Cole Hamels has been the hot topic this offseason when it comes to the Phillies. The first notable move of the rebuild was finalized over the last week with Jimmy Rollins being dealt to the Dodgers for two pitching prospects. LA seemed to be a possible landing spot for Cole Hamels as well but that is becoming more unlikely as the days move along. Most recently, the Padres, who have been very active this winter, have shown interest in the Phillies ace.
Fact is, Amaro isn't going to deal Hamels unless they receive an offer that they cannot refuse. That is how it should be too. Cole is one of the best left-handers in the league and just trading him to kick-off the rebuild would make little sense. Former shortstop, Jimmy Rollins, said he believes that Cole will be in red pinstripes in 2015, but doesn't know for how long. Here's what J-Roll had to say in a sit down with CSN's Jim Salisbury.
"In [2015], yes," said Rollins on whether he expects Hamels to remain a Phillie.
"Maybe not the whole season, but just looking at the market the way it is, teams are going to have to give up a whole bunch — and Cole is definitely worth it — but teams are very protective over their top prospects. These are guys that they see holding down the future of their franchise, being that next window of winning. And you're going to have to give that up for Cole to win now."
Hamels has $96 million coming to him over the next four years of his contract, which is considered somewhat of a bargain compared to what Jon Lester got ($155 million) and what Max Scherzer is hoping to get. The difference of course is those teams that don't want to trade prospects. There is also the arugument that prospects are indeed…just prospects. You don't really know what you are going to get while Hamels is a proven big league ace with four years of team control.
"If teams are willing to bet the farm, Cole will be gone, I think at some point in 2015," Rollins said. "But I don't know."
Thus far, it doesn't seem like any team is willing to bet the farm, but in time that could change. Right now, it looks highly likely Cole will take the mound on Opening Day for the Phillies, but how long he remains with the club is a mystery.
Brandon Apter is a contributor to Philliedelphia.com
