Cole Hamels: All Mouth, No Heart

Cole Hamels has opened his mouth and yet again, something embarrassing came out of it. After his Game 3 loss to the Yankees on Saturday night, a game in which he was blasted for five runs in 4 1/3 innings of work, the Phillies' potential Game 7 starter had these words of wisdom to share with the reporters present in the Phillies' clubhouse:

"I can't wait for it to end. It's been mentally draining. It's one of those things where you can't wait for a fresh start."

I wonder what teammate Pedro Martinez had to say about this. He signed with the Phillies to win a championship. Now one of his fellow starters can't wait for it to end, almost not caring if he wins or loses the World Series.

Did Randy Johnson care in 2001? You bet he did! He pitched seven innings for the Diamondbacks in Game 6 of the 2001 World Series against the Yankees. Then he cared so much for his team that he came out of the bullpen THE FOLLOWING NIGHT in Game 7 and got the victory in relief.

Imagine if the Phillies go to a Game 7 against the Yankees. Could you imagine going out to the mound after making a comment like Cole Hamels did? Philly fans boo everything in sight. Hamels is lucky his potential Game 7 start isn't at Citizen's Bank Park.

Then again, the fans are probably expecting Hamels to make comments like that. After all, he's the one who admitted on live radio that the Mets were choke artists. The only difference with Hamels' radio comments were that he backed them up with a ring and a World Series MVP Award. What does he have to back Game 3's post-game comments with? How about a 1-2 record and a 7.58 ERA.

As of today, the Phillies are 9-5 in the 2009 postseason. Hamels is their only pitcher with two losses this postseason. If the Phillies do force a Game 7 and Hamels loses that game, will Phillies' fans remember his 2008 World Series MVP Trophy or his 2009 failures and sound bites?

A player with heart puts his own needs aside and does whatever it takes to help his team. A player with a mouth causes animosity and distractions in the clubhouse. That being said, a player with a brain would know which category is better for his team. Good luck if you have to pitch in a Game 7, Mr. Hamels. Hope you can remember which body part to use at the right time.