JULY 16: Twenty teams had representatives in attendance at today’s showcase, Heyman reports (Twitter link). The Angels and Cardinals were among the teams to send personnel, per reports from Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com and Katie Woo of the Athletic.
JULY 13, 3:59 pm: The Red Sox will also be in attendance, reports Rob Bradford of WEEI.
JULY 13, 2:51 pm: The Phillies and Mets will have scouts watching Hamels, according to Heyman (Twitter links). The Yankees will also be in attendance, The New York Post’s Joel Sherman tweets. As teams will inevitably be revealed as being part of this showcase, it should be noted (as Sherman does) that the Yankees and many clubs send evaluators to these showcases as a normal order of business.
JULY 9: Free agent left-hander Cole Hamels will hold a showcase in front of teams on July 16, reports Jon Heyman of MLB Network (Twitter link). The Dodgers are among the teams who will have personnel in attendance, reports Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times (on Twitter).
It has been a protracted stay in free agency for Hamels, who hasn’t signed anywhere since the 2020 season concluded. There was never any indication the veteran southpaw planned to sit out for all of 2021, though, and he was reported to be building up a throwing program last month.
Hamels essentially had a lost 2020 season. Signed by the Braves to a one-year, $18MM deal over the 2019-20 offseason, he dealt with shoulder soreness in Spring Training and then began the shortened season on the injured list with a triceps issue. Hamels returned to make one appearance in mid-September before landing back on the IL with a season-ending shoulder problem.
Before 2020, Hamels was a paragon of durability, tossing at least 130 innings in every season between 2006-19. He was also a model of consistency, never posting an ERA higher than 4.32 and allowing fewer than four earned runs per nine innings in eleven of those fourteen campaigns. He was still effective as recently as 2019, when he tossed 141 2/3 innings of 3.81 ERA ball with solid strikeout and walk rates (23.2% and 7.1%, respectively) with the Cubs. Between his track record and the volume of pitcher injuries around the league in 2021, there figures to be plenty of teams in attendance next week to gauge Hamels’ current form.
watup0100
How long until he would be ready to start for a team assuming he’s signed right away? 4 weeks?
Francys01
To the Cardinals.
DodgerNation
That’s a funny way of spelling the Los Angeles Dodgers you have there Francys01
Francys01
You are very funny guy/ kid. Please don’t insult yourself like that. Demonstrate your intelligence.
thrasher77
If you honestly think the cards will put up more money than the Dodgers, well then you’re smoking some REALLY good stuff! The Dodgers will overpay just to make sure no one else gets him.
Francys01
thrasher77- We shall see. Time will tell my friend. Who knows if the Cardinals are even interested in Cole Hamels? Mozeliak might trade for one or two starting pitchers. To resume, the Dodgers had the opportunity to acquire Hamels a few years back when Hamels played in Philadelphia and they refused to trade their top prospects they had at the time. Now, they have the possibility to sign him. To conclude, Hamels might sign with the team that he might be most comfortable with.
oscar gamble
No team knows if they are interested until they see Hameln throw.
Dutch Vander Linde
There’s other teams other than the LA Bummers.
thecoffinnail
Yeah but I am sure he is looking for a championship more than money. The Dodgers are a safe bet to go deep into the playoffs. Plus he can hold down the #4/#5 spot in their rotation without pressure to be the pitcher he was 10 years ago. So, if the Dodgers make a decent offer I wouldn’t be surprised if he chose them over offers with more money. My guess would be an NL West team like the Giants or Padres if the Dodgers pass. Oakland could be a dark horse. He has always pitched well at the Colosseum.
PNW-JWS
FrancyNancy: intelligence and hunches/thoughts/feelings on a sports blog are mutually exclusive.
Or, so you’ll understand, “they’re stoopid” as are you if you continue to make such inane verbal explosive diarrhea.
deweybelongsinthehall
Depends on different factors including tax levels. Boston for one if they could jettison other money’s could outspend even the Dodgers since it short term stupid money and no prospects would be involved. So why not the Cardinals?
opranger
Good one, ha ha ha!
