Josh Hamilton on Arte Moreno He knew what the deal was

Josh Hamilton returned to the Texas Rangers on Monday after two seasons with the Angels.(Photo Jerome Miron USA TODAY Sports)

A resolute Josh Hamilton returned to the Texas Rangers on Monday mincing no words about his drug relapse and saving a few pointed words for the Los Angeles Angels who offered him a cold shoulder before dealing him back to his old team.

I've had a lot of good memories here Hamilton said at a Globe Life Stadium press conference. They've always treated me great. Looking back on it if I could change the past I would.

I can only learn from it. I probably wouldn't have gone anywhere. I can't change that.

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Done deal Josh Hamilton traded by Angels to Texas Rangers

Hamilton left the Rangers after the 2012 season to sign a five year $125 million contract with the Angels. Two unproductive seasons were followed by a shoulder injury and then a relapse with drugs and alcohol for a player whose supreme natural talent and budding career were nearly waylaid by substance abuse a decade ago.

When an arbitrator ruled Major League Baseball could not discipline Hamilton for his drug relapse Angels owner Arte Moreno refused to guarantee Hamilton would play again for the club and expressed disappointment for Hamilton's lack of accountability.

Moreno will swallow some $68 million of Hamilton's salary to deal him to the Rangers and Hamilton said he was surprised Moreno did not grasp the potential pitfalls of signing a drug addict.

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In dealing Josh Hamilton Angels will close an odd expensive chapter

He knew what the deal was when he signed me. Hands down Hamilton said. He knew what he was getting what the risks were. Under the (joint drug agreement) it is what it is.

Hamilton expressed disappointment he was such a poor producer in Anaheim hitting 31 home runs over two injury plagued seasons but took offense at Moreno's accountability remark.

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Can Josh Hamilton be productive in his return to the Rangers

I have no clue what he is talking about Hamilton said. I showed up every day. Played hard every day I was there. Going into this season I hadn't been the player they wanted me to be.

But I worked my butt off to be that player this year for the Angels. They just didn't want it to happen to me for some reason. It doesn't hurt my feelings doesn't make me mad. But I'm prepared.

Hamilton will report Tuesday to extended spring training in Arizona and general manager Jon Daniels said Hamilton could join the major league club later in May.

GALLERY Josh Hamilton's career in pictures

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