They are both left handed starters. They both feature a fastball that is clocked in the low 90's. They both have an unfair change up. Each have an above average breaking pitch. Both have had their share of success as Johan Santana has won two American League Cy Young Awards and Cole Hamels has won an NLCS and World Series MVP Award. They each have a competetive fire in them and hate to lose. But what is the difference between Santana and Hamels? Age and experience.
While they are both similar, Santana is the better pitcher. With that being said, Santana is 30 years old while Hamels is 25. Could Santana today be the pitcher Cole Hamels develops into within the next 5 years?
Hamels is one of the dominant pitchers in the National League. Santana may very well be the best. Hamels tends to make a mistake or two per game while Johan maybe makes one. Their pitches are very similiar as is the way they approach hitters. They both rack up strikeouts and leave the opposing batters scratching their heads. The difference, Santana is a little more refined and seems to be less prone to make a mistake pitch that costs him.
Cole is still learning and being 5 years younger than Johan and having Johan to study gives Hamels the opportunity to be just as good or better than he is now. While no one can predict the future with any certainty, there is a good possibility that the Johan Santana that we saw pitch last night could be the Cole Hamels that pitches some night soon for the Phillies. If both pitchers stay healthy and can continue their dominance, they both have the potential to have a plaque in Cooperstown. How many players can you say that about?
While the Turnpike Series is exciting and fun to watch on its own. The addition of Hamels and Santana to the mix make it even more exciting and fun. And, when the other team beats either of these pitchers, they know they were able to best one of the top pitchers in the game.
For more coverage on the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets, check out Mr Mets Daily and The Turnpike Series!
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