BuJoBi
It is mlb trade rumors. So discussing a possible location, and why he would decide on that location, doesnt really seem like verbal diarrhea?
So sensitive, it’s ok, whether Hamels signs in la or not hea not gonna make a huge difference, I doubt he starts a playoff game so relax who cares where he signs, maybe he goes to philly? Maybe he goes to Tb, maybe Boston, maybe toronto, but to discuss that on mlbtr post on a players location is far from verbal diarrhea.
Do you francys01
OmniMike 2
That’s cute! Francine thinks the Cardinals are going to be buyers before the trade deadline
Chief Two Hands
Cards. are 4th in a pretty weak division and 8 games out of first. Not a very attractive option at this point.
csalko
My Mets could likely offer him a rotation spot, something other teams may not be able to do. Could be a key factor.
jimbo121757
Depends on how much he wants.
AZPat
The cardinals might not be sellers, but they ain’t buyers. The season is over for the team under the arch.
jimknows
They are INTERESTED in seeing him throw.
CubsWin108
if the case he’ll sign with the place he feels most comfortable with he’ll easily sign with the Phillies to finish out his carrer
Not a clever name
Let’s hope so, giants only have a two game lead, bums need to send Hamels to the mound so SF can put some distance between the rest of the division.
Buster79
The cards have 3 starters out for most of the season. It might be attractive to him because it’s his best chance to start. The cards will only do it if he’s cheap. They have to have somebody to get them some innings until the year is over.
philly phans n sd
Sorry to burst some bubbles but.. Cole is coming BACK HOME 2 PHILLY!!
dugmet
Take the pain. Take the pain!
VonPurpleHayes
Makes no sense for the Cards to bring on an aging veteran. They’re retooling.
Gothamcityriddler
What if no teams show up? Ahahahaha!
csalko
Teams pull a Kapernick on him?
Chief Two Hands
Teams showed up for that fool, but Kapernick changed the venue of his own accord at the last minute. Seems like he prefers to play the martyr role than play football. That idiot made his own bed.
Whifff
His smartest play is to latch on to a team allowing him to display his talents in October. A strong October showing will drive up his value. The White Sox and Brewers have the largest division leads so I assume he will give them long looks if mutual interest.
IjustloveBaseball
Depends on what his “throwing program” has consisted of. If he’s reasonably stretched out from the mound, he may not even need four weeks.
I’d assume given he’s aiming to get signed this late in the season, that he’s pretty close to ready!
Al Hirschen
Mets
Central Valley
Come on Zaidi, make some moves!
giantsphan12
@central, while I agree Z needs to to help us get another starter, I’m not sure Cole Hamels is the answer. We have a lot of “iffy” starting pitching right now,
especially with Beede back in the mix. I’d like to see Farhan get a major arm between now and the deadline. I’m not so sure Hamels is that arm…..
thecoffinnail
Agreed. I would like to see him get Hendricks from the Cubs. Solid pitcher that doesn’t see the IL often. The Cubs are hurting for prospects and can easily give the Giants a couple of missing pieces.
Wheeler Dealer
Its gonna cost some good pitcjing prospects and a sweetner whatcha got?
LarryBiitnersGhost
Lol Hendricks is signed at a team-friendly rate for two years and is a #1 on some or solid #2 on any MLB roster. It would take a massive haul to pry him away – probably a current starter and high-prospect package. No way the Cubs make a deal for anything short of that.
pustule bosey
I think he is an answer,even if he isn’t the answer. beede hasn’t been ready and hammels will just cost money so it may be worth going in on him if he looks good.
BRUH.SF.BRUH
@Giantsphan I wouldn’t say we have “a lot” of iffy pitching. Three spots are for sure locked up. Webb looked great in his short stint. Beede was most likely being showcased for a trade…Cueto I would certainly consider iffy though lol. With that said, we could certainly use more starting depth. I think Cole would actually be a solid #5 if he looks decent. We wouldn’t have to give up any prospects either.
