Just yesterday, it appeared as though it would come down to the Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers when it came to the services of Cole Hamels. Now, sitting just about 46 hours from Friday's 4:00pm trade deadline, one of those teams has seemingly taken a hard stance with the crop of prospects they'd be willing to offer.
TR Sullivan, who covers the Texas Rangers for MLB.com, reported just moments ago that a deal between the Phillies and Rangers has hit a bit of a stalemate. Per his Twitter account:
Rangers and Phillies are nowhere close on what Texas would give up to get Hamels in a trade. Rangers aren't budging on top farm prospects
— TR Sullivan (@Sullivan_Ranger) July 29, 2015
It had been reported that Philadelphia was seeking catcher Jorge Alfaro and outfielder Nomar Mazara in a deal with Texas, both of whom ranked in the top four of Baseball America's Top Ten Prospect list for the Rangers.
One would have to assume Texas is unwilling to part with either player, creating a riff in talks. With each competing team's best offer reportedly due today in the pursuit of Hamels, this may open the door for a new "favorite" landing spot for the left-hander's services.
Along with the Dodgers and Rangers, the San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, and New York Yankees have all been linked to Cole Hamels in varying degrees.
Andrew Gillen, Philliedelphia.com
