Philadelphia Phillies leave Cole Hamels in trade market as July 31 trade deadline approaches-MLB
Sources claim that left-hander Cole Hamels has been placed in the trade market. As July 31 trade deadline nears, the club aims to sense interests in him from the clubs. Experts believe that the Phillies have done this just in case their decline worsens just
before the deadline date, they will have made their decision about which club he will be traded to. Negotiations have not yet started.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been reported to be in line to take Hamels, most probably through free agency on conclusion of the season.
Still the Phillies are entertaining thoughts of earning a play-off spot. Hoping against hope that their expensive roster steps up to justify the money being spent on it, the Phillies are likely to retain Hamels, if something positive starts prevailing within
a few weeks.
Meanwhile, move has triggered deliberations across organisations which feel that with a quality starter like Hamels they can pull off a potential play-off spot.
While rest of the Phillies fell on the wayside, Hamels remained their best starter, right from day one.
Even better than Cliff Lee, who is the most expensive pitcher on their roster, Hamels has proven to be a rare bright spot for the club. This gives way to the suggestion that with little run-support that he may receive from any other club, he can turn out
to be a dream starter.
Therefore, it will be no surprise if flurry of teams show immediate interest. This will put the Phillies in an unpleasant dilemma. Trade-off between making another attempt to restore their pride and giving up will be troubling for them, to say the least.
After all, temptation to defend last year Championship in the National League East Division is still there.
The Phillies may offer Hamels a contract extension and therefore do not let him enjoy free agency after this season. A source close to the situation reveals that a point of contention between Hamels and the Phillies for retention is the duration of the new
contract. It says that Hamels wants security and therefore demands a deal for about seven years.
Where Hamels ultimately lands will invite special attention from the fans. Next few weeks will be important in this regard.
Tags: