The exhibition season kicked off yesterday afternoon with the Phillies jumping all over FSU early. They batted around in the first inning on their way to a four run first that was kicked off with a two run double by “The Big Piece” Ryan Howard. Drew Naylor started the game for the Phils and went two innings. The impatient FSU lineup made it easy for the starter by only needing 11 pitches to go thru the first 7 batters. On to the countdown.
The next couple of days will be very easy to do as the numbers of three out of the big four will be a link. Today is 35, so I will be focusing in on Cole Hamels. 2010 was a bounce back year for Cole Hamels. After winning the World Series in 2008, Cole Hamels came to Spring Training unprepared and for the majority of the season, Hamels struggled. To make things even harder for Hamels was his first child was in the process of being born while he was making his Game 2 NLDS start versus the Rockies. Hamels struggled so much in 2009, he was bumped to the Game 3 starter in both the NLCS and World Series. 2010 brought a more prepared Hamels to camp. Not in the best shape but more prepared then the previous off season. Hamels was back to his 2008 form shortly after a rough patch to start the season, even though his win-loss totals wouldn’t given you that indication. While Hamels set career bests in strikeouts and earned run average, he suffered from a banged up Phillies lineup and poor run support. In 14 of Hamels’ 33 starts, the Phillies scored 2 runs or less.
Cole Hamels 2011 NL Cy Young winner?
Hamels has said that his start against the Cardinals just after the All Star Game may have been the turning point in his career. The Phillies opened the second half of the season by losing 3 of 4 to the Cubs and were heading into face a far better St. Louis team. Hamels went eight strong innings and held the Cardinals to two baserunners while striking out seven. Hamels didn’t factor into the decision, as the Phillies didn’t score a run until the two that they scored in the top of the ninth. From there Hamels was officially back to ace status holding opposing teams to a 2.23 ERA and a 1.003 WHIP for the fifteen starts he made after the break.
Hamels came into camp in great shape. He has stated that he increased his offseason workout to add some muscle and was basically working out five days a week. Pitching coach Rich Dubee has stated that this is the best that he has seen Hamels come in to camp and that he is already at mid-season form. The buzz in the locker room is that of the five starters, Hamels is the one to beat. If that’s true, Hamels could be on his way to his first, of hopefully many, National League Cy Young awards. If that is the case, Hamels will be looking for a nice payday heading into his final year of arbitration in 2012.
Tags: Cole Hamels
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