A friend of mine who is a Phillies fan emailed me today saying he was watching Comcast Sports Nite earlier this evening, and during the show, they were talking about the Phillies interest in Roy Halladay. They mentioned that the Phillies expressed an interest in Halladay and Toronto came back asking for Cole Hamels.

And apparently the Phillies are listening.

This move by the Phillies would surprise me as Hamels is still a very young pitcher, with alot of talent. He just has a bad year for him, but for most pitchers, he had an average year. For the Phillies to deal him, they must feel that he doesn't have the mental toughness anymore.

Hamels dominated in the 2008 season and playoffs. He won the World Series MVP. And now the Phillies are talking about trading him? This tells me two things. One, they really want to get back to the World Series in 2010. The team is built to win now. And two, they don't think Hamels will rebound in 2010, which I am not so sure I agree with based on his peripherals.

Hamels went 10-11 in 2009, with a 4.32 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. In 193 innings, he struck out 168 batters and walked 43 giving up 24 HRs. His K/BB actually increased from 3.70 in 2008 to 3.91 in 2009. His HR/9 was about the same as in 2008 and his HR/FB% dropped from 11.2% to 10.7%, but his BABIP increased from .270 in 2008 to .325 in 2009. His GB%, LD% and FB% were pretty much unchanged from 2008.

Based on his peripherals, one would conclude Hamels was unlucky in 2009, and is a good choice for a bounce back in 2010.

And the Phillies are rumored to be trading him for Roy Halladay. Should the Phils deal Hamels for Halladay, they will be heavy favorites to make the 2010 World Series. But, they may be forced to sign either Lee or Halladay long-term after the 2010 season. That may force the Phillies hand as both Jimmy Rollins and Jayson Werth are free agents at the end of the 2010 season. Otherwise, the Phils will be left with a rotation of J.A. Happ, Joe Blanton and Kyle Drabek.