BY SCOTT LAUBERCLEARWATER, Fla. -- Just got through talking to Cole Hamels for about 10 minutes. Much more in tomorrow's News Journal, but mostly, Hamels has two messages for Phillies fans.
1. Relax.
"They have nothing to worry about," Hamels said. "They don't need to jump on the bandwagon of freaking out. I try to be honest with you guys and tell you the truth as much as possible. If I was in serious pain, I'd let you guys know."
2. Don't count him out for opening day, even though pitching coach Rich Dubee said yesterday that he's a "long shot."
"Love long shots," Hamels said. "I bet all the money on long shots. That's where you win, right?"
Hamels did acknowledge that he could benefit from missing the opening-day start and pitching a few days later. With three days off in the season's first eight days, the Phillies won't absolutely need a fifth starter until April 20. But Hamels said he doesn't want to start the season on the disabled list and doesn't believe it will be necessary.
More in a bit.
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