Cole Can't Wait for Season to End, Are You Confident In Hamels As a Game 7 Starter?

Cole Hamels was asked about his struggles this season and if he was looking forward to next season starting. His response was a bit of a head-shaker. "I can't wait for it to end. It's been mentally draining. But, you know what, it's one of those things, a year in, you just can't wait for a fresh start," Hamels said. Granted, he later added that "Game 7 can definitely put it into a better perspective. It's one of those things where you just work as hard as you can and try to get to the next start." [video below]

I'm a bit baffled by Hamels. I realize that after the trying season he had, expecting him to be able to return to his '08 postseason form once the Phils reached the playoffs this year was a stretch. At the same time, he shows flashes of brilliance for three innings that makes you think it's possible. Then one little mistake like the Teixeira walk seemingly snowballs into a five run showing.

He's certainly not the pitcher he was last year, that much is obvious, but he still has some filthy stuff. His issues appear to be somewhat mental, but it's impossible to pinpoint. When Charlie Manuel was asked about Cole's mental toughness, he seemed to support his player, "I would never question his mental toughness. I think at times he gets a little upset with himself, but as far as his mental toughness, this guy, he's mentally tough."

So what's the deal? Why can't a guy who has pitched brilliantly in the past put anything together this postseason? It's troubling.

Which leads to the biggest question at hand. Given Cole's very poor playoff numbers and his attitude after this tough loss, do you give him the ball in a potential game seven if the series reaches that point? It's a scary thought and Hamels certainly doesn't give you confidence he could win it. But what are the alternatives? JA Happ?

Maybe we can hope for Pedro to get it done, that's kind of what Jimmy said after tonight's loss, updating his initial prediction with this, “I guess it’ll be Phillies in six."

We can hope. But you better start bringing your bats.

Comments

[Section118]

I guess that all depends on blanton tomorrow

[MPR529]

1. ESPN 1050's microphone flag is upside down

2. cole needs to get his head out of his ass

3. free black jack tacos are not all they're cracked up to be

[gm-carson]

Hamels is a vagina. The evidence is there and that's my verdict.

[Boova]

Very irritated.

[Zack]

Does noone else see that Hamels cannot throw a good curveball? The analysts have been saying "he needs to throw his curveball" but I wonder if any of them have watched any of his starts this season. HIS CURVEBALL SUCKS. Everyone can hit it (as was seen by Pettitte) I still cannot figure out whey he added it in for the 5th inning. That is the pitch that everyone was hitting...and it went all downhill after that

[Jut]

cole won't be pitching a game 7. these is no chance. he is terrible. absolutley terrible.

[theKrisheim]

game 7 talk

that's funny

[J Pain]

Even Cole Hamels wouldn't endorse his curveball.

[j]

i think that everyone needs to stop talking bad about him! hes trying so we have to give him that.... i love how every one was his fan last year and now their like "oh he sucks" .... hes having a bad season so what it happens to everybody.. everybody just needs to shut the hell up!!!!!!!! and give him a chance im still his fan i think hes an awsome player

[ryan]

so what's the pitching rotation for the rest of the series?

[phillyfan412]

I have no confidence in him in a game 7. In fact, that's exactly what I told my buddy after the 5th inning.

[hitnrun]

It may turn into a tough/weak issue, and rightfully so, but it's painfully obvious that Hamels is right: he needs this season to be over.

Quite simply, you can't figure out what the fuck is wrong with your curveball in the middle of the World Series. He needs a month with Dubee and some kids in catcher gear to fix that.

[Eric]

I'm telling y'all, Heidi Hamels is to Cole what Brooke Shields was to Agassi. Cole hasn't gotten into crystal meth, as far as I know, but the toxic career impact (esp. in terms of mental toughness) is the same.

[Craig]

I have absolutely zero confidence in Hamels for a potential game 7. He is mentally weak and clearly has no heart this year. Sure, you can say we all rooted for him last year and now are turning on him, but he's not going to get much support after caving and then saying what he said after the game. I would bring back Adam Eaton and pitch him in game 7 before I'd give Hamels the ball again. Realistically, though, I would give the ball to Happ if it got to game 7.

[Trey]

going into the playoffs i wasnt confident in Cole, i didnt want him to even pitch during the NLCS, i rather see Happ start Game 7 if they get there

[Swift]

@j: I was wondering when an irrational Cole apologist would show up, spouting off how she though we were irrational for hating a guy who pretty much laughed about his loss in the WORLD FUCKING SERIES!!!!! I imagine the Cole Hamels poster hanging above your bed keeps you warm at night huh?

[Swift]

@j: I was wondering when an irrational Cole apologist would show up, spouting off how she though we were irrational for hating a guy who pretty much laughed about his loss in the WORLD FUCKING SERIES!!!!! I imagine the Cole Hamels poster hanging above your bed keeps you warm at night huh?

[Art]

If he falls apart after one bad walk in Philly, how's he going to handle pitching a game 7 in New York? (I was there for game 2, and the crowd was louder than it seems on TV.)

[Michael]

There is NO WAY you can send him out there in a Game 7 up there. Just no way. Pray for a rain out sometime during this series so if it comes down to a game 7, Lee can pitch.

[dan.k]

I'm still a fan of Hamels, but I have no confidence in him to pitch again in this World Series. He needs an early Spring Training with Dubee, he can get back to his form, but not right now. I say Happ in Game 7, with Lee in the pen for relief. God I hope we have the opportunity to find out

[Mr. Bryan]

Cole should have learned a lesson from Howard after his MVP year. FOCUS! Don't do the banquet circuit, don't get married, don't have a kid. You got the contract, now own up to it. No excuse for his play and actions this year.

[cendali]

hamels is such a little puss! if he pitched for any other team i would totally hate him.

[phils dude]

cole you are an asshole. nuff said.