Wayback Wednesday: Spring Training 2011

From March 8th, 2011: Cole Hamels of the Phillies faces Randy Wynn in a spring training game at Clearwater, Florida.

After a shoulder injury limited him to just one start with the Braves during the 60-game season, the 15 year veteran remains unsigned. 

And while Phillies and Rangers fans have fond memories, it's been five years since his last really effective season. Now 37, is he worth a low-base contract loaded with incentives? Or even a minor league deal with an invitation to a big league camp? Can any organization measure how many pitches are left in his arm?

Could he be "the crafty lefty" that the Yankees had as CC Sabathia's career wound down? Might a reunion with the Phillies make sense -- especially since Cole and his family make their off-season home in the Philadelphia area? Can you envision Hamel serving as Yoda for a young staff on a club ready to break through, such as the White Sox? 

Cole Hamels won't draw the biggest headline in the remaining weeks before spring training. But he still offers potential value and leadership in just the right situation.

 

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