Philadelphia Phillies president David Montgomery is sure that the team can work out a long-term deal with pitcher Cole Hamels (via Philly.com).
"I don't think it's difficult," Montgomery said. "We've let Cole know we're anxious to have him stay here. Cole enjoys it here. He's not only been a quality pitcher, but he involves himself in the community. It'll probably come down to what we think is an appropriate length and what they think. You try to minimize risk by not going longer than necessary. And a player is looking for as much security as he can get. It's an equation that takes time to hopefully get worked out."
Hamels and the team avoided arbitration last month when Hamels agreed to a one-year, $15 million deal. That deal represents the largest payout to an arbitration-eligible player before he is eligible for free agency (which will happen for Hamels after the 2012 season). A long-term deal could be worth "at least" $100 million (via ESPN).
In six seasons, Hamels is 74-54 with a 3.39 ERA. The 2008 World Series MVP was 4-0 with an ERA of just 1.80 in five starts that postseason. Last season, Hamels made the All-Star team. He was 14-9 with a 2.79 ERA and 194 strikeouts in 2011.
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