David Murphy of the Daily News spoke with Cole Hamels about his 2008 contract, which was renewed at $500K by the Phillies today. And Hamels wasn’t necessarily happy:
“I felt like it wasn’t necessarily equal compensation for what I do and for what I can do.”
Hamels said the money was a “low blow” and said he’d likely remember it down the line (when negotiating a larger deal, contemplating staying in Philadelphia, etc.).
This isn’t the first time Hamels has opened his mouth like this. Of course, he said just yesterday he had big aspirations for last season. I said in reaction to that post that it’s refreshing we have an ace who speaks up that way, but this is the kind of talk you don’t want.
We’ve all had our say about how the Phillies front office seems to spend little. But Hamels is going into his second full season; there is an amount of time where you need to “prove yourself” the money you desire, and it’s way too early for Hamels to rail against the front office. Give us another great year, lead us to the playoffs again, and then you can speak if you want. But this talk isn’t doing you anything, Cole.
Related: Prince Fielder is also upset at his renewed contract. I have to say, there is a problem with the pay structure in baseball — arbitration, how longterm deals are configured, etc. — but that’s the way it is. And these young guys have to respect it, no matter how failed the system.
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