Cole Hamels rumors: Phillies say it’s unlikely they trade their ace and expect him on the mound Opening Day.
When James Shields was still a free agent, the Philadelphia Phillies had plenty of power regarding a Cole Hamels trade considering the teams interested in the southpaw were also interested in James Shields.
But with Shields now signed with the San Diego Padres, the Phillies seemed to have backed off their stance to potentially trade Cole Hamels and apparently aren’t likely to make a move in the coming days or weeks, so says the Cole Hamels rumors mill.
Amaro wouldn’t address the Shields signing directly when asked about Hamels, but said of his ace: “I would expect him to be in spring training with the Phillies. And I would expect him to be our Opening Day starter. I don’t know that for sure. That could change in a phone call or two, just like with anyone else. But I would expect him to be in camp.”
According to ESPN’s Jayson Stark, Phillies GM Ruben Amaro has been informing opposing GM’s that he needs to ‘win the deal’ to trade Cole Hamels and considering their rumored price tag, that does seem to make sense.
Of course, that also makes a Cole Hamels trade extremely difficult and for now it sounds as if Philadelphia’s ace will be on the mound Opening Day for the Phillies.
