GM: Hamels Staying With the Phillies
By DAN STAMM
Updated 1:44 PM EST, Wed, Nov 11, 2009
Talk of a possible blockbuster trade that would ship Phils lefty Cole Hamels as part of a package to the Blue Jays for Toronto ace Roy Halladay seemed to be nothing more than speculation.
Phils general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. quickly cleared the air Tuesday.
“Hamels is one of our starters next year," Amaro said to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki.
Amaro was even clearer with Philly.com Sports’ David Murphy.
"I have no thoughts about trading Cole Hamels," Amaro said. "I don't know where those rumors are coming out, but that is exactly what they are. Cole Hamels is our pitcher. We're keeping him. And I'm glad to have him."
OK so Hamels won’t be included in any deals this off-season but does that mean the Phillies won’t be going after Halladay?
Probably not because of money. The Phillies planned on sticking with a payroll in the $140 million range for 2010. If they added Halladay and his nearly $16 million contract then they would far exceed that number unless they unloaded a big-name player.
And, they would still need to spend money on their biggest needs at third base and in the bullpen.
So, don’t expect a Halladay in Philly unless things change.
First Published: Nov 11, 2009 11:58 AM EST
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