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Sports

Phils ace Hamels says he's ready to move on

By Sports Network
Published | Updated

(SportsNetwork.com) - Cole Hamels says he's ready to move on from the Philadelphia Phillies after nine seasons.

The ace left-hander, who has been the focus of trade speculation as his team rebuilds for the first time in years, told USA Today in an interview published Wednesday that he wants to play for a winner.

"That's all. That's all any competitor wants," Hamels said. "And I know it's not going to happen here."

Hamels, 31, has four years and $96 million remaining on the six-year, $144 million deal he signed with the Phillies in July 2012.

He is one of few players remaining from the Phillies team that won the World Series in 2008, the city's first championship in a major professional sport in 25 years.

Hamels was MVP of the NLCS and World Series that year and has won 108 games for the Phillies since his first season in 2006, helping to lead a baseball renaissance for one of the league's oldest teams.

He has posted a 3.05 ERA over the past three seasons, but the team has fallen on hard times and hasn't posted a winning record since going 102-60 in 2011. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in December and Hamels could also be on his way out soon, as long as the team gets what it wants in return, including highly rated prospects.

Hamels has 20 teams on his no-trade list, according to USA Today, which said the only American League teams that can trade for him without permission are the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers.

Among the teams said to be interested in the left-hander are the Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Boston Red Sox.

Hamels said he wants to play for a team that will contend over the next five years.

"There's no better feeling than winning, and we enjoyed that for a long time in Philadelphia," Hamels said "I just want to win again. I'm no different than other guys. You just want to be in a position to win.

"So you make sure you're professional about it. You don't do anything stupid. You don't say anything stupid. You just prepare yourself for the season. Whether I'm here or not for opening day, it doesn't change anything, or the way I feel toward the Phillies."

The comments were published on the eve of the first spring training workout for Phillies pitchers and catchers.