MLB Trade Rumors: New York Yankees Wise Not to Pursue Cole Hamels at Deadline
July 4, 2012 · Doug Rush · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
We’ve all been anticipating the Philadelphia Phillies will become sellers this month and have a fire sale of the team.
They already traded Jim Thome to the Baltimore Orioles and Chad Qualls to the New York Yankees. Hunter Pence, Shane Victorino and Cole Hamels have all been discussed as being on the block and could be dealt by July 31.
A lot of different writers on B/R have written about why the Yankees need to pursue Hamels—especially since both CC Sabathia and Andy Pettitte are on the disabled list.
On Wednesday, Buster Olney of ESPN reported that the Yankees are not joining the chase for Hamels this month.
Unless Philly’s asking price for Cole Hamels diminished dramatically, the Yankees have no intention of joining the bidding, sources say.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 4, 2012
The price for Hamels is at least four or five prospects with emphasis on help at third base and outfield, which is a huge asking price.
The Yankees and GM Brian Cashman are wise to pass on that price, because for a two-month rental of Hamels, that is way too much to give up on a player who is no guarantee to re-sign.
Hamels is a free agent after 2012 and is the prized free agent of the starting pitchers. He could command a CC Sabathia-like seven-year deal worth up to $161 million.
Hamels is 10-4 with a 3.08 ERA with 111 strikeouts in 16 starts for the Phillies, who sit at 36-46, in last place and 12 games out of first place in the NL East.
There’s no doubt the Yankees need pitching due to the two injuries to their left-handers, but the asking price for Hamels is way too much.
If this were for Felix Hernandez of the Mariners, then I would be singing a different tune, but not for a pending free agent.
I personally think Hamels is going to end up with the Dodgers in 2013 because they have new ownership and a ton of money they can spend now under new owner Magic Johnson. Hamels is also a native of San Diego, and the possibility of playing near home could be enticing.
In the past, I have been very open about not wanting Hamels on the Yankees, because I don’t think it would be the best fit personality-wise and financially.
For at least the time being and this summer, it looks like the Yankees will wisely pass on Hamels.
But that doesn’t change the Yankees’ needs for pitching.
Stay tuned, Yankees Universe.
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