ARLINGTON, Texas — Cole Hamels could be a vital piece to a Yankees world championship puzzle.

The veteran lefty insisted he still has the talent and drive to be a key component to a championship team and with a smile noted Monday at Globe Life Park of the Yankees, “Shoot, I helped them get a World Series in ’09.’’

Hamels was the losing pitcher in Game 3 to Andy Pettitte in the Yankees 8-5 win. He never got the chance to pitch a Game 7 as the Yankees took the Series from the Phillies in six games.

He would love to get back. Unfinished business. Hamels was the World Series MVP in 2008 with the Phillies.

As for that Game 3 loss he admitted, “That leaves a bitter taste in your mouth, especially against the Yankees. You always want to go to the postseason and beat the Yankees. That’s how I grew up [in San Diego], I got to watch all those Yankee teams win as a kid, especially when they took down the hometown Padres [1998]. They got me and I didn’t have an opportunity for a Game 7.’’

Perhaps the Yankees will get Hamels in a different way now, a trade.

Hamels is scheduled to start Tuesday night against Domingo German. The Yankees will be watching carefully since the Rangers said they are open to trades.

Hamels (2-4, 3.48 ERA) has heard all the talk and gets it at the age of 34.

“It’s kind of the nature of what happens,’’ he said. “You get traded once and you understand the possibilities are there. … The Yankees have a tremendous team. I feel like I have a lot left and I’ve been able to add more pitches and I haven’t had a serious injury.’’

In other words: Leaving the 18-31 Rangers and being traded to the 31-13 Yankees or any contender would be heaven for the former Phillies ace. The Yankees pounded the Rangers, 10-5 Monday night as Masahiro Tanaka (two home runs, four walks) struggled through five innings.

“As you get older and if you are able to play well and keep up what I know I’m capable of doing, then sometimes each year you can be on a different team hunting down the postseason,’’ Hamels said. “It’s kind of the nature of where I think I am in my career and in my contract and in the situation.’’

I first met Hamels as a 10-year-old Little Leaguer in San Diego. He played in a league with my oldest son. That same competitive spirit that burned inside of Hamels then, burns today after a 149-106 record with a 3.37 ERA.

Hamels’ velocity is 93 mph, and working toward 95. Aaron Boone, who faced him as a player, said Hamels remains a force although he does not go in on right-handers as he once did. Hamels has deep respect for Boone, saying, “He’s born and bred into baseball.’’

“Some of the best baseball is now being able to watch the Yankees and Boston,’’ Hamels said. “The drama, the history. I know the type of lineups they put out there.

“They put out a valiant effort,’’ he said of the Yankees. “They got a lot of power … tremendous talent.’’

How important is it for Hamels to be back in the race?

“You want to win every single game you go out and play,’’ Hamels said. “There’s a lot of games I don’t get to play and you want to be able to see the winning environment that sort of atmosphere. I think that’s the kind of energy that has been created over in the AL East and those guys.’’

Hamels gets competition. Always has.

“It’s fun to pitch against the Yankees and in that stadium,’’ Hamels said.

Pitching for them would be fun, too. Hamels believes all organizations will value veteran pitching leadership more.

As for his no-trade lists, not an issue, he said, “It’s just a list, provides a little more bargaining power.’’

You can be sure the Yankees are on Hamels’ destination list.

“October is the real baseball,’’ Hamels said. “It’s where you test your skills the most.’’

Cole Hamels wants another World Series test.