SURPRISE, Ariz. — Josh Hamilton's press conference Friday stirred emotions among the Texas Rangers faithful.
Some were pleased about what Hamilton said in his more-than-30-minute session. Others were upset, especially about his comment that he doesn't owe the Rangers anything.
Hamilton clarified those comments Sunday.
"What I owe is 100 percent on the field," he said. "My employee-employer relationship. Give 100 percent in the clubhouse, to the fans. Everything I've done while I've been here. That's what I owe to the Rangers, and I've done those things. I'm going to continue to do those things. That's what I meant by it."
Hamilton felt it was necessary to talk about his comments because of the fan reaction he has received since Friday. Hamilton felt some of his comments were taken out of context and misconstrued.
"If fans aren't getting the whole story and they jump to conclusions and rip me a new one, which is fine, I've been ripped a new one a lot in my life," Hamilton said. "There are going to be people who don't like what I say if they don't get all the information. At the same time, there are a handful of people who don't like it or don't get it. There's a lot more than that handful who do get it and understand and appreciate it and support me. Either way, I do get it."
Hamilton also said he owes the Rangers the right to talk to them first if he becomes a free agent following the season. He said he's fine if the Rangers talks with his agent, Michael Moye, about a new contract during the season because he has faith in Moye. Moye will call him if there's something they need to talk about.
He also made it clear that his first choice is to remain with Texas.
"My loyalty is here," Hamilton said. "This is where I've been. This is where my family's been. So, obviously, I would love to stay here more than anywhere else. First of all, they get a chance to do what they need to do to keep me here."
