Cole Hamels does not like six-man rotations and has no interest in being a part of one.
Hamels’ Texas Rangers have explored the idea of using a six-man rotation for the upcoming season. Some of that talk started when the team had interest in Japanese star Shohei Ohtani, but the talk continued even though Ohtani signed with the Angels.
Hamels has made it clear what he thinks of them.
“It’s not part of baseball,” Hamels said Saturday, via the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “I know that’s the new analytical side of trying to reinvent the wheel, but I was brought up in the minor leagues on a five man, and that’s what I’m designed and conditioned for.
“You throw in the six-man, you might as well be in college — that’s what the college guys do, pitch once a week — or go to Japan. That’s not what MLB is to me. That’s not how I learned from my mentors, and that’s not the type of way I’m here to pitch.”
Hamels’ mentality is understandable. The 34-year-old has prided himself on his durability. He logged at least 200 innings every season from 2010-2016 and has made 362 stars since 2006. When you’ve been pitching as long as he has and working by the same schedule, you wouldn’t want to mess with that.
If Texas decides to use extra starters now that they have several options, maybe they should consider slotting those in after Hamels makes his starts.
