Hamels First Big Payday

[love_that_reefer]

The New York Post reports the Phillies have agreed to terms with LHP Cole Hamels on a three-year, $20.5 million contract.
Hamels will receive $4.35 million in 2009, $6.65 million in 2010 and $9.5 million in 2011. Though it does extend Hamels three years, the contract does not buy out any of his free agent years. It does, however, offer cost certainty with one of the best pitchers in the majors during his arbitration years. Just 25 years old, Hamels posted a 14-10 record in 2008 before dominating the playoffs to the tune of 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA.

Nothing wrong with keeping your ace happy.

[Hammer]

seeing the contract breakdown... like it for both sides. even with not buying any of his contract years, in arby... presumably... he'll make about that anyway, and youre showing a long term investment to the guy, for after those 3 years are over, that you were willing to not cause excess problems and try to penny pinch him.

[Kiluckzle]

YES! I would have liked maybe 1 more year but it still makes me happy.

[DravenX]

Good move for the Phillies. They needed to go ahead and lock him in, even though it's only 3 years.

[ljshorty89]

Good move to lock him in. He's a very good young pitcher. He has room for improvement still, but I don't doubt he'll get there.