Cole Hamels Is Philly Nation's Number One Concern

Cole Hamels 3.6 IP, 11 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 17.18 ERA

Rumors of elbow problems from your ace is probably the worst news a manager can ever hear.  The news gets worse for Charlie Manuel when he looks at the rest of his rotation and sees Brett Myers as his best option.  The rest of the staff is shaky, too, with Jamie Moyer as the likely leader on the team in quality starts.

Friday night was not the best of outings for Cole, as the Rockies set him down after three and two-thirds innings and touching him up for seven earned runs. 

Location really wasn’t the issue today, as he seemed to be able to hit his spots pretty well. His fastball lacked the life we are so used to seeing from Cole and movement was almost non existent.

The Phillies insist his elbow is fine, and for their sake I hope they are right. That team without Cole Hamels simply does not work and does not contend.

There is some measure of hope however.  If Cole Hamels has to go to the disabled list, the Phillies should look to their top arm in the minors Carlos Carrasco. 

Carlos is a disciplined pitcher who relies on a 93 mph fastball, offset by an expertly located 81 mph change up.  He does have a slider as well, but it’s nothing hitters need to be overly concerned about.  Clearly his best attribute is his head, as he is able to stay a step ahead of many hitters.

 

Hamels Rocked by Rockies[AP]