MLB Rumors: Philadelphia Phillies Must Do What It Takes to Keep Cole Hamels

If you were the Philadelphia Phillies, to what lengths would you go to keep Cole Hamels?

Would you give him a seven-year contract, for example?

Because that’s what it might take, at least according to NBC’s Howard Eskin:

Just reported on Sports Final @NBCPhiladelphia that I’m told cole hamels agent has told Phillies they r looking for “7” year deal.

— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) May 14, 2012

In my opinion, if that’s what it takes to keep him, then that’s what you give him. Here’s why.

 

Hamels is Needed Now

The Phillies aren’t getting any younger, with the core of the team—Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Jonathan Papelbon—mostly over the age of 30.

Only Hunter Pence (29) and Hamels (28) are below 30, and not by much.

The window for this team to win a World Series is shrinking rapidly—some might say that after the team’s slow start, it has already past, though I don’t subscribe to that theory just yet—and losing a pitcher of Hamels caliber would be devastating.

Hamels is on pace to have his finest season to date. He’s 5-1 with a 2.28 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 49 strikeouts and looks like he’ll once again be a viable Cy Young candidate. The Phillies can’t afford to lose that level of production any time soon.

 

Hamels Will Be Needed Later

I know what you’re thinking:

But Tim, giving him a seven-year contract is ridiculous. It will come at such a high price—there’s no way he’ll settle for less than Matt Cain money—and he’ll be 36 when the deal runs out. That’s crazy talk!

But is it really crazy talk?

I don’t think so. I actually think Hamels’ pitching style will remain effective as he ages. He’s a crafty, cerebral pitcher even now, not an overpowering one. His reliance on an excellent change-up along with a solid cutter will compensate for any velocity he loses off his fastball.

It’s risky, I agree. But I also think Hamels will be a very effective pitcher well into his 30s, and the Phillies should keep that in mind as they negotiate a new deal.

 

He’s a Philly Favorite

In 2008, Cole Hamels was the World Series MVP when the team won its first championship since 1980. He came up through the team’s minor league system. He was the best left-handed pitcher this organization had seen since Steve Carlton.

His departure would be an extremely unpopular move with the fans. Philadelphia fans are loyal to their teams, but don’t get it twisted—they will turn on a front office. As amazing a job as general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. has done, a few poor decisions and his popularity will take a plunge quickly.

For the past five years, Philly has gone from being a city traditionally owned by the Philadelphia Eagles to a Phillies town. But if they lose Hamels—and they don’t transition gracefully from this current core of players to the next generation of Phillies—the city will turn primarily green once again.

Eagles green, that is. And all of that green that the Phillies have basically printed in the past five years will become more scarce, too.

If they know what is good for them, they’ll find a way to bring Hamels back, even if the terms are steep. He’s not just a key piece now but also an important part of this organization’s future.

 

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets never give up in stoppage time.

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