Despite fitness issues Josh Hamilton enjoys World Series, Manager Ron Washington comments
Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton may have been the 2010 American League Most Valuable Player, but his antics this year will most likely be less admired than those of Detroit Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera. Hamilton has been nesting a left groin strain for over a month now and there has been a dip in performance from the player. Nevertheless, the superstar is content with his role in the World Series.
While Cabrera will make his case for the 2011 title, Hamilton will try his best to beat the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday, October 27, at the Busch Stadium in St. Louis. 3 – 2 up in the series, the Rangers need just one more win to lift the ultimate World Series title. Ron Washington talked to the press on Wednesday, October 26, about Hamilton. With Game 6 delayed till Thursday due to rain, it was a good idea for the Texas manager to talk about his outfielder.
"Any time you're dealing with nagging injuries, any time you can get a break, it's a positive," Washington said. "How positive, I really don't know, because it's not going to be easy trying to deal with Jaime Garcia [Thursday]. But any time he can get a day off of it is beneficial. So we'll know more tomorrow on how he reacts when the game starts."
Garcia will be starting for the Cards on Thursday and Hamilton needs to be ready for the challenge. A delay on Wednesday means the star will be resting up more before the much awaited encounter. His batting average has dipped recently as he is .158 in the World Series. His American League Championship Series average was .308 in comparison.
Washington will hope the player can deliver his best in potentially the last encounter of the Series. Hamilton has not hit a homer, this post season but he has drove in nine runs and scored six on his own.
"Our line up's so potent as far as power, I don't feel any stress at all on me, as far as not hitting home runs," he said.
The Rangers need a critical win and there is a common wish amongst Rangers’ fan that Hamilton would provide that accomplishment with a homer.
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