Is the book closed on Cole Hamels...for good?

by Steve Jeltz on Oct 28, 2008 11:32 AM EDT

Cole is obviously done for Game 5...if somehow the conclusion of Game 5 is pushed back until tomorrow (Wednesday) and the Phillies lose, is there any chance he's ready to go again by a Game 7 on Friday (if necessary)? He threw 75 pitches last night and would be on three days rest come Friday. My opinion would be to pitch him, but my gut feeling is that Cholly wouldn't do that. Thoughts?

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I read/heard somewhere that MLB would consider keeping an off-day between Philly and Tampa (if the Series goes to Game 6). If they resume Game 5 tomorrow, that would push Game 6 to Friday and Game 7 to Saturday. If it’s Saturday, Cole definitely starts.

by David S. Cohen on Oct 28, 2008 11:41 AM EDT reply actions

I think if Game Seven is Friday, Cole probably doesn’t start, but he’s available for long relief—60 pitches, maybe more.

But if that’s less comfortable for him than starting, he starts, and Blanton is the long man. In that scenario, it’s the deciding game of the World Series. I don’t care if Cole’s arm might come off, so long as he’s effective before it does.

That said, I believe it’s not going to come to that. I believe we’ll be celebrating by Friday, unless the rain doesn’t stop by then.

by dajafi on Oct 28, 2008 12:42 PM EDT reply actions

off day

with wacko Selig no one knows for sure, but seems like there would be an off day for travel. No weather problems in Dome.

by djmarco on Oct 28, 2008 2:41 PM EDT reply actions

But what if Cole isn't done for Game 5?

It’s obviously an unlikely scenario, but let’s think about this. On a regular (4-day rest) schedule, Hamels would throw a bullpen on either the 2nd or 3rd day — say, 30 or 40 pitches — after his previous start. Well, what if Cole usually throws his bullpen on the 2nd off day? Tomorrow would be the 2nd off day after yesterday’s start… so what if Hamels threw another inning or two to lead off Game 5 part deux?

If you’ll recall, Halladay did something similar against the Phils back on May 18. It was the 4th day after his previous start in that case, but it was also a regular season game.

I realize there’s almost no chance that this happens — in large part because it’s Hamels, and the Phils have been cautious with him all year — but it’s another thing to take into account.

by PhillyFriar on Oct 28, 2008 3:17 PM EDT reply actions

Correction: I'm an idiot

Hamels is slated to lead off the bottom of the 6th, so forget what I wrote above.

To answer your actual question, Steve, I’d be surprised if the Phils don’t consider having Hamels available for relief at some point if this Series continues.

by PhillyFriar on Oct 28, 2008 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Since it’s technically still the middle of the game, I guess it’s possible that the Rays will announce one pitcher to start the 6th, then wait for the announced PH and change pitchers. That would be weird.

by taco pal on Oct 28, 2008 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions

No announcement

They don’t have to announce a pitcher to start the 6th. The game picks up where it left off. Balfour is pitching. So is Cole. Play resumes from there, with the managers then making whatever decisions from those lineups.

by David S. Cohen on Oct 28, 2008 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions

No, I understand that. Don’t focus too much on my use of the word “announce” (the first time I used it, I mean). My point is just that it would be visually weird to see someone be the first pitcher of the day, warm up, and then immediately sit down.

by taco pal on Oct 28, 2008 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions

I had assumed the Rays would merely go with Price, but as DRaysBay points out, it makes more sense to just leave Balfour in (lest Price be in jeopardy of being limited to getting 3 outs).

by PhillyFriar on Oct 28, 2008 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions

i think he shouuld start 7 god forbid it comes to that

he didnt throw alot, in no definition of the word alot, and he could easily come in on 2 days rest and come in fully rested for a 3 game rest situation

Why Can't Us

by XxBleedGreen5xX on Oct 28, 2008 4:12 PM EDT reply actions