The Truth About Cole Hamels

In 2008 Cole Hamels was living large. He went 14-10 with a 3.09 ERA, he went to the all star game, and he went 4-0 in the playoffs. Oh yeah, he also won World Series MVP. Hamels played a major role when the Phillies won the World Series, and he also played a major role when they lost last year to the New York Yankees. Last year did not go as Cole Hamels wanted. He had some freak injuries early on and it just seemed like he never got into a groove. In the playoffs, it was especially frustrating to see the young left-hander struggling night after night. In the regular season last year, Hamels went 10-11 with a 4.32 ERA. In the playoffs he went 1-2 and he just wasn't the same dominant pitcher that he was in 2008. When Cole Hamels came to the mound during the playoffs in 2008, it was a done deal. Cole Hamels is one of the most talented pitchers in the MLB. When he has his stuff, he is next to impossible to hit. With his changeup, he makes batters look foolish. He has other great pitches as well like his fastball, curve ball, and possibly a new cutter. So with all of this talent, and skills why did Cole Hamels struggle last year? Because Cole Hamels is his own worst enemy. Think about it. How many times last year, after Cole gave up a home run or even a hit, did he snatch the ball back from the catcher? Or how many times did he smack his glove or have a disgusted look on his face? The answer: way too many times. Basically Cole Hamels is a headjob and the reason for this is he expects to be perfect. He expects to go out every night and try throw a shut out or a no hitter. There is nothing wrong with that part, an athlete who has high standards for himself is no problem at all. A problem arises however when Cole Hamels gives up that run or gives up that hit and can't let it go. He lets whatever mistake that happened on one pitch carry over onto his next 10 pitches. There is no doubt that Cole Hamels has the talent and skills to be a successful pitcher once again. Whether or not Cole Hamels has the mental toughness remains to be seen. In order for Hamels to be successful this season he needs to be mentally tough, and take every game, one pitch at a time.