Pat Gillick: “What’s Too Much for a No. 1 Starter?”

So the Texas Rangers finally pulled the trigger and made a move.

And the Phillies still have Cole Hamels.

Rangers and

Phillies had “in-depth trade talks” regarding a trade for Hamels but could not get a deal done. So the Rangers turned their attention to pitcher Yovani Gallardo of the Brewers and acquired the right-hander for infielder Luis Sardinas and right-handers Corey Knebel and Marcos Diplan

Which when you factor in what the Nationals paid Max Scherzer, a seven-year, $210 million contract, Hamels is a bargain.

It has been reported that Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. and the rest of the front office has been "unrealistic in their expectations" in regard to a return in a trade for Hamels.

When Phillies interim president Pat Gillick was asked Monday before the club's short-season single-A affiliate, the Williamsport Crosscutters, held its annual winter banquet he said: "I think it's ridiculous, what's too much for a No. 1 starter?"

Phillies pitchers and catchers report in one month to clearwater and its looking more and more likely that Hamels will be joining them.