Hamels Goes Hollywood

Much to my disappointment, Phillies 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels has decided to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers. I guess he wants to be with a team with a real shot to win the World Series this year. ESPN reports the Dodgers will pay Hamels $1 million for the rest of the season and $200,000 per start. 

I can't really blame him. The Phils are 1.5 games out of first in a really bad National League East, have Chase Anderson as one of their starting pitchers, and face the first-place Mets this weekend. The so-called experts are not so hot on the Phillies either. Fangraphs.com has the Phillies finishing with 83.5 wins and a 31.6% chance to make the playoffs. Baseball-reference.com gives the Phillies the best shot (36.8%) and 87 wins, while FiveThirtyEight.com gives them 83 wins and a 30% shot at playoff baseball.

At least they've been fun to watch over the last three games, but winning three straight makes almost anything better.