Goodbye and Hello

There has never been a better time to trade Cole Hamels than now...despite the poor outings he's suffered recently.

As I've written many times before, Hamels is simply not the kind of pitcher opposing batters start worrying about in advance.  They don't look at the schedule and figure out it will be Hamels' turn next Tuesday when they face the Phillies.  Hamels simply doesn't inspire that kind of awe.  For two years he has been up and down, mostly down.  Some, perhaps even most of his record reflects the pitiful offense behind him, but Hamels is hardly blameless.  Today was a perfect example.  After surrendering two runs to Miami to start the game he watched his teammates claw back to a 5-2 lead that Hamels couldn't hold.  In what many think will be his last appearance in Philadelphia as a Phillie, Hamels look very mortal.

So, thanks for the memories (mostly good), Cole, and here's hoping you bring plenty of top prospects. Your starts in San Francisco and today won't increase your value, but there are plenty of clubs out there with resources to trade who want you.

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If I were voting for the MVP of the Phillies this season I would be hard-pressed to give the nod to anyone but Jeff Francoeur.  Yes, the very guy I disparaged here a few months ago.  All Jeff's done is win ball games with late inning heroics.  He doesn't complain if he's not in the starting lineup.  He doesn't bristle if he thinks he's a forgotten man.  He grabs whatever opportunity comes his way and has made the most of it in an estimable professional manner.

Congratulations, Jeff.  You are a real pro.