So, Cole Hamels got roughed up today by the Yankees, allowing four runs in two innings (Jason Giambi and Jason Lane took him deep). But that was nothing compared to what Hamels perceived as an insult when the Phillies renewed his contract for $500,000 rather than his desired salary of $750,000."I know what's been going on and everything," Hamels told reporters. "It's just a part of the game when you're in my [non-arbitration-eligible] situation. You don't have any say. You just have to take it. Sometimes it can be frustrating because you feel you're a part of the team. But I just want to see some generosity and understanding about what I'm going out there every five days to do.
"I just want fair compensation, not the world and the moon. I just want what's fair in this situation. If you are working anywhere and you are doing better than someone else [and] he's getting paid more, you feel you should be compensated."
Hamels went 15-5 with a 3.39 ERA in 28 starts last season, easily making him the Phillies' best starter. But he also missed a month with an elbow strain and hasn't proven he can stay healthy for a full season. Also, Hamels has only 1 year, 143 days of service time in the majors, during which he's 24-13 with a 3.68 ERA. When they were at the same stage of their careers, after having similar success to Hamels, Dontrelle Willis (24-17, 3.70 ERA, $378,500 in 2005), Scott Kazmir (22-20, 3.73 ERA, $424,000 in 2006) and Chien-Ming Wang (27-11, 3.77 ERA, $489,500 in 2007) each made less than what Hamels will make in 2008. John Boggs, Hamels' San Diego-based agent, didn't return my calls today. If I hear from him, I'll happily bring you his comments.
In the meantime, you tell me: Is this contract fair to Hamels?
17 comments:
The contract fits within the structure the players association agreed to.
I fear this shows what a big baby Cole appears to be. It's a shame, and lets hope this is not an indication of the future.
steve t.
Why not give a star player the money he's looking for when the difference is a paltry (by baseball salary standards) $250k? It seems ridiculous to sour their relationship with someone who the team would presumably want to play his whole career in Philadelphia. The teams that ignore the "slots" for draft picks and other things, are the ones who win most consistently.
Yes he was fairly compensated, especially since he was paid better than Wang by the "bottomless pocket" Yankees. Wang was definitely a perfect comparison and he was probably offered more if they had to renew him, so the Phillies can't be blamed for this one.
I understand what most will say about this decision: that he deserves the extra money, that $250K is a virtual pittance to a major-market team. But you establish a dangerous precedent when you let the inmates run the asylum. If Hamels continues to pay his dues, he will get his money in spades. I believe he will eventually get to his big payday. I fear, though, it may be somewhere else.
he "deserves" more money. but with the structure and what other teams are giving comparitives he's right in line. its a tough line to tow.
While 250k may not be a lot in the grand baseball scheme I think these younger players need to open their eyes and look around them. When Adam Eaton is making almost 8mil it's obvious that barring a serious injury Hamels will be beyond rich in 2 years. Why he feels the need to complain now considering what comparable pitchers were paid really speaks of his character. Just like his whining last year about how his arm hurt because they didn't have a team chiropractor. I'm not a doctor but I didn't understand that one.
Also, the notion that 250k would create goodwill is laughable. I sincerely doubt that when it comes time for free agency or negotiating a long term contract that Hamels would look back and choose the 250k and "goodwill" over a million dollar or more hometown discount. If he is complaining about 250k when he is so close to millions he will complain about 2-3 million in a few years. We will hear his name regarding salary again for the next 4 years whether he got the 250k or not.
I wish Cole Hamels and Adam Eaton could swap contracts with all my heart (mostly because then we could probably release Adam Eaton), but this is the way the market works. I love Ryan Howard and all our young players with all my heart, but I do share MLB's reluctance in expanding contracts when I see what Cole has to say. It's one thing to want what you have coming to you; it's another thing to want to buck almost two decades worth of trends in terms of contract negotiations. I love Hamels, but he's not a once-in-a-lifetime superstar, and he hasn't done what Howard has done thusfar. Unless he breaks down (and if he does, it'll hurt much more in Philadelphia than his checkbook), he'll get his payday times 1000.
Given the rate of salary inflation in MLB, I believe that a $650,000-$750,000 salary would have been appropriate ... I don't believe that Hamels is being a crybaby. He carried the pitching staff on his back for most of the season last year and should be compensated. When Gillick can pay Freddy Garcia $10 million for one win, he can shell out a couple extra pennies for the real deal ace!
1/2 the posters here have no business posting until they understand how the arbitration system and general agreement works.
Protecting Myers again, levine? Nice mafia photo in the paper also.
I rather like like levine's picture in the paper. Odd, yet somehow attractive
The contract is fair considered Hamels' comparables and the way the systemn is set up. However any system that let's Eaton make $8 last year and Hamels only $400k must be gotten rid of. THis is also the same system that gave Hamels $ 2million as an 18 yr old before he ever threw a professional pitch.
"However any system that let's Eaton make $8 last year and Hamels only $400k must be gotten rid of."
What would your solution be, then? Should we do away with contracts entirely and have a panel determine new salaries year after year? This isn't the first time a player is making less than he deserves - it's probably the millionth time. The only reason we're hearing about it is because we have so many young studs.
In summation - just because Cole Hamels is sad doesn't mean the entire MLB salary system will be revamped.
Odd, yes. Attractive, no
It's America and free enterprise. Let Hamels wallow in his own self despair at a real job. What a whiner
Why are all your blogs later versions of the ZO ZONE. Cheaters never win. Be creative, please. If you think for one second that people think of you in the same breath as Todd Zolecki, those extra bowls of Fruit Loops that it appears you ate did something to you mind.
Here's some food for thought, Scott -- DO YOUR OWN WORK!
Post a Comment