Why The Phillies Should Consider Sending Hamels to Pittsburgh

On July 7, 2008, the Cleveland Indians traded C.C. Sabathia to the Milwaukee Brewers for Rob Bryson, Zach Jackson, Matt LaPorta and a players to be names later who became Michael Brantley. The Brewers had not made the playoffs since 1982 and felt they needed to do whatever they could to get back to the playoffs.

Fast-forward to the year 2012, where the Pittsburgh Pirates are sitting a top the standings in the NL Central division but haven't sniffed a playoff series since the 1992 season.  In other words, now is the time for the Pirates to take a chance.

Could the Phillies dangle Hamels in front of a playoff starved Pirates team and try to get back a haul including pitchers Gerrit Cole, who's fastball is in the 97-100 range to go with a filthy slider and Jameson Taillon who's fastball is been consistently in the 96-98 range.  Plus top outfield prospect Starling Marte, who is currently the No. 2 ranked prospect by ESPN.com. Another outfielder the Phillies could be interested in in Josh Bell, a switch-hitting power bat with a good idea of the strike zone.

One spot the Pirates can't help you out is third base, but they have a ton of arms and outfielders if you think you can catch them in a vulnerable moment - maybe they are the team you need to deal with.

Sure on the surface you might be worried that the Phillies can't resign Hamels, but look back at the deal the Indians made when they thought they couldn't sign Sabathia - basically if the Phillies can't bring back Hamels, they can't win.

Not only did Sabathia help the Brewers make it to the playoffs for the first time since 1992, he bolted to New York that off-season and won a World Series with the Yankees in 2009 - knocking off the Phillies.

To summarize any possible trade with Hamels, the Phillies deal away an All-Star pitcher and Cy-Young candidate for a few players who’s are filled with great potential.  I've said on the radio that I don't trust Ruben Amaro Jr. to make the right trade involving Hamels due to the trade he made involving Cliff Lee, that deal was a disaster.

Here is one thing to consider: Would the Phillies deal Hamels to Pittsburgh, get their prospects and then bring Hamels back in the off-season?  I mean think about it can the Pirates really sign Hamels to the deal that he is looking for and what star really wants to stay in Pittsburgh long-term?

The Brewers did their best to keep Sabathia in Milwaukee, but the power of New York was just to great.  Maybe the Phillies deal Hamels to a Pirates team, take their prospects then hope that they can get a deal done for Hamels in the off-season.

it could be the only deal that makes sense for the Phillies, sending him to LA, Texas or any other team that has be rumored might give Hamels a chance to fall in love with a new city - but Pittsburgh is a tough town to fall in love with.

So looking at any deal involving prospects, Amaro and Hamles i'll take a pass on that - unless it's Pittsburgh.