Philadelphia's rotation is an expensive one, and Cole Hamels is nearing a Jered Weaver-like payday. The Phillies have long been a club that likes to lock up young, core players and keep them off the free-agent market. At 28, [Hamels] fits that description. In fact, Phillies officials have commented that they'd like to keep the left-hander in red pinstripes for years to come. But it does not appear as if Hamels, who will be eligible for free agency after the 2012 season, will get a long-term contract extension this winter. "We've had discussions with Cole," assistant general manager Scott Proefrock said during an appearance on Comcast SportsNet's Phillies Hot Stove on Tuesday night. "Right now, we're focused on a one-year deal."
Seeing the Phillies payroll for next season is already at around $108 million, which includes $20m to Halladay (who has another year and an option after 2012) and $25m to Lee (will have 3 more years and an option remaining), not to mention Victorino being a free agent and Pence being arbitration eligible again, I'm not sure they will have the money to bring Hamels back. It could certainly happen though, so I'm not 100% keen on waiting for him to hit free agency. But this is good news none-the-less.
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Sorry for the Capatcha... Blame the Russians :)