[Jeff Grant]

The Philadelphia Phillies are slight road underdogs against the Washington Nationals on Thursday night, as their starting pitcher is coming off one of his shakiest outings of his career:

• Cole Hamels admitted that the week of signing a six-year, $144 million contract extension wore on him - saying, "It was a long week, I don't think I'll ever have to experience it again."
• The left-hander walked a season-high six batters in that affair, which is a significant number for someone of his control.
• Since 2010, the Phillies are 6-0 in Hamels' next start following an outing that saw him issue four or more walks
• He has gone 5-0 with a 1.80 ERA in his last nine outings in the nation's capital.

I suggest taking a long look at the Phillies, especially with their 17-4 record in this series when he takes the mound

[og4667]

good stuff

[hubie69]

[Jeff Grant]

Ok

[Cappinpicks]

Natonals all day

[alukk]

Usually when you get a contract that big for a long time, you just relax and let it be.