By Todd Zolecki

The moment Jered Weaver agreed to a five-year, $85 million contract extension with the Angels, the Phillies must have wondered how it would impact their future negotiations with Cole Hamels.

Weaver was eligible to become a free agent following the 2012 season, just like Hamels is. Weaver is 78–45 with a 3.30 ERA in 170 career starts. Hamels is 73–52 with a 3.39 ERA in 174 starts. Weaver averages 7.9 strikeouts per nine innings, while Hamels averages 8.5. Weaver has a 3.19 strikeout-to-walk ratio, while Hamels’ is 3.72.

Statistically, they are incredibly similar.

But Hamels swore Weaver’s deal barely registered on his radar.

“I just want to play,” he said this afternoon. “That’s why I have an agent. He’ll take care of the rest. If I go out and play and I’m comfortable, good things will happen. That’s all I can affect. It’s a situation where it’s your choice and when the time comes people make choices. I think I’m more focused on trying to win a World Series right now with these guys. That’s been the only thing on my mind this year.”

Asked if prefers to stay in Philadelphia, he said, “I don’t know any better. I’ve had great memories here. That’s the thing. This team wants to win. This organization wants to win. I want to win. I think it’s a perfect fit.”

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