ABCD
Cubs could ….. never mind.
Polish Hammer
Indians ditto…
costergaard2
He’s going to the DBacks. Snakes will also trade for Refsnyder since the Twins are toast…
Ya'll a bunch of salty crybabies
Uhhhhhh, the D-Backs are toast as well…..
Eatdust666
And even more burnt than the Tins are (they can have the w back when they win even just one playoff game and it doesn’t even matter who they’d achieve it against).
User 4245925809
He ain’t Chris Sale, or Thor to look forward coming back in August, but might be looked at as a back end guy who can eat innings.
How many who just see his name, then think he’ll show up as an ace at 37yo.. Something he hasn’t been in half a dozen years anyway?
bucketbrew35
Thor could learn a thing or two from Hamels about how to actually be a good starting pitcher.
Colt 45
don’t know about Thor, but there are a good 20 plus teams that could stand to learn what good starting pitching really is, and he could teach ’em.
User 4245925809
Have wondered for years how much that veteran presence actually helps a staff. Sure, any player can teach another (if willing) a pitch if possible.. Like Pedro martinez was known to show multiple players how to throw an effective change up during and after his playing days, but how many are THAT important as leaders of a staff as some here are pushing Hamels as being?
Point being.. The nationals have both a present day and past older ace.. Scherzer and Lester, yet the staff in general is a mess. Strasbourg hurt.. Sure, but relief, starter.. Whatever.. The pitching, other than Scherzer and hand has been brutal, so exactly how much good is that vet presence?
thecoffinnail
Veterans offer more than leadership. Someone like Hamels won’t get the yips in an important game. You probably won’t start him in a playoff series but you can definitely turn to him for a few innings of lockdown relief. They know how to get outs when it matters the most.
Polish Hammer
People always assume a veteran will be a tutor to the youngsters which isn’t always true. It depends on the individual, some are not good clubhouse guys regardless of experience and other guys are very helpful despite a lack of experience.
Eatdust666
Exactly, sometimes their ego will be too big to even consider it.
When it was a game.
Thank you. Ive made that comment in the past and got beat up over it. Just like we’ve all works with people who have been on the job a long time and dont give a crap. Not every veteran is going to be like david justice character in moneyball. Or maybe some guys will help out or some are aholes.
LarryBiitnersGhost
Agree. This romanticized BS about veterans teaching youngsters is ridiculous. Playing the game is their job – not coaching or teaching. These guys have competitive streaks and don’t want anyone taking their jobs. Same with veteran NFL QBs. If they’re no longer good enough to play and you’re just keeping them around to be Seabiscuit’s goat, you’re an idiot.
@DaOldDerbyBastard
Good one bucket. Totally stupid comment.
Special Agent
No thinks he’s an ace. As for Thor, that guy is always in the shop. The reality long ago surpassed his mythical legend.
Cubs Dynasty
Perhaps Hamels could help our Cubs during their stretch run…
KCJ
If the Cubs sign Hamels then the Ricketts family won’t be able to eat the rest of the season
geg42
Long Island Ducks will be there.
ahale224
They gave the Gastonia Honey Hunter a great game a few weeks ago.
24TheKid
Seattle could use him in the major league rotation as well as in AAA as they’re doing two bullpen starts a week in Tacoma due to a lack of starters. They’re going to need to acquire a couple of starters at some point soon, might as well make one Hammels who they won’t have to trade for.
guido1332
Mets
Jersey609
Phillies could use a starter
philliesphan77
I bet he could step in for VV right now and do better haha
philliesfan215
I think Jamie Moyer or Joe Blanton could step in right now and be better than VV
DarkSide830
Grover Cleveland Alexander avaiable to be dug up? or maybe even the president of the same name?
dmbphils27
I miss moyer and blanton… also blanton’s bat
VonPurpleHayes
Blanton has more World Series homeruns than Mike Trout, Ohtani, Alonso and Tatis Jr. combined.
