batters he faced. He allowed a leadoff double to C.J. Cron in the third. He later scored on Mike Trout's infield single off reliever Ariel Pena. ''It felt really good,'' Lohse said. ''It was kind of a continuation of what I've been doing in my bullpens and my live (batting practice outings). I was going out and just doing what I normally do: get ahead of guys and try to mix it up.'' Santiago struggled early in 2014 and was demoted to the minors. But he recovered to go 6-9 with a 3.75 ERA. He allowed one hit with a walk and a strikeout in two scoreless innings. ''That was intense,'' Santiago said. ''I started breaking a sweat before the first pitch.'' Cron had 11 homers and 37 RBIs as a rookie last year and is in line to receive more at-bats this season, along with newcomer Matt Joyce, with Josh Hamilton's status uncertain. Cron went 2 for 2. ''C.J. was on some pitches,'' Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. ''We know what a threat he is on the offensive side. Hopefully, he's going to grow from where he was last year.'' Scioscia said he would use Cron against righties and lefties. ''He projects out as a guy who hits against anybody,'' Scioscia said. ''His upside is definitely to be an everyday hitter. He'll get there. It's going to take a little bit of experience. He's made some adjustments.'' STARTING TIME Lohse was happy with his first outing of spring training. ''(I'm) just trying to get back in that groove right now and remember the little things you do in between pitches to get your mind right,'' Lohse said. ''Everybody needs a reminder of the small stuff. Once we get going, I'll worry about refining the stuff, but right now, if I could stay right there and build my pitch count right up I'll be pretty happy with the spring.'' Santiago is believed to be in a three-way race for the fifth and final spot in the Angels' starting rotation with newcomers Andrew Heaney and Nick Tropeano. TRAINER'S ROOM Angels: Right-hander Garrett Richards will next pitch to live hitters, according to Scioscia. Richards had a breakthrough season in 2014, going 13-4 with a 2.61 ERA, before rupturing the patellar tendon in his left

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knee last Aug. 20 at Boston while covering first base. Richards took fielding practice off a mound for the first time Wednesday. TROUT FISHING Trout, the defending AL MVP, swung at the first pitch and flew out deep to right-center field in his first at-bat. He told reporters earlier in camp that he could do more first-pitch swinging in an effort to cut down on his league-leading 184 strikeouts from a year ago. He took a pitch before singling in a run in his second trip to the plate. ''I'm looking to drive the ball and cut down on the strikeouts,'' he told reporters Thursday. Scioscia downplayed any major adjustments in Trout's approach to the plate. ''I don't think Mike's going to change too many things,'' Scioscia said. ''But I know a couple of things like being able to bring a bunt here and there to a game and being able to jump on the first pitch, they're going to be small adjustments. ''He's already made adjustments to get from point A to point B. There's obviously no major overhaul. He's going to be as aggressive as he needs to be. It's not going to be anything major. Mike's going to play his same game.'' ON THE CLOCK Santiago said he noticed the new between-innings clock that demands pitchers be on the mound with 20 seconds remaining on the two-minute clock. ''It definitely came into play,'' he said. ''You turn around toward second base and it's like, `Woo, 12 seconds.' I felt that I was rushing sometimes because of the clock. I guess it's good for us (as) we're not thinking too much. I think it's going to be OK. The first day is when you figure it out.'' Lohse was also aware. ''I still have to slow down,'' Lohse said. ''I was too fast. (Umpire) Jerry Lane was telling me 20 seconds is when they want me on the mound and I finish up at 50, so I'm always standing out there behind the mound waiting for that clock to click down to 20. I try to work fast and get the job done and get out of there.''