Cole Hamels would prefer to sign long-term contract with Philadelphia Phillies

Published: Monday, February 20, 2012, 6:30 PM     Updated: Monday, February 20, 2012, 6:52 PMBy Associated PressThe Associated Press
Follow1TweetSharecloseDiggStumble UponFarkRedditShareEmailPrintView full sizeAP Photo | MATT SLOCUMPhiladelphia Philllies' Cole Hamels throws during practice before the start of baseball spring training in Clearwater, Fla.Cole Hamels sounds like a guy who expects to finish his career in red pinstripes.

All that remains is for Hamels' agent, John Boggs, and the Philadelphia Phillies to agree on a long-term contract.

Speaking to reporters today, Hamels expressed his fondness for the city, the organization and the fans. The 2008 World Series MVP avoided arbitration by signing a $15 million, one-year contract. He can become a free agent in November, but made it clear he'd rather stay in Philadelphia.
"I was very fortunate enough to be drafted to an organization that is trying to win and obviously has won," Hamels said. "Every day, every year, we seem to get some top players. So that kind of shows the value and the direction the team wants to go. I've just been very fortunate to be a part of it. And it's also something where I don't know any better."

"I live in Philadelphia. I've been here for I guess 10 years now, so that's been something that's been kind of nice, kind of something I've been focused on. It's a great organization to play for and I'd love to be a part of it."
Hamels is the youngest of the Phillies' three aces. He's also the only one of the trio with a World Series ring. Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee have more individual awards on their trophy cases and probably more money in their bank accounts. But Hamels figures to cash in soon.

The lanky left-hander is expected to receive a contract in the range of the $120 million, five-year deal Lee got before last season. Halladay signed a $60 million, three-year contract extension through 2013 when he was traded to the Phillies in December 2009. Both pitchers were already in their 30s when they received those deals. Hamels turned 28 two months ago, so his age should be an advantage in negotiations.
"Those are two guys that are two of the best pitchers in major league baseball and for a substantial amount of years," Hamels said. "I've been able to get stronger and a lot more intelligent baseball-wise. It's just taking the next step to do what those two have done, which is to go out there and repeat, have successful years and stay healthy. That's ultimately the big picture, to stay healthy, go out, play and help your team. That's kind of where I'm at right now, to go out there and do it. And if I'm able to do it then things will obviously take care of itself."
Hamels is coming off his most consistent season. He was 14-9 and set career bests in ERA (2.79) and WHIP (0.97) while earning his second trip to the All-Star game.

Related topics: cole hamels, philadelphia phillies
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1Comments FeedTrickster63February 20, 2012 at 8:55PMFollow

Cole deserves a long term contract from Phillies. He has his moments, but I trhink he is one of the most talented Phillie pitchers.

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