Cole Hamels Links: Thursday

Cole Hamels allowed four hits and recorded two strikeouts over 3 2/3 shutout innings today in a Spring Training start today against the Pirates.  Here's the latest on the possible 2013 free agent, as rumors continue to swirl about his long-term future with the Phillies…

• John Boggs, Hamels' agent, has left Florida after having "several conversations" with Phillies management about an extension for the southpaw, reports ESPN's Jayson Stark.  "At this point, we're not going to discuss the negotiations," Boggs said.  "But I'm trying to remain positive. And that's all I'd like to say."  Phils GM Ruben Amaro Jr. also didn't comment on negotiations, as per club policy.
• Jimmy Rollins tells CSNPhilly.com's Jim Salisbury that he thinks the Phillies will spend whatever it takes to ensure that Hamels remains in Philadelphia. “He’s not going anywhere. He was drafted by this organization, raised by this organization and became a superstar in this organization," Rollins said.  "If you know anything about this organization, that means he’s not going anywhere….I don’t give a damn about the luxury tax or nothing. It’s not a financial situation. You sell out a hundred something straight games, they have plenty enough money to sign a pitcher like Cole Hamels."
• Another of Hamels' teammates, Cliff Lee, weighed in on the importance of performing in a contract year, reports MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince.  "[Hamels] finally gets a chance to get what he's worth," Lee said. "You've finally got some control over your future and what's going to happen. It's an earned right. He's to that point. So, this year is obviously a big year for him."