Please note: I know this is a dumb stat. I’m just being silly.
♪
Anyone who can help limit bullpen innings is very welcome. 🙂
Rangers29
There is a 100% chance that he goes to the Angels. Bet.
YankeesBleacherCreature
Why? They’re going nowhere fast.
Halo11Fan
The Angels are three games in the loss column behind Oakland.
They might be going nowhere, but they are not doing it fast.
kellin
He can’t be worse than Bundy..
KCJ
Rangers29 –
There is a 100% chance that I’ll win the lottery too. Not going too far out on a limb with that one lol
Wheeler Dealer
Perfect fit and Maddon knows him well
Al Hirschen
The Mets will have people there
jessaumodesto
Dis dude dope
Lefty_Orioles_Fan
Orioles baby! Reunite with Galvis and Franco
bobtillman
Ya but which of the Cy Young candidates would you option out?
Lefty_Orioles_Fan
It will be. Difficult decision to be sure
cpdpoet
@bobtillman….Great comment! By accident, I somehow read it in that old comedian Stephen Wright’s voice….brilliant
johndietz
This is the perfect pitcher for the Angels. One start and done for the year. Angels better PASS
stuffnya
Hey MO
Deadguy
All kinds of teams could use pitching help right now I would expect like all the contending teams to be there at least 10 or more
Chris Hager
I can see the Rays going after him.
batman123
Blue Jays
smuzqwpdmx
He’s not actually clearly better than Ryu, Ray, Stripling, Manoah or even Matz. And the rotation is already too left handed. I mean, it’d be great to have him as injury insurance or to reduce innings loads, but somebody with a more striking need is going to bid higher.
tbone0816
Cardinals
bucketbrew35
I’d just like to see him come home to Philadelphia.
dmbphils27
I miss moyer and blanton… also blanton’s bat
KCJ
dmbphils27 –
So does some guy about 25 comments above
phillyphan81
Welcome back to Philly Cole
dmbphils27
Doesnt he still have a house in delco?
VonPurpleHayes
No he’s selling it, but still does a lot of charity work in Philly (and Chicago and Texas).
KCJ
phillypan81
Are you referring to Cole Armstrong – the fastest sprinter in 3 counties?
JerseyMike
Hamels will be throwing better than ever, and he’ll be sporting Hollywood A-list good looks and washboard abs while he does it. There’s no team in baseball that wouldn’t benefit from putting this guy at the top of their rotation. He knows how to win! If I were Perry Minasian I’d be all over this before 29 other teams make their bank-breaking offers!
Dumpster Divin Theo
Get a room JerseyM
Robertowannabe
Any word about Porcello? Need both of them to sign to finally get the contest leaderboard to close!
TomahawkChop
Not sure why anyone would be interested after he basically stole from the Braves last yr.
KCJ
TomahawkChop –
Why would any other team care about what he did for the Braves last year?
Doxie
Just what the Braves need……………………………… again!
The Saber-toothed Superfife
Tiger scouts will be there….if for no other reason other than to……pad things because they’re into safety,you know.
clrrogers
What about Anibal Sanchez? Want he supposed to sign somewhere like two months ago?
DarkSide830
probably pitching in the Olympics first at this point
junkyard
Let’s go Kiwoom Heroes, make a bid!
thebluemeanie
Many teams could use an “old, crafty lefty”.
brucebochyisthemarlboroman
Would take him in a heartbeat as the 4th starter with the Phils. Regardless of the showcase I’m sure he’s far more serviceable than VV and Moore combined. 8 earned over 2.1 IP tonight for Vinnie.
sam00991
Please Philadelphia… I beg you
angt222
I think he goes back to Philly or to pitch in his hometown state of Cali with the Giants.
PNW-JWS
FrancyNancy: intelligence and hunches/thoughts/feelings on a sports blog are mutually exclusive.
