Hamels sharp again; talks contract, Opening Day
Cole Hamels could become the rare pitcher who signs his first $20-million-per-year contract before he makes his first Opening Day start. Brett Myers started Opening Day in 2007, 2008 and 2009, while Roy Halladay got the nod in 2010 and 2011. Halladay will probably be the guy again this year. Whether Hamels gets his contract before then remains to be seen.
Hamels sharp again; talks contract, Opening Day
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
Cole Hamels could become the rare pitcher who signs his first $20-million-per-year contract before he makes his first Opening Day start. Brett Myers started Opening Day in 2007, 2008 and 2009, while Roy Halladay got the nod in 2010 and 2011. Halladay will probably be the guy again this year. Whether Hamels gets his contract before then remains to be seen.
Agent John Boggs has been in Florida for the past few days, but Hamels said he does not bog himself down in contract talks between the two sides.
"He just comes into town every year about the same time," said Hamels, who threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings against the Pirates today. "We're just going to treat it like a normal spring training for us. I know he's got to go visit guys, with Adrian and Francisco up in Dunedin. He has a few other guys around. It's not like I'm seeing him every day, every hour. We see him the same sort of time that we usually do, having dinners and enjoying his company."
Hamels repeated an earlier statement that he does not plan on setting a deadline for a new contract.
"Like I said before, it's a situation that I know they are going to be able to discuss," Hamels said. "I'm not the type of guy who is going to put parameters and barriers. It's a situation where I think I'm more focused on being able to go out and pitch, and I know that's what the team wants me to be able to do, because our ultimate goal is to win a World Series, not play for a contract."
As for Opening Day. . .
"I think it's always an honor to be in a position to do it, leading off the season for your team, especially if it's at home, it's something that's pretty enjoyable," Hamels said. "I've always wanted to. I'll just keep waiting for the opportunity."
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Would Halladay be willing to give Hamels the opportunity this year? The rotation's order will natuarally change throughout the season.— Clt Philly Fan- He gets the contract by March 31st, he gets the opening day start at CBP. He doesn't close it, he doesn't get it.
I would still be very surprised if this shopping spree doesn't go on hold until after the season. If it doesn't, more power to the Phils brass, and Hamels, for getting a deal done. That would be just about the biggest news - so far this season.— 24sDad - Halladay might but the team would never give Hamels an opening day start. They have proven that time and again. Maybe with his next team but he'll be waiting a long time in Philadelphia.— re6035
- He was penciled in as the opening day pitcher in 2009. He didn't pitch because his elbow was bothering him.
I'd like to see him get the opening day start. It would be recognition for how good he's been in the post-season. No World Series without Hamels in 2008. Without Oswalt there's also an argument to go L/R/L with the top three (Hamels, Halladay, Lee).
— s - How many pitches Hamels threw today in his second outing of the spring? If I were his agent, I wouldn't be too happy.— EL Zorro
- El Zorro - Maybe not as many pitches as it seemed. Pitching into the 4th seems like a lot but Hamels was getting a lot of fast outs early on. I'm betting his pitch count wasn't that high. Hamels and his agent may also be trying to show that the offseason elbow surgery was nothing to worry about. He looked good.— s
- doubt new contract, if done, would be announced before the season starts... for luxury tax reasons...— sn11
- Absolutely no reason to wait to announce. Unlike the previous CBA a new contract a player signs will not affect the old AAV counting towards the luxury tax. Any contract Cole signs this year will take affect next season, both on the books and per the luxury tax rules. — Eilex826
- He's earned the honor of starting Opening Day. I'd bet Halladay and Lee would agree.— escapedcamden4monterey
What about the home opener (they open on the road, correct?)? Sure it would be a #4 start, but they have an open day right after so he could slip back into the #3 spot for his next rotation.— verve
Comment removed.- goodwin, you are so right!!!!!!!!!!!! why would we give a guy who averages 11.5 wins a year for his career the nod over a true "Ace" like Halladay?— Mark1npt
- Aside from using an unfair "11.5 wins a year" as a summary for Hamels' prowess, whole heartedly agree that Halladay gets the opening start until someone trounces him in pitching stats in a previous year. But I don't see that much differential happening unless he gets injured, so happy we have Doc. He is the Ace of the Phillies, no doubt. — raboo
- The more I read about the potential contract estimates for Hamels if he hits free agency (150-175M, I'm guessing 7-8 years), the more I realize how lucky we were to get Halladay for just $20M a year. Assuming Halladay's 2014 option vests, wondering what they would pay him to extend/mentor the baby aces for 2015 plus a couple of years.— raboo
