[ad_1]
All-Star quarterback Cole Hamels will not need motivation as he will leave the Rangers from last place to join the first-place Cubs.
"I'm excited to be able to continue my career with the Cubs," Hamels told three Rangers writers on Friday. "It's a dream come true to grow up watching the Cubs play as a kid. I've always loved playing Wrigley. To be able to be part of this organization with the group of guys that they have, I'm really excited to start well and get into the post-season with these guys.
Hamels, who pitched a non-hitter On his last start to the Phillies at Wrigley Field in July 2015, he will meet former Rangers players Anthony Bass, Jesse Chavez and Yu Darvish when he joins the Cubs Saturday at Busch Stadium.Hamels is planning to move Friday to store his stuff.
More importantly, Hamels is relishing the chance to go to the World Series for the first time since 2009 with the Phillies, who lost to the Yankees after winning the 2008 series title.
"I've been very lucky in my career to have many appearances after the season," said Hamels, who has a record of 7-6 with a 3.48 ERA in 16 playoff starts. "It's still this pursuit for the World Series. Once you have one, you begin to realize how difficult it is to achieve it.
"Knowing that I'm going on a team that's so eager to win another, I really want to be part of that – especially in this city. They love baseball so much. It will be a great journey for the next few months.
Hamels went from a team that had played 25 games in first place in the American league to a Cubs team that currently holds a 2 ½-game lead at the National. Central League.
"There is something in you that makes sparks when you're in this situation," said Hamels. "It will be a great enlightenment to return to this situation."
At the same time, Hamels knows that the stakes are higher. He was 5-9 with a 4.72 ERA in 20 starts with the Rangers after joining them in a Phillies match in 2015.
"I know I did not play with the Rangers at the level that I know .m able to, "said Hamels. "I think I've made some serious progress in the last two weeks to find and redefine who I am, what I was, and how I can find it. It's the exciting part of what I've been able to do over the last few days.
Hamels, who was scheduled to play Saturday with the Rangers before the game, gave a bullpen opening on Wednesday. He said he was considering talking soon with Cubs director Joe Maddon to discuss his schedule.
Hamels believes that a meeting with Darvish, who is recovering from a right tricipital tendinitis, will help each other
I came here to talk with him, "Hamels said. "I know it did not work out as we both hoped, this time it will be the right way."
"Have this familiarity with someone, at least I know to have a partner to launch. Maybe he can perfect my cursor. I know that he still has to work on his changeup. "
Twitter @MDGonzales
The Cole Hamels trade is official, The Cubs send Eddie Butler, Rollie Lacy and the Rangers' Player
5 Things To Know About Cole Hamels, The Newest Pitcher Of The Cubs »
Paul Sullivan: Cole Hamels Must Now Demonstrate Success Theo Epstein »
Source link
