Cole Hamels rumors

[everyoneneedsasmil]

I know that rumors rarely lead to actual trades or moves in the front office, but this one in particular was very intriguing to me. Olney and others have speculated that the lack of a contract for Hamels, as well as his impending free agency status and change in type-A signings, means the Phillies could be looking for a trade this offseason.

Let me start by saying that starting pitcher is not our biggest need. 2nd base, 3rd base, and a more efficient lead-off hitter are all probably bigger immediate needs. Still, there isn't a Cole Hamels level player out there for any of those positions.

Cole is a #2 pitcher. He has some #1 stuff, but probably shouldn't be the best pitcher on your team long term. That is fine, since we have Verlander. Cole is a lefty, and a high end one at that, something our rotation is lacking completely. Finally, he's 28 (or will be by next season), and should easily have 5 or more good years left.

So what do you all think. Would you trade for Hamels if he was available (knowing his next contract would cost pretty much everything we save from letting dead weight go this year)? Or, would you think it more prudent to pass and focus on more position players?

 

[jimrice]

I think one problem is that the Phillies are looking for an impact corner outfielder. I don't see them interested in prospects, as they are built to win now.

I like Hamels, but who would they want from the Tigers? Boesch probably isn't good enough to be the anchor in the deal.

 

[everyoneneedsasmil]

I see what you are saying, but if it was just about winning now, they wouldn't trade him at all. The trade is based on the premise that they want to get something out of him before he walks and they are left with nothing. That's not to say it will take nothing to get him, but I don't think they would be opposed to prospects. It's unlikely a team trading for Hamels (a win-now move) would have a surplus of great outfielders to give up.

I would expect a deal for Hamels (from our side) to be build around Turner/Porcello and Boesch. Turner/Porcello gives them someone young and cheap to fill the rotation, Boesch can really hit when he's on. The bigger question is what deal will it take to outbid other rich, pitching needy teams like the Yankees and Red Sox?

 

[stonecold2136]

Tigers - Phillies are a bad match...it will never happen

 

[everyoneneedsasmil]

Who exactly is a good match for the Phillies? They are a powerhouse of team already.

 

[Mitchrapp]

I wouldn't give Porcello, Turner and BB for Hamels. He's a NL pitcher that hasn't been truely dominate.

 

[tycobb420]

Hamels might be worth a shot. I would make a trade if it did not cost too much. I would not give up Porcello and Turner, but have no issue giving up Turner for him.

 

[Mitchrapp]

Right, not both. And I know Porcello has had his struggles but at 22, add in a young prospect and a nce bat and it might be too much. Though I wouldn't mind getting him, lol.

 

[everyoneneedsasmil]

I think Hamels would make for a great rotation (JV, Hamels, Fister, Scherzer, Porcello/Turner). We are not really designed to be a great defensive team, so getting a considerably stronger rotation could certainly go a long way.

The addition of Hamels could make platoons or hitter-only type additions much more palatable.