Or, so you’ll understand, “they’re stoopid” as are you if you continue to make such inane verbal explosive diarrhea.
Thomas James
The Brewers should take a look. He could join a staff with three all star right handers, and two lefties that have been solid of late. The Brewers are already deploying a six man rotation and would give them a very balanced staff. Houser can go back to the pen where his stuff and velocity play up better, and has been lights out in the past. This move could improve the rotation and the bullpen at the same time. Then they can concentrate on bats come the deadline.
KCJ
Thomas James –
The Brewers pitching is just fine as is. It’s their hitting that they should be worried about. The corners, specifically
sergefunction
Slam Diego brings home the local Rancho Bernardo Bronco, and eventually have an 11-man rotation.
thetech
Red Sox to replace Garrett Richards in the rotation. Or they could just sign a little leaguer. Lol
GP John
Better question is how large of a contract does he sign for? If you’re a Yankee fan who could use a starting pitcher, do you take a shot at him.
KCJ
GP John –
Yankees season is over anyways
Ducky Buckin Fent
Depends on how he looks, right?
Yanks have about $4MM left under the “cap”. But with Sevi having a setback & Kluber not due back until September, Yanks have to figure out about 80 starter innings.
*If* he looks good, I don’t think the Yankees would have enough to sign him & stay under. But: Hal said he would go over the first CBT threshold if needed. It’s…well, needed if we are going to stay alive.
brucenewton
Yank fans ripped insults at his wife during the ‘09 WS. Zero chance he signs with them.
Ducky Buckin Fent
You’re being a little melodramatic.
bravesfan
Why would anyone want him. League min at best.
pustule bosey
If he can give you a handful of half decent starts at league minimum it seems like a win
kellin
I think any team would take him on league minimum, but he’s not gonna sign for that..
BeeVeeTee
Is Cole Hamels auditioning for teams to throw pitches during batting practice?
HardensBeardHasFleas
Cole won’t be going to the dodgers he wants to be able to bring his kids into the clubhouse. My guess is he finishes his stellar career in Philly.
Rsox
Red Sox, Astros, Dodgers, Padres, Giants, Mets, maybe White Sox, Rays and Braves all should be in attendance. If Hamels shows nothing, no one signs him if he looks good, he could be a good addition to a contender that will only cost cash instead of multiple prospects
bravesfan0618
Braves AA…………NO
LordD99
Pretty much any team should be in attendance, and zero excuse for any contending team not attending. Teams needs arms as the season grinds on. Should at minimum see what he has to offer still.
48-team MLB
He should pitch for Atlanta for free. He didn’t exactly earn his contract last year.
robster
If the Cardinals don’t have someone there, John Mozeliak and Mike Girsch should be fired on the spot.
There is absolutely no reason to not vet Hamels given how long we have gone without additions to our decimated rotation due to their inaction.
We were in first place when the ship started taking hits and all they’ve done since is waiver wire bandaids.
Amazingly, with an easy August schedule, the possibility to get back in the hunt still exists. But not without real adds to the rotation.
Hamels specifically and the trade deadline generally is Mozeliak’s last chance to demonstrate that he cares about 2021 and the 3 million fans that have faithfully supported this team during his tenure. This is a hard line. Hold him to it Cardinals fans!!!
truthlemonade
Alright! I need another arm on my “all older than me team.”
robster
If the Cardinals don’t have someone there, John Mozeliak and Mike Girsch should be fired on the spot.
There is absolutely no reason to not vet Hamels given how long we have gone without additions to our decimated rotation due to their inaction.
We were in first place when the ship started taking hits and all they’ve done since is waiver wire bandaids.
Amazingly, with an easy August schedule, the possibility to get back in the hunt still exists. But not without real adds to the rotation.
Hamels specifically and the trade deadline generally is Mozeliak’s last chance to demonstrate that he cares about 2021 and the 3 million fans that have faithfully supported this team during his tenure. This is a hard line. Hold him to it Cardinals fans!!!
