The speculation regarding a potential Cole Hamels deal has been the focal point of the Phillies this offseason, with the exception of the organization unprofessionally voicing their opinions on Ryan Howard. Sure, Jimmy Rollins has departed, but Cole Hamels has really been the center of this thought of rebuilding. A trade involving Cole would bring a heck of a prospect return to Philadelphia. That being said, no teams have been willing to part with their young talent, leaving Hamels' more than likely to end up in a Phillies uniform by the time the season begins. Phillies general manager, Ruben Amaro Jr., appeared at the Reading Fightin' Phils winter banquet on Monday night and shed some light on the situation.
“I think Cole Hamels is going to be in our uniform, frankly," Amaro said before the annual winter banquet hosted by the Phillies’ double A affiliate in Reading. "I don’t really foresee him being moved. It is possible because we’re literally keeping our minds and eyes and ears open on every player that we have on our roster.
"That said, he’s one of the best pitchers in baseball. And so, if we were to move him, we’re going to have to get some of the best prospects in baseball back.”
There have been plenty of critics belittling every move Amaro makes, but a Cole Hamels trade needs to gets the correct return, it is that simple. You don't trade him for anything less than two or three top-tier prospects. The Phillies ownership group is also not eager to part with their left-handed ace just yet.
“In fact, the ownership group I think would rather keep him than not. But we have to be good listeners and I think we owe it to the franchise and the organization to listen on possible opportunities, and there have been some clubs that have been aggressive. Not aggressive enough, obviously, because we haven’t done anything.
“If I was going to handicap it, I would probably say that he’d be in our pinstripes on opening day and pitching against Boston.”
Amaro's comments come shortly after the Phillies were reportedly having "in-depth" talks with the Rangers before Texas acquired Yovani Gallardo from the Brewers.
