Cole Hamels on Phillies: Winning 'not going to happen here'

Bob Nightengale | USA TODAY Sports

TAMPA - The words flow out of Cole Hamels' mouth without hesitation, equivocation, or the slightest tinge of remorse.

He wants to be traded from the Philadelphia Phillies.

This is not a threat.

He is not demanding a trade.

He's not about to insult the Phillies, or say anything derogatory that would alienate himself from the only team that's employed him.

"I just want to win,'' Hamels told USA TODAY Sports in his first interview since the end of the 2014 season. "That's all. That's all any competitor wants.

"And I know it's not going to happen here.

"This isn't what I expected. It's not what the Phillies expected, either.

"But it's reality.''

The Phillies, on a rebuilding mission for the first time in a decade, aren't hiding their intentions as they gather in Florida for Thursday's first official workout of pitchers and catchers.

Shortstop Jimmy Rollins was traded in December to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Outfielder Marlon Byrd went to the Cincinnati Reds. First baseman Ryan Howard and closer Jonathan Papelbon are there for the taking. Starter Cliff Lee is available once he proves he's healthy.

And, of course, there's Hamels.

He's the team's ace, their 2008 NLCS and World Series MVP, and the one who two years ago signed the richest contract in Phillies history - six years, $144 million.

He had every intention of staying for the duration of the contract, and even bought a home in Philadelphia where he could raise his three kids, but times have drastically changed.

Instead of being the one to lead the Phillies to another World Series title, Hamels now is the only one who can bring in a haul of star-studded prospects to jump-start this rebuilding process.

The Phillies keep shopping Hamels, and have had plenty of talks with the likes of the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Boston Red Sox, but continue to await an acceptable proposal. They won't trade Hamels to Boston without getting catching prospect Blake Swihart in return. The Padres' offer of prospects Hunter Renfroe and Austin Hedges isn't enough. The Dodgers have yet to include any of their top four prospects in a proposal. And the Phillies won't listen to the St. Louis Cardinals unless pitcher Carlos Martinez is in a deal.

"I understand these things take time,'' says Hamels, who arrived Monday in Clearwater with his family.

But while Hamels is staying in the same spring-training condo he's occupied the last eight years, and occupies the same locker at Bright House Field, this spring will be different than any he's ever experienced.

Every day he shows up may be his last in a Phillies uniform. Every time he pitches, he'll be scrutinized by dozens of scouts. Every time there's a trade rumor, reporters will be rushing to his locker.

It will be awkward, uncomfortable, and you can be assured, annoying.

"I don't watch much TV in the off-season, and I had friends texting me and telling me what's going on,'' Hamels says, "so I tried to stay away from all of it. But I'd be lying if I didn't say I was checking the Internet to see the latest.

"I wanted to see where I was going to spend my next four years. Now that I'm here, I plan on being here for the next six weeks. I think it would be pretty chaotic if that's not the case. But it's out of my control.

"All I can do is get ready this spring, be ready for opening day, and be prepared for the long season.''

He just wants the month of October to be an extension of the season.

"The reason the Phillies committed a huge contract to me,'' says Hamels, "wasn't just to pitch in the regular season, but the postseason too. That's why they paid me that kind of money. They planned on being in the playoffs every year, or at least contending.

"I want that too. I want to be in the playoffs every year. That's where you make a name for yourself. It's not about the Cy Young awards and MVP awards. It's about winning championships. You want to be in a place where you have a chance to win.

"And when we were winning, with the fans and the passion they have for sports, it was the best place to be.''

It's just that the Phillies stopped winning after the 2011 season. They've lost 89 games each of the past two seasons. And it will be a few more years before they contend again. Las Vegas oddsmakers predict the Phillies will be the worst team in baseball this year.

"I don't think any of us saw that coming,'' Hamels says. "When I signed my contract, the Phillies told me they would contend. They told me they would contend every year.

"But things happen.''

Now, Hamels, 31, is just as eager as the Phillies' front office to move on.

It's nothing personal, he says. He'll forever be grateful to the Phillies. He loves living in Philadelphia. He embraces the spirit and vibe of the city, and feels the passion of the fans, whether they're rooting for the Eagles, 76ers, Flyers or Phillies.

It's just time to leave.

And whatever contender wants him, he's braced himself, and is ready to go.

"In the grand scheme of things,'' Hamels says, "we have a very small window in our lives. You understand this is going to end. The Phillies will go on forever, but we know our careers are going to end.

"And I want to go to a place where I can win again.

"It's not like I'm a hired gun. I've got four or five years left on my contract. I want to help that team win just like I did here.''

Hamels, who has four years and $96 million left on his contract, including a fifth-year option that would make it worth $110 million, has 20 teams on his no-trade list. The only American League teams that can trade for him without his consent are the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers.

Yet, the list was simply identifying the top nine teams he'd like to play for if traded, Hamels says, and wasn't meant to dissuade any teams for wanting him. The Red Sox may have not made his top 10 list, but if the Red Sox make an offer the Phillies desire, he won't hesitate going to Boston.

"Of course, I would,'' Hamels says. "It's a fun city. There's no better feeling than to have a chance to win every year, and they give you that chance.

"I'm all ears.''

There are plenty of other favorite destinations. He loves St. Louis, nearby where his wife grew up. He grew up in Southern California, so the Dodgers and Padres are high on his list. He enjoys the Dallas area. Really, as long as the team who wants him plans on being a contender for the next five years, he's willing to listen.

"There's no better feeling than winning, and we enjoyed that for a long time in Philadelphia,'' Hamels says. "I just want to win again. I'm no different than other guys. You just want to be in a position to win.

"So you make sure you're professional about it. You don't do anything stupid. You don't say anything stupid. You just prepare yourself for the season. Whether I'm here or not for opening day, it doesn't change anything, or the way I feel toward the Phillies.

"I'll always be the same guy.''

Just wearing a different uniform to work.

Follow Nightengale on Twitter: @Bnightengale

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