Why do I think we’re going to spend much of the next baseball season analyzing the mind of Cole Hamels?
If he regains his form and adds another pitch, the Phils could be World Series champs again.
He was unhittable in the 2008 post season but he fell apart in the National League playoffs and World Series in 2009.
He has a great arm with a tremendous fastball and outstanding changeup. He needs to develop the confidence and control of his curveball, so that he can throw any time regardless of the count.
I think he can get the job done in this area but I don’t expect him to master the way he communicates with the fans.
He’s the kind of guy who Philadelphia doesn’t get and he doesn’t get Philadelphia.
Hamels is very honest about his feelings and that’s not the smartest thing to do around here.
Some things are better not said when you’re an athlete in Philadelphia.
If his arm isn’t feeling good he will tell you. Other times he has no problem telling everybody his body isn’t capable of pitching a certain number of innings.
He’s willing to sound weak and unable to get the job done.
During the World Series last year he told somebody he wished it was over.
I think he’s sincere when he talks but fans don’t want to hear everything.
Still I doubt that Hamels will change the way he communicates, so I expect we’ll be discussing Hamels and his psyche for quite awhile this summer and fall.
