KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The lockers of Cole Hamels and Clayton Kershaw were next to each other in the National League clubhouse, and Kershaw wasted no time throwing a recruiting pitch at Hamels.

“You’d look good in Dodger blue,” Kershaw told him.

Hamels, the premier pitcher eligible for free agency, grew up in San Diego. He said he would be interested in the Dodgers or Angels, although he was not so sure the Angels would be interested in him.

“The Angels are pretty set, aren’t they?” Hamels said.


You never know. Mark Trumbo hit 29 home runs last year, and the Angels signed Albert Pujols to play first base. The Angels have Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson under contract through 2016, with club options for next season on Dan Haren and Ervin Santana.

The Dodgers have five starters under contract next season -- Kershaw, Chad Billingsley, Chris Capuano, Aaron Harang and Ted Lilly -- but Kershaw wants the Dodgers’ new owners to pursue Hamels.

“I would love to have him there,” Kershaw said. “Our whole team would love to have a guy of his caliber. I hope we make a run at him.”

Hamels, 28, a three-time All-Star, said Kershaw is far from the only player recruiting him here.


“I’ve heard from everybody,” he said.

He said he would prefer to remain with the Philadelphia Phillies but would not limit his options to West Coast teams if he hits free agency.

“Anybody that wants to win, they’ve got a fair shot,” Hamels said.

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