Could Cole Hamels Actually Lose 20 Games?

The six-year $144 million extension Cole Hamels signed last July is still the best thing that happened to the Phillies in 2012.

That’s so even though “King Cole” is having the worst season for a Phillies starting pitcher in 76 years.  Hamels seems well on his way to a 20-loss season. That’s astounding considering that many baseball pundits figured Hamels could win 20-games in 2013, which isn’t going to happen. But the big question is whether or not Hamels can turn it around. In a recent start against his personal punching bag, the San Diego Padres, Hamels was dominant through two innings. But it all went to pieces in the third.

Hamels has too good of stuff not to turn it around. But where would the Phillies be if they were just .500 when Hamels pitched this season to this point? Only two games out of first place, that’s where. And what if Hamels pitched up to the capability we’ve known him to have? MLB analyst Mitch Williams noted that Hamels needed to win at least 15 games in 2013 if the Phillies were going to compete for a playoff berth.

“There’s no reason he can’t win at least that many games,” Williams said before the season commenced. That probably won’t happen, but here’s guessing that after the All-Star break Hamels reverts to form. Hamels is a different situation than, say, Tim Lincecum, who has lost velocity and location. The odds are that Hamels will regain his ace form in 2014 whereas Lincecum has been rumored to become a relief pitcher by next season.

In the meantime, however, Hamels needs to make sure he doesn’t become the next Mike Maroth (the last 20-game loser in the majors when he lost 21 in 2003). He needs to clear his head and go after hitters, like he has done when he’s been at his best.

Ed Condran is a contributing writer to Philly Sports Jabronis.