Are You Confident In Cole Hamels As A Game 7 Starter?

Cole Hamels was asked about his struggles this season and if he was looking forward to next season starting. His response was a bit of a head-shaker. "I can't wait for it to end. It's been mentally draining. But, you know what, it's one of those things, a year in, you just can't wait for a fresh start," Hamels said. Granted, he later added that "Game 7 can definitely put it into a better perspective. It's one of those things where you just work as hard as you can and try to get to the next start." [video below]

I'm a bit baffled by Hamels. I realize that after the trying season he had, expecting him to be able to return to his '08 postseason form once the Phils reached the playoffs this year was a stretch. At the same time, he shows flashes of brilliance for three innings that makes you think it's possible. Then one little mistake like the Teixeira walk seemingly snowballs into a five run showing.

He's certainly not the pitcher he was last year, that much is obvious, but he still has some filthy stuff. His issues appear to be somewhat mental, but it's impossible to pinpoint. When Charlie Manuel was asked about Cole's mental toughness, he seemed to support his player, "I would never question his mental toughness. I think at times he gets a little upset with himself, but as far as his mental toughness, this guy, he's mentally tough."

So what's the deal? Why can't a guy who has pitched brilliantly in the past put anything together this postseason? It's troubling.

Which leads to the biggest question at hand. Given Cole's very poor playoff numbers and his attitude after this tough loss, do you give him the ball in a potential game seven if the series reaches that point? It's a scary thought and Hamels certainly doesn't give you confidence he could win it. But what are the alternatives? JA Happ?

Maybe we can hope for Pedro to get it done, that's kind of what Jimmy said after tonight's loss, updating his initial prediction with this, “I guess it’ll be Phillies in six."