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Monday, July 16, 2012

2003 Bowman Signs of the Future #SOF-CH Cole Hamels

Phillies 5, Rockies 1
Game 90 - Sunday Afternoon, July 15th in Denver
Record - 39-51, 5th Place, 14 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Cole Hamels won his 11th game of the season, mowing through the Rockies line-up on the way to a 5-1 Phillies victory.

What It Means:  The Phillies won their first series in almost a month.

What Went Right:  Hamels threw eight solid innings, giving up just a run on six hits.  He struck out seven.  Carlos Ruiz had a hand in the first two Phillies runs and he added another two hits to raise his average to .353.  Hunter Pence crushed a three-run home run in the fifth, providing Hamels with more than enough run support.

Featured Card:  Who knows how much longer I'll have the opportunity to feature one of Hamels' cards in a game summary post?  Scouts from the Angels, Dodgers and Rangers were in attendance yesterday afternoon to watch Hamels pitch as we're now a little over two weeks away from the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline.

The Phillies are apparently trying to lock up Hamels to a long-term deal.  But if something isn't worked out in the next few weeks, the 2008 N.L.C.S. and World Series MVP could be pitching for another franchise for the first time in his career.  Given the current state of the club, the team would almost have to entertain offers for Hamels' services if they're guaranteed three or four top line prospects in return.

Featured here is the earliest Hamels card in my collection.  He made an appearance in the Bowman Draft sets (regular and Chrome) in 2002, but I believe this is his first certified Bowman autograph card. Ten years ago, when Hamels was drafted, no one could have predicted what he and the franchise would go through over the coming decade.  I hope his journey with the club lasts at least another five to six years.


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