Philadelphia Phillies Potential Playoff Rotation... Cole Hamels Absent?

Everything seems to be well and good for the Philadelphia Phillies. They sit seven games in front of the second place Atlanta Braves, and it appears as though they are going to cruise into the playoffs, possibly as the favorite to represent the National League in the World Series for the second year in a row. Both their offense and pitching have been very reliable, except for one thing, and that’s Cole Hamels.

It is very alarming if you take a close look at Hamels’s numbers this year. They are far from numbers that would show Hamels as the same dominant pitcher that he was last year. This year, in 24 starts Hamels, is a mediocre 7-8 with a 4.78 ERA and a WHIP of 1.35.

So where do those numbers compare? Well, Brett Anderson, Brian Bannister, Kevin Correia, Ross Ohlendorf, Barry Zito, and John Lannan have all pitched better than Hamels. That’s a major cause for concern. Now, how do Hamels numbers stand up against the rest of the Phillies rotation?

Well, at this point Cliff Lee has to be considered the undisputed ace as he has gone 5-0 since arriving in Philly. Next up is rookie J.A. Happ who is 10-2 in 17 starts posting a 2.59 ERA, and a 1.17 WHIP. Then there is Joe Blanton who is quietly turning in a nice season going 8-6 with a 3.86 ERA and a WHIP of 1.29. So who is number four? Could it be Hamels or Pedro Martinez?

Martinez has started three games since joining the Phillies going 2-0, but with an ERA of 5.14 and a respectable WHIP at 1.29. On the other hand Hamels’ four starts in the month of August have not gone nearly as well. In August, Hamels has gone 0-3 with a 6.75 ERA and an even worse 1.78 WHIP with a .326 BA against.

In the playoffs teams only need four starters so who would the fourth starter be?  Martinez or Hamels? Let’s not forget about how dominant Hamels was in the postseason just last year. He was the 2008 National League Championship Series and World Series MVP. Martinez hasn't been anything too special in his three starts, and Cole Hamels has a much greater potential. Therefore, as of now, Hamels gets the nod, but if he fails to turn things around, and Martinez goes on a roll, who knows what might happen?