Chicago Cubs May See Hamels In Their Dugout Saturday
The weekend series between Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies could be more than just July baseball, especially since two names from the Phillies dugout are the epicenter of trade rumors. Slated to face Cole Hamels on Saturday, it’s unclear to which dugout he’ll report, although fans and scouts will definitely swarm Wrigley Field this weekend. One team could be October bound, the other poised to cleanse their books of excess salary.
In Friday’s opener, Jerome Williams looks to turn his season around, while opponent Jon Lester looks to continue his dominance. Lester (3.37 ERA, 5-7, 116 Ks) has dominated the Phillies during his tenure at Boston, going 4-0 against Philadelphia. Only two home runs have been allowed by Lester against Phillies hitters. His counterpart, Williams (6.43 ERA, 3-7, 41 Ks), has given up 50 runs in 71 IP this season, allowing 14 home runs and walking 19. Chicago Cubs hitters who’ve seen Williams are 2-9 against the burly righty.
Saturday’s marquee match-up puts Cole Hamels, who’ll still dress in the visitor’s locker room, against Chicago Cubs ace Jake Arrieta. Hamels (3.91 ERA, 5-7, 124 Ks) hasn’t done particularly well against Chicago starters, giving up 26 hits in 104 AB while allowing three souveniers. Arrieta (2.52 ERA, 11-5, 133 Ks), however, has whiffed 10 Phillies in 34 AB, allowing five hits (two left the yard). Should be an exciting game as perhaps Cubs fans will see their future #2 starter.
In Sunday’s finale, Phillies sensation Aaron Nola (1.50 ERA, 0-1, 6 Ks) takes the hill against Jason Hammel. In his first career game, Nola dominated the Blue Jays by going six strong innings and whiffing six, allowing only Rays pitcher Karns’ long ball in a losing effort. Hammel (2.82 ERA, 5-4, 109 Ks) hasn’t fared well against Phillies hitting, allowing Jeff Francoeur to go 4-9 but giving up no homers and 3 RBIs to everyone else.
Chicago Cubs hitters then feast on Colorado pitching starting Monday for three games before driving up Interstate 94 next Friday to face Milwaukee. Meanwhile, Philadelphia heads into Toronto for three games before flying home to face Atlanta for four games. The trade deadline madness will expire July 31, meaning some players may fly home from Toronto or not leave period.
It’s undeniable that Chicago Cubs fans want playoff tickets, but in order to secure them, deals must be made relatively soon. As the title suggests, fans could witness Cole Hamels dressed in completely different colors Saturday, or simply showcase his commanding left-handed arm for dozens of scouts serious about signing the 31-year-old. With Ruben Amaro Jr. stating his disinterest in Starlin Castro and Javier Baez as trade chips, Cubs fans could miss out on Hamels’ — and Papelbon’s — services this postseason. Only time will tell.
[Photo by Andy Lyons / Getty Images Sport]
