Hamels, Phillies will have to decide on future soon

[Phil The Thrill]

Given the depth of Philadelphia's pitching staff, it's highly possible that Cole Hamels will be the team's No. 4 starter entering the 2011 season.

He's also the youngest and lowest-paid member of the rotation.

Talks have yet to begin between the Phillies and Hamels on a long-term contract extension. His current contract ends after the 2011 season, but he won't be a free agent until after the 2012 campaign.

"My philosophy has always been the best position to take is one of concentrating on completing the existing contract with the club," agent John Boggs said. "Concentrate on the job at hand. If the Phillies determine they would like to talk to us about something, sure, we'd be all ears."



Read more: http://baseball.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/23078/20110102/hamels_phillies_will_have_to_decide_on_future_soon/#ixzz19v7TK924

 

[Phil The Thrill]

With such a deep rotation and losing Werth, it would make sense to move him for a bat.

 

[Elite]

I think they should keep him around. He's still just 27 years old and I think Oswalt's contract expires this season.

 

[Giantmetfan07]

His guaranteed contract runs up after this 2011 season, however there is also a Mutual 2012 option -- meaning both the team and player have to accept the option. Same price as his current contract is -- 2012 would pay him $16M. He will be 34 in 2012. But I think the bigger problem here for the Phillies is, how many years are left in Oswalt's arm? And if there are plenty of years, is he more valuable to them for 3 or 4 years than Hamels is to them for 5 or 6 years.

Trade Hamels after this season, a year in which he is offered arbitration anyhow. Trade him for a solid bat and a decent pitching prospect.

 

[tbuc]

It would be stupid to move him IMO. He's cheap young and their future Ace. Plus, they have money problems. Moving Hamels won't help.