Photo: Philliedelphia/Lindsey Crew
Yesterday we got the impression from the Phillies' Spring Training rotation that Cole Hamels was likely to be the Phillies' Opening Day starter headed into the 2013 season. Although he enjoyed a successful young career that included a World Series MVP, Hamels had never gotten the opportunity. Heading into 2013 the Phillies' youngest ace received an endorsement from the Phillies Opening Day starter the last seasons, Roy Halladay.
With many Phillies fans taking notice of the Spring rotation, CSNPhilly.com's Jim Salisbury took the time to ask Halladay what he thought about Hamels heading into 2013. His response was one of great respect and class:
He deserves that and I think that’s the way it should be,” Halladay said after throwing to hitters for the final time before he makes his first Grapefruit League start on Sunday. “It’s his time. It should have been his spot a long time ago. It’s time for him to establish himself as the head of the staff.
Halladay may be a warrior who you might think won't give up his place in the rotation. But Halladay wants to win more than everything else:
I think the older you get, the tougher the division gets — it’s more imperative to start holding that competitiveness and finding ways to win games.
Even if it means sacrificing his own title, Halladay is all for it. This is why Halladay will be one of my favorite players ever.
Check out CSNPhilly's whole video report here:
