Can Phillies Win Despite Cole?

November 1st, 2009 | by ahfischman |

Cole Hamels was very good last postseason. His 5 starts last playoffs yielded an ERA of 1.80 along with 30 Ks and just 9 BBs. The Dodgers only scored 3 runs off Hamels over the course of 14 innings.

It wasn’t just postseason. Hamels was dominant all of last year. This year, things have been different to say the least. Hamels’ season ERA jumped over 1.20 points. His opposing batting average rose from a very low .227 to a not so great .273.

In addition, Hamels only surrendered 2 home runs last postseason in 35 innings pitched. In just 19 postseason innings this season, Cole Hamels has allowed 7 home runs, 5 of which came against the Dodgers. The lefty’s postseason ERA is over 7.50 compared to last season’s 1.80.

With the well-documented struggles that Hamels continues to experience, it is no doubt frustrating that the Dodgers were not able to capitalize. Despite hitting 5 home runs off Hamels, the Dodgers were not able to win either of their 2 games against Cole Hamels.

But that’s irrelevant now.

The important question becomes: Will the Phillies be able to win despite Cole Hamels?

I still think the Yankees will win the series in 6 games, but the Phillies are not in bad shape at all. Cliff Lee and Pedro Martinez have gone toe to toe with Sabathia and Burnett. They’re putting their team in good chances to win, so we’ll have to wait and see what happens. In other words, despite the major struggles of Cole Hamels, I wouldn’t count the Phillies out just yet.