Phillies followers see a maturity with Cole Hamels that hadn’t been there previously. Following Roy Halladay’s example Hamels dedicated himself this offseason and now he’s taken his game to another level.
Many baseball enthusiasts believe the lefthander may wind up finishing with the best record out of the Phillies’ Big Phour and compete for his first ever Cy Young Award.
Seeing Hamels as the best pitcher on this elite staff was previously unimaginable, but after hearing about his offseason training and improvements, the idea that Hamels could be the Phillies’ top pitcher in 2011 is no longer hopeful thinking, it’s becoming more and more likely.
In his second outing of spring training, Hamels shut down the Boston Red Sox. The lefty pitched four innings and allowed only one hit, compiling three strikeouts and walking one batter along the way. He was in total control.
Those three strikeouts came against some of the better hitters in the American League East — Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, and J.D. Drew.
He also didn’t allow a single ball past the infield in the first two innings, making his start even more respectable.
“My body felt really good. I’m pleased about that,” said Hamels, according to the Associated Press. “I had good workouts in the off-season and my endurance is there. I just need to fine tune my mechanics. To go four innings on March 3, I should be locked in by game time.”
Between his first two starts against the AL East’s top two teams, Hamels has gone six innings, allowing just two hits and one run, while striking out five batters and surrendering just two walks.
“I like it because it helps me get focused,” said Hamels, according to the Associated Press “Facing teams like the Yankees and Boston prepares you for the regular season. You have to make pitches.”
Hamels is obviously enjoying his success. Philadelphia fans are clearly embracing his recent success. Rich Dubee, on the other hand, still feels that “[Hamels’] delivery still needs work”, but he does go on to add that “his arm is working well”.
Granted it still is early on in the offseason, but you can’t help but imagine what the Phillies’ rotation will look like if Hamels ends up carrying his momentum into the start of the season.
I don’t think guys like Halladay, Roy Oswalt or Cliff Lee would rest easy with anybody outpitching them (even if they are on the same team).
Let the friendly pitching duels begin!
Considering how well he pitched last year, this shouldn’t be a surprise. The only thing that stopped him from winning 18 games last year was the Phils offense.
208 IP, 3.06 ERA, 211Ks, 61 BBs and only 185 hits
Dude was dealing last year.
Agree 100 % bugs
Hamels should have had at least 18 Wins last year if the Phils would hit
half-way decent for him…He pitched very well and was dominant from about
June on… I hope this Phillie Lineup starts producing this year.. I am not sold
on this batting line-up.. too many strikeout hitters and fly ball out hitters..not enough consistent contact hitters outside of Polanco & Ruiz..