The Dodgers are gearing up to sell their franchise (something a lot of Mets fans would wish would happen to the Amazin’s) and there is a possibility of a bidding war for the rights to the team. In a blog post by Buster Olney (described by MLB Trade Rumors), Olney describes a possible scenario that would make Cole Hamels a Dodger.
Essentially the situation starts with the sale of the Dodgers. If a bidding war takes place, the sale, as projected by both websites, could go up to 1.6 billion.
Buster Olney then points out the obvious that if someone invests that much into a team, they are going to do what it takes to win, probably by spending money.
Olney then notes that Hamels, who will be a free agent next year, could be offered a lot to be in LA.
Obviously there is much to this story, just a lot of hypothetical statements with no rumor basis in reality, but it does pose an interesting situation for the Phillies next season. Their very strong rotation right now needs Hamels as he is still rising while the rest of that rotation looks to start declining soon. A 2013, or even 2014 seasons without Hamels will first be alright, then manageable, but down the road it becomes hairy, especially in a division that projects to have a young, talented Mets team in 2014, a young, veteran Nationals team in 2014, and a Marlins team with a lot of money.
I guess this story struck me because I hadn’t thought too much recently about the Phillies without Hamels, and how it could easily happen.
