Photo: Philliedelphia/Steve Trapani
If you haven't read this interview between CSN's Leslie Gudel and Phillies lefthander Cole Hamels, please do so. It's a great interview and an in-depth look on what Cole Hamels is thinking of this whole situation involving his future with this team.
In the interview, Hamels opens up to Gudel about his feelings on this season and if winning or losing would effect his decision. Hamels also opens up about the possibilities of the Phillies trading him before July 31, and re-signing with the Phillies after the season ends.
Gudel: So let’s paint the scenario. Is there a possibility you could be traded and then come back to sign with the Phillies in the off-season?
Hamels: "Of course! That’s something I would never doubt, because of the situation [with the team struggling] and us obviously not being at the front of the pack. I can always leave and come back. When a team gets rid of you, I don’t think anybody looks at it as a slap in the face. I know Cliff didn’t. He pretty much showed the prime example of getting traded off before a [full] season and then coming back. I think that’s always a great possibility.
"It’s an organization and I understand the business side and I won’t be offended. I think you need to know your players and because I think I’ve been here long enough, I think [the front office] pretty much understands my personality and they know that if something had to arise, I wouldn’t be offended and I still would give them the benefit of the doubt and come back, because this is one of the best organizations I’ve ever seen. It has the best fan base I’ve ever seen. It’s a great place to play baseball and there are a ton of great guys to play baseball with."
If this is what the Phillies are planning to do. You know – sort of how they moved Cliff Lee? It would actually make sense. If trading Hamels to a team for a bat or two and letting Hamels finish the year in another team with the guarantee of him re-signing with the club in the offseason, I'm for it.
July is going to be the month that will decide this team's fate. Unlike last year and years before, the Phillies will not be seeking an additional peice to complete a championship caliber team (eg. Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt and Hunter Pence). If they carry their terrble play from the first half, the season will be as good as over. The Phillies will start to sell off their stock.
Juan Pierre, currently on a one-year deal, has drawn interests from other teams. Shane Victorino, who is in his last year of his contract, has not played up to par this year and may be a candidate for a contender team who needs a seasoned outfielder.
Lastly, Cole Hamels could very likely be on the move. The 28-year-old lefty is one of the premier starting pitchers scheduled to be on the market this offseason, unless the Phillies can do something about it and re-sign him. Or trade him and hopefully and desperately re-sign him later in the off-season.
Don't forget to read Leslie Gudel's interview with Cole Hamels here.
Follow Erik on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.