CalcetinesBlancos
Cole Hamels? It’s 2021.
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
Cubs should take a chance on him. I think he returns to the Phillies though.
MilwaukeeStrong
lol why would the Cubs sign Hamels at his age with his sharp decline/injuries?
Cubs are punting on 2020 and dumping their whole roster…as they should.
Cubs have an opportunity to really set themselves up for years to come. At this deadline, as more and more injuries pile up, the trade value for players like Rizzo, Bryant, Kimbrel (not Heyward nobody wants that contract) Baez are pretty high. Not as high as someone with multiple years of control, but the Cubs could net some great talent if this is done correctly
They get this rebuild right, they could be competitive in short order. I hope not though I love seeing Cubs fans in pain lol. Teams like the Mets, Padres, and Dodgers may overspend on rentals like the ones above given they’ve been decimated with injuries.
Ham Fighter
Oh God stop he’s done please don’t sign him
mils100
I would think it would’ve been easier to make a few starts for an Indy league team versus game competition. Even if he looks good, not sure he could help anyone until late August maybe.
Doxie
Maybe for 10 million the Braves will take a chance.
dodgerskingsfan
hamels to the dodgers should happen
mlbdodgerfan2015
Unless they know that Bauer is coming back at some point this season, the Dodgers need to find a better starting pitcher than Hamels to compete for a championship. The offense and defense are not as good as past teams so they will need to compensate with better pitching.
mazbilleroski
Please let us know when Bartolo Colon holds a showcase.
Thanks,
The Pittsburgh Pirates
Robertowannabe
Not interested after this draft 🙂
Robertowannabe
What about the Jays? Aren’t they in on everyone?
angt222
Surprised Porcello didn’t try and sign with a club this season.
Canosucks
Rick Poorfellow is done…
Mario93
Blue Jays would be nice.
DarkSide830
how long until a Phillies fan suggests they’d rather see him retire than play for the Mets like its their choice?
Bob333
if he does sign with the Mutts I hope for 10m and he last as long as Carresco lasted.
MetsManMetsFan86
thanks for that wonderful insight. salt much?
bmack
Hamels is done….why can’t some of these washed-up pitchers just call it a day!
Hudson6
He EASILY has the ability to make at least $1,000,000 for just half a season. You would do the same at age 65 for that much money.
BPG86
I’m going to be horribly disappointed if the Mariners don’t at least send someone. They need to add an arm if they want to try to compete for a wild card spot.
bmack
Perhaps Fernando Valenzuela or Jerry Koosman still have some tread left on their tires?
Canosucks
If Jerry Koosman was on better teams, and I am a Mets fan, he would be in the HOF!
jim stem
I’d bet on Smoltz and Cone right now being better than 20% of the pitchers currently rostered. Even if they are just throwing 88-90, they’d get today’s hitters out .
30 Parks
Thankfully the Sox didn’t give up Blake Swihart back in the day to acquire Hamels as the Phillies requested. Nothing I love more than watching Swihart rake at Fenway (he’s on the grounds crew now). The Middlebrooks-Owens-Swihart era – modern classic.
Oldschoolandthemets1980
Lol that was A good one.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Michael Bowden says hi.
kellin
I don’t really get what people have against Hamels, his stats dont look like they’ve gotten worse.. he seems to be a decent #2 or #3.. something the Angels desperately need!
brucenewton
Zero chance he picks the yanks, after the fans insulted his wife during the ‘09 WS. Hamels has stated as much.
Phillls
Phillies fans cried and whined about Arietta, but want a washed up Hamels back?? Lol
♪
Hamels’ contract will be a tiny fraction of Arrieta’s, who was making $25 million/year for three years, while providing the Phillies with mediocre-terrible performance.
I don’t think there would be that much whining by fans if Hamels doesn’t pitch well. More like, it was cool having him back in Philly; too bad it didn’t work out.
