The trade is a disappointment to Philadelphia Phillies' fans who had hoped for a reunion with Hamels who pitched for the team from 2006 until he was dealt to the Rangers during the 2015 trade deadline.
In 20 starts for the Rangers this season, Hamels is 5-9 with a 4.72 ERA. Hamels has struggled mightily while pitching in Arlington. However, he has fanned 114 batters in 114 1/3 innings pitched.
Hamels will be a definite upgrade over Tyler Chatwood. I watched Chatwood walk six batters in 4 2/3 innings pitched against the Arizona Diamondbacks. This didn't stop the Cubs from winning today's game, but the Cubs are going to need a starter who can go deep and has post-season experience.
For Philly fans disappointed with today's trade there might be a silver lining. Hamels is a free agent at season's end. Perhaps the reunion has merely been delayed.
There is one more comment I would like to make. Hamels has an outside chance to go to Cooperstown. He has a career record of 152-111 with a 3.43 ERA along with 2,341 strikeouts. Should Hamels pitch until he is 40 he will very likely finish his career with more than 200 wins and 3,000 strikeouts. While Hamels does have a World Series ring and four All-Star appearances, he has never been thought of as the greatest or most dominant pitcher of his era. But he has staying power and I believe he will get healthy consideration from the BBWAA when he becomes eligible for the Hall of Fame. Another World Series ring certainly would help his cause.
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