The end is here. If we the Phillies fans want to admit it or not, the chances of our beloved team getting into the playoffs would take a miracle. After 87 games the Phillies are 14 games back and 16 in the loss column to Washington. For any shot at a wildcard, the Fightin’s will need to finish the season 55-20. Take these numbers and then take a hard look at the players we have, then attempt to answer, “is it a likely ending?”
We have been blessed with a great run of baseball in Philadelphia, and for that I am truly thankful. Being a lifelong Phillies fan and also one who endured some of the worst in Phillies baseball, I think it’s time to make some deals. Keeping Hamels for the remainder of this season and re-signing him, is not a good team baseball decision. I say this with another Phillie great in mind. Steve Carlton in 1972 posted 27 wins on a Phillies team that only won 59 games. Carlton, who was most definitely one of the biggest pieces of the Phillies’ later success in the late 70?s and 1980 championship team, was the lone bright spot in ’72. What could have the Phillies been if they moved Carlton in 1972 or after the season ended? Is it possible that we could have avoided the next four seasons of non-playoff baseball? Well, we will never know but it does make you wonder what could have been.
Cole Hamels today is the Steve Carlton of 1972, one of the best on a terrible team. Yes, we have Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee, excellent pitchers that have not been this year what we need them to be. Both are under contract and both un-tradeable, not that I would. Moving Hamels, is what needs to be done like it or not. With glaring holes in the bullpen, third base, left field and possibly center field next season, Amaro has no choice.
As a Phillies fan who was endured some of the worst Phillies teams that were ever assembled, make the move after the break and get some young talent. Filling some of our glaring needs through a Hamels trade might get us back to the top of the standings next year. Signing Hamels to a long-term deal, will not fix what is broken.
Brought to you by TheBaseballPage.com