Anyway, if he greatly prioritizes another championship, Philadelphia probably won’t be his choice anyway.
GarryHarris
MIL is my guess
PutPeteinthehall
He’ll start off well. Throwing 92 riding the lower corners. Also will be worn out after about 10-12 starts. If he starts in four weeks he might make the end of the season and throw a few playoff games. I don’t see him having another full season left in him. Too many injuries and wears down as he goes. Jon Lester the same. Worn out.
jim stem
I think 10-12 starts gets him to September. At that time if his team makes the post season, he becomes a valuable bullpen piece.
jessaumodesto
What is he showcasing?
FullMontilla
maybe his Beanie Baby collection
jim stem
I think he’s a lock to get a Mets offer if he looks healthy, possibly even through 2022 with an option for 2023. It sounds crazy, I know, but where else do the Mets find 90 innings in the second half? Carrasco? Syndergaard? They are wrapping deGrom, Stroman and Walker in bubble wrap and praying Megill isn’t the next pitcher to be done for the season. They are simply running out of arms and might even need to add 2 starters.
jim stem
Since his age 30 season, he’s gone about 63-48 with a 3.60 era. What team wouldn’t take an average output like that in the second half? Even if he goes 5-3 with era around 4.50, it’s a major upgrade over anything else we run out there every 5th day. Get him signed, work him in long relief during those dreaded bullpen games following a right handed opener until he’s stretched out enough to make it his own game. Worst case scenario, we have an experienced left handed arm to compliment Loup that go multiple innings.
Given the Mets recent history and luxury tax status, I’ll predict a 5 million $ total contract for this year and next with an option for 2023.
Bob333
STAY AWAY DAMAGED GOODS NO WAY
jeffblauser
Enjoy the 1-2 starts you’ll get out of him. Won’t come cheap. Dude fleeced the Braves
martras
The comments all expect Hamels to sign with a playoff contender or leader, but those teams aren’t going to want to take a chance on a guy who may not help them. The 800lb gorilla in the room is the looming playoff eligibility date of 8/31. Even if Hamels signed immediately after his session, he’d probably only have time to make 2 MLB starts before the cutoff so he’ll may add minimal value to a playoff team.
Does Hamels want a shorter season to try and avoid arm fatigue?
Does Hamels want an MLB contract or will he settle for a MiLB contract with an opt out?
Does Hamels value a guaranteed rotation opportunity with a team (non-contender) or does he value a chance at making a playoff roster with only enough time for 1-2 starts at the MLB level before the playoff eligibility cutoff?
The real question I would have is what really happened to his shoulder he “hurt” at the beginning of 2020? It clearly wasn’t a minor issue and it persisted well into this year. There were reports of him throwing off the mound in December, 2020, but here we are in July of 2021 and he’s just now ready to do a showcase?
This situation screams “Johan Santana” to me, just without the official shoulder surgery. I doubt many people wanted Santana to make it back to the big show and dominate as much as I did, but one you hit those upper 30s and start losing multiple years due to injuries, the writing is usually on the wall.
I’d say a lot of team will be interested in how Hamels looks and they won’t all be contenders. In fact, I think the likelihood Hamels gets a bonefide MLB contract is higher with non-contenders. I think a lot of contenders want their potential upgrades now and will just use Hamels as a negotiating tool in their trades.
nottinghamforest13
It’s possible he would prefer to sign for a team that is not a contender. Think about it.
stymeedone
Well, its a good thing teams perform physicals on players BEFORE signing them to contracts. He will sign with a contender, because any team not competing won’t spend the money. Being near/at the end of his career, he won’t be pitching just to pitch. He will want to win, now. I sincerely doubt he’s concerned about not being good enough to beat out a teams fifth starter for a regular rotation spot, even on a team likely to make the playoffs.
martras
You sure are bullish on a 37 year old pitcher who is long since removed from being an front line starter and who basically hasn’t pitched in 2 years because of an unknown shoulder injury. I’m struggling to see him bringing any significant money anywhere.
