DENVERThe Phillies are trying like heck to sign Cole Hamels to a contract extension in the next couple of weeks, a person with knowledge of the situation tells CSNPhilly.com.
Hamels, of course, can be a free agent at seasons end. Though it is not imperative, the Phillies could look to trade him before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline if the two sides cant complete a deal.
Amaro on Friday would not comment specifically on the state of negotiations with the 28-year-old lefty, but he did indicate that talks were ongoing.
Our goal remains the same with Cole, Amaro said. We never stopped wanting to try to keep him in our uniform. We never had any other goal. Whether we can get to the finish line in doing that, we dont know.
A lot of it is a decision thats up to Cole. Hes the one that has to sign the contract. People think its just a one-sided deal. Everyone has to come to an agreement. Thats why its called an agreement. Its not just the Phillies. We have to work together.
Agent John Boggs has said that Hamels wants to be paid among the elite left-handers in the game. The Phillies have played in that market before. They are paying Cliff Lee an average salary of 24 million per season over five years.
Sources have told CSNPhilly.com that the Phillies are ready to play in that salary range for Hamels. The sticking point is length of contract. Sources say the Phillies offered four years months ago and Hamels wants moreprobably at least six years, maybe seven.
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If the Phils cant bridge the gap with Hamels, he could be dealt to a team like the Rangers or the Dodgers, or the Phils could keep him and take their chances on signing him before his free-agent rights kick in after the World Series.
While Hamels trade candidacy seems to be tied only to whether he signs a contract extension, the Phillies have other players whose trade candidacy is tied to how the team performs in these next two weeks.
The Phils took another step toward shedding talent on Friday night when they lost for the 11th time in 12 games. They are 15 games out of first place in the NL East and 11 out of the second wild-card spot.
The situation is so bleak that even Roy Halladays imminent return might not make a difference. Chase Utleys certainly hasnt. The team is 1-11 since he came off the DL; 0-4 since Ryan Howard returned.
Though Amaro said he doesnt see a situation where the Phils become a total seller because he envisions contending next season and beyond, he could look to move several pieces in the coming days and weeks if things dont improve quickly. Its likely that the team has already had trade conversations involving Shane Victorino, Placido Polanco, Juan Pierre and Joe Blanton. They could all go once the white flag goes up. Theres a strong feeling around baseball that Victorino will be dealt regardless. He will be a free agent at seasons end and would like a five-year deal. The Phils wont do that. Victorino has struggled with the bat and lately has looked like a candidate for a change of scenery. He could end up in Cincinnati, San Francisco or Pittsburgh.
The Phillies list of trade candidates could extend to Cliff Lee, Jimmy Rollins and Hunter Pence. Lee is owed 87.5 million over the next three seasons so only a deep-pocketed team like the Yankees could handle that. But dont be surprised if his name comes up.
Rollins is owed 27 million over the next three seasons and he has full no-trade rights. Its difficult to see him waiving those no-trade rights. About the only place he might be interested in going is his native California. Interestingly, both the Dodgers and Giants, who are battling for the NL West crown, could use an upgrade at shortstop, so its worth keeping an eye on Rollins and those two clubs as these next two weeks unfold.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com