With parameters set, ball is in Phillies’ court with Hamels

Cole Hamels' new contract may be based on Matt Cain's six-year, $112.5 million contract extension with the Giants. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) If the story of spring training wasn’t focused on injuries, it was focused on Cole Hamels. The Phillies know what they have to do, especially if they want a seamless transition to the next era of greatness that likely starts with players like Hunter Pence, Shane Victorino and Freddy Galvis. Signing Hamels is a must. Last August, Angels pitcher Jered Weaver signed a five-year, $85 million contract which was the first stepping stone to a deal for Hamels and other pitchers in similar situations like Zack Greinke and Matt Cain. One of those pitchers cashed in yesterday. It was not Hamels. Matt Cain signed a six-year, $112.5 million contract with the Giants, just days before spring training. It is the largest contract extension for a right-handed pitcher in major league history. So now the bar has been set. Hamels is going to get at least fi...