Overall I really like the move. At 28 years old, Cole Hamels is the future of this team. He is an ace, and at this point in his career, he has a higher upside than both Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay. It was a deal that the Phillies needed to make and a deal that will pay off for them in the future.
Looking ahead to the 2013 payroll, Rollins, Utley, Howard, Pence, Lee, Halladay, Hamels, and Papelbon will eat up approximately 141 million dollars. Hamels, Halladay, and Lee alone will eat up approximately 69 million. With Hamels' extension, the Phillies may look to trade someone to free up some money for the upcoming off season.
Right now the Phillies are showing us that they still have a bit of life left in them. The Phillies have won 3 straight, 2 of which were walk-offs, and they are coming off another epic comeback after last night's stunning 7-6 victory.
In terms of standings, the Phillies still find themselves 14 back of the Nationals, and 9.5 back of the Wild Card. But should the Phillies look to trade guys like Victorino, Polanco, Pence, and Blanton?
Of the players mentioned above, I think the Phillies would be smart in trying to move Hunter Pence. Although Hunter is young, he is probably going to get around 11-13 million this year in arbitration, and the Phillies simply can't afford that. His offensive numbers have been solid, but he is simply not worth 13 million.
Overall though I like the where the Phillies are headed. Even if they don't end up making the playoffs this year, they will be back and ready for another run in 2013 with Cole Hamels leading the way.
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