Cole Hamels traded to Texas

It was revealed through numerous sources last night that the Phillies and Texas Rangers have agreed to a trade sending lefty ace Cole Hamels and lefty reliever Jake Diekman from Philly to Texas.In exchange, the Phils will receive lefty Matt Harrison and a quintet of prospects: catcher Jorge Alfaro, outfielder Nick Williams, and pitchers Jake Thompson, Alec Asher, and Jerad Eickhoff.It marks the 2nd straight day … Continue reading Cole Hamels traded to Texas

Jonathan Papelbon to D.C.? Now that’s Natitude!

The Phillies have completed the long awaited and much speculated trade of flamboyant but efficient closer Jonathan Papelbon, sending him to the division-rival Washington Nationals.The deal moves Papelbon from the bottom to the top of the National League East into the very position that he believed he was going when he first signed with the … Continue reading Jonathan Papelbon to D.C.? Now that’s Natitude!

MLB trade deadline: Who needs Ryan Howard?

Wait, am I seriously going to suggest that as this year's MLB trade deadline approaches, some team could actually use Ryan Howard? At least, enough that they would actually give the Phillies anything of any value in return for him?That is exactly what I am going to suggest. Of course, with a player like Howard, and a … Continue reading MLB trade deadline: Who needs Ryan Howard?

MLB trade deadline: Who needs Ben Revere?

Could Cole Hamels possibly have done any more to maximize his value to the Phillies as the MLB non-waiver trade deadline approaches this coming week? Hardly. Already the subject of an earlier chapter in this "Who needs?" series, Hamels no-hitter may be the perfect punctuation mark to his career in Philly, and provide the impetus for another team to get … Continue reading MLB trade deadline: Who needs Ben Revere?

Cole Hamels no-hit Heaven

On a perfect midsummer Saturday afternoon in the friendly confines of venerable Wrigley Field in Chicago, Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels tossed the 13th no-hitter in the history of the franchise, beating the hosts 5-0.Hamels was coming off the worst back-to-back starts in his glorious career, and there were many questions about the ace lefty coming into … Continue reading Cole Hamels no-hit Heaven