In recent weeks – sparked by Marshawn Lynch and his lack of communication with the media – we’ve argued about what we want from our athletes. We like them to be candid, but not too candid. We like when they let us into their lives, but not go overboard. On the whole, we don’t know what we want from our athletes. Except that they tell the truth.
Cole Hamels did just that in an interview with USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
When asked about his future in Philadelphia, the longtime Phillies ace had this to say:
“I just want to win. “That’s all. That’s all any competitor wants. And I know it’s not going to happen here.
“This isn’t what I expected. It’s not what the Phillies expected, either. But it’s reality.”
It’s to the point, it’s from the heart. And it’s true.
Hamels knows his time in Philly is nearing an end, and while he hasn’t demanded a trade, he seems to be OK with a deal to a contender. It’s hard to blame him as he looks around and sees a clubhouse full of players that he knows won’t win them a title, or a postseason game, or the division. Even the fan base knows the deal.
These quotes hit hard, however. They put an exclamation point on the rebuild we know is underway. But, at least Hamels is being honest. It’s all we can ask for.
Pat GallenPat joined Phillies Nation in July 2009, coming over from Examiner.com. As a previous employee of both Comcast SportsNet and the National Basketball Association, Pat prides himself on being a well-rounded individual when it comes to sports. However, the Phillies are first on the list. You’ll usually find Pat chiming in on the Phillies Nation Facebook or Twitter account, weekdays on 97.3 ESPN radio or hosting Phillies Nation TV. He’s also a Senior Writer for the site, and in his free time is a music enthusiast and Will Ferrell movie-follower. His favorite beer: Philly’s own Yards. In 2015, Pat moved on from Phillies Nation as a sports anchor and reporter for CBS-3 in Philadelphia.