Eatdust666
Another guy that would not handle the pressure of pitching in Yankee Stadium, I’ll pass, thank you very much.
ham77
Yeah, because the pressure of Yankee Stadium is so much greater than pitching in a World Series where he won an MVP.
nottinghamforest13
Jason Hammel will reportedly be having a showcase soon as well.
filthyrich
Joey Hamilton and John Halama are missing golden opportunities if they don’t get in on this
hellsbells51
I can see the Padres sniping all these teams. Padres are in need of an innings eater starting pitcher because they’re the league leaders in bullpen usage. He would bring valuable post season experience to the Padres and they need it! On a side note, Cole Hamels is also from San Diego so I smell a homecoming. Another plus is that the Padres would not need to trade away valuable prospects that a starting pitcher would command at the trade deadline. The only thing I see preventing this from happening is if teams ridiculously drive up the price tag. I believe the Padres are roughly $3m from getting hit with the luxury tax, but it’s been said that they wouldn’t mind going over that so we’ll see what they do.
smoked_gouda
We seriously sitting here debating where Cole Hamels will sign… we’re doing that now? Like it will make a difference at all. He’ll probably sign somewhere, for prorated bs # on a team that thinks they need someone to eat innings and within 3 weeks be activated only to be a 5th-6th starter… zero impact
Bob333
Phillies don’t fall for this he is done.Time to sell and rebuild for 2022
angt222
Have a feeling he goes to the Angels.
Oldschoolandthemets1980
Ric porcello should be having a show case next
Colt 45
give dude all the money, with escalators
my feeling is that wily vets can beat launch anglers 70% of the time
Android Dawesome
I’m not going to pretend to know Hamels motivation for pitching this season but my guess is that it would be for contender.
Oldschoolandthemets1980
Bring him to queens that wont cost players just money,then take what tradeable assets we do have and get a bat or two like Bryant,Gallo, Kyle Seager.
BlueSkies_LA
The Cardinals? Are they boldly trying to increase their playoff chances from one to two percent?
SteveGoGiants21!
HELLO SAN FRANCISCO! Wake up! We need another starter and outfield help! Please don’t be claiming all the nobody hoping there turn in there best games!!!
sacball
they have higher aspirations than a washed up Hamels, cmon now…or is it because it’s a name you “recognize”?
RobM
Or perhaps you are over reacting? 20 MLB don’t know he’s washed up, including some of the very best teams in the game. He tossed all of three innings last year because of injuries. Every year prior he was an above league-average starter. You show up for that type of pitcher to see if he’s recovered. If he has, then you have a good pitcher. The Giants were almost assuredly in attendance. A full list of teams attending has not been published. Highly likely the Giants were there because they are a smart organization.
LordD99
It would be more interesting to list the ten teams who did not bother to attend.
sacball
lol Angels gonna Angels
Chicago Whales
At this point in his career he seems ripe for the Angels. They have a record of pitchers past their prime, but can’t seem to bring them back. Look at Lincecom
martras
I read his fastball averaged 88.5mph and topped out at 90mph. Sounds like a MiLB contract with an opt out to me.
Louholtz22
7 man rotation for the Brew Crew! Their starters haven’t pitched that many innings. Too young and a shortened season last year
DadsInDaniaBeach
I would have enjoyed reading how he actually did..Did he still have that great change up? Was his curve good? The fast ball velocity is less important if he can throw those other pitches and changes speeds…
Questionable_Source
There were 20 TEAMS or 20 PEOPLE watching?
TheAtlantaHammersHaHa
Cole Hamels is too expensive. He charges $18 mil for 3 innings. That moron built a $10 mil mansion that’s worth about $1 mil because it’s in Branson, MO & he donated it to a kids charity not because he’s a good guy, but because it saved him $4 mil in taxes vs the $1 mil value if sold.
ratedrdude
The Red Sox must sign Cole then they’ll be set to win it all…