Cole Hamels' agent John Boggs told Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com that he doesn't expect his client to sign a long-term contract similar to Jered Weaver's five-year, $85 million deal with the Angels. "I don't think it's a parallel," explained Boggs. "That contract is great for Jered. I understand it. But he took a different path and left a lot of money on the table. He came up through the Angels system and grew up in their backyard. He's pitching where he grew up. That situation appeals to him. It's a similar situation to when I had Tony Gwynn. Without getting into specifics of what we're looking for, the Weaver situation is unique to Weaver." The Phillies and Hamels avoided arbitration on Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year, $15 million contract, but the 28-year-old left-hander can become a free agent next offseason. While Boggs said they will give the Phillies "every opportunity" to keep Hamels for the long-term, he also expects his client to be compensated as an "elite pitcher." It will be a challenge to keep him from hitting the open market.

Phillies assistant general manager Scott Proefrock said Tuesday that the club is focused on a one-year contract for the arbitration-eligible Cole Hamels. Hamels can become a free agent next offseason, but it appears long-term contract talks will be put off for the time being. "There's plenty of time down the road," said Proefrock. "That's all I'll say. Right now we're focused on a one-year arbitration deal." The 28-year-old left-hander is coming off the best season of his six-year career, posting a 2.79 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 194/44 K/BB ratio over 216 innings. He figures to make around $12 million next season via the arbitration process.

Cole Hamels told Todd Zolecki of MLB.com on Tuesday that he's not anxious about his future with with the Phillies. We have seen some speculation in recent days that the Phillies may eventually have to consider trading Hamels, but the southpaw remains confident that he'll remain in Philadelphia for the long haul. "It's not really on my mind because I'm still locked in with the team, which I'm happy about," said Hamels. "It'll work its way out. I'm just going to go out there and focus on pitching. I feel like I have a really good agent, [John Boggs]. I hope he has a good relationship with [general manager] Ruben [Amaro Jr.] and they'll be able to work well together." Hamels is due around $12 million in arbitration next season before becoming a free agent next winter.

Cole Hamels has been cleared to begin his offseason program, according to the Wilmington News Journal. Hamels posted 194 strikeouts over 216 innings and will be a top option worthy of an early-to-mid round selection. Barring an unforseen setback, he'll be ready for the beginning of spring training.

Cole Hamels underwent surgeries Friday to repair a sports hernia and remove loose bodies from his left elbow. His recovery time is listed at three-to-four weeks, so it will have no impact on his preparation for 2012. Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and Hamels will all return next season and should have the potential to add another 50 wins to the Phillies rotation. Hamels is coming off the best season of his six-year career, posting a 2.79 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 194/44 K/BB ratio in 216 innings of work.

In addition to having surgery Friday to remove "loose bodies" from his throwing elbow, Cole Hamels also needs hernia surgery. He'll have the hernia operation a week after the elbow surgery. Neither procedure will impact his availability for spring training, and Hamels should be able to have a normal offseason. The 27-year-old left-hander will be arbitration-eligible for the final time over the winter, but the Phillies would like to lock him up with a long-term deal.

Cole Hamels needs minor offseason surgery to remove "loose bodies" from his throwing elbow. Hamels should be recovered by the time the Phillies' starters begin their normal offseason routines. The left-hander posted a 2.79 ERA in 216 regular-season innings.

Cole Hamels hurled six shutout innings in a win against the Cardinals Tuesday. He struck out eight, walked three and gave up five hits. If we were to nitpick, Hamels required 116 pitches to complete six innings, forcing Philadelphia to get the bullpen involved earlier than they may have preferred. Ryan Madson was eventually called on to complete a five-out save, which he converted despite allowing a run in the ninth. It was Madson's first save of more than one inning since April 7, 2010. Hamels is continuing the best season of his six-year career. He posted a 2.79 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 194/44 K/BB ratio in 216 innings of work in the regular season. The Phillies lead the NLDS series 2-1.

Cole Hamels allowed two runs on four hits in three innings out of the bullpen in Wednesday's win over the Braves. Looking to get in a final tune up heading into the postseason, Hamels relieved Joe Blanton in the third. He looked a little rusty, though settled down after serving up a two-run bomb to Dan Uggla, just the fourth batter he faced. The book is now closed on what was easily the best season of Hamels' six-year career, as he posted a 2.79 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 194/44 K/BB ratio in 216 innings of work. Both the ERA and WHIP are new career bests.

Cole Hamels will not start but will likely pitch an inning or two in relief during Wednesday's season finale. The start will instead go to Kyle Kendrick or Joe Blanton. Hamels said Saturday that he hoped to make the start and throw 75-80 even though he'd only be on three days' rest. The Phillies will likely allow him to pitch in order to stay sharp, but he's not going to throw that many pitches. Hamels is slated to start Game 3 of the NLDS and will be doing so on six days' rest if he indeed appears Wednesday.