NewsSchmidt voices support for Hamels
Phillies Hall of Famer would like to see lefty pitch Game 7
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com
11/04/09 12:30 PM EST
Give Cole Hamels the ball if the World Series reaches seven games.That is the sentiment of Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt, who spoke up in support of the beleaguered Hamels.
Appearing on The Dan Patrick Show on Wednesday, Schmidt was asked if Hamels should get the starting nod if the Phillies and Yankees must play a Game 7.
"Sure, he deserves that," said Schmidt, the legendary former Philadelphia third baseman. "I would start him and have a little chat with him before the game. I'd tell him, 'Cole, you have a chance to wipe the slate clean. You have a chance to save you entire year. Nobody will remember anything like ERA or records. You go out there and leave everything you have out there and pitch like it's your last game ever.'"
First, the Phillies have to put themselves in that position by beating the Yankees on Wednesday night in Game 6 at Yankee Stadium.
It's been a rough postseason and year for Hamels, the 2008 World Series MVP. In a Game 3 loss to New York, the left-hander allowed five runs in 4 1/3 innings.
Hamels also has been the center of controversy, stemming from comments he made after the Game 3 loss. The left-hander was quoted as saying he couldn't wait for the season to be over.
From what he's heard, Schmidt believes Hamels' remarks were misinterpreted.
"I think it's been a media thing," Schmidt told Patrick. "It wasn't one question -- it's been construed like a question about 'How do you feel about pitching Game 7' and 'Oh, I don't know -- it's been a tough year, I'm tired and I want it all to end' was the answer. And, that's not how it happened, as I understand it."
Along with Hamels, closer Brad Lidge also has had his struggles.
"They're similar, but when you get down to Lidge, you're talking about one inning, three outs and talking about a championship or runner-up," Schmidt said. "And there's a lot more pressure on that role. I'd be a little worried about him. I don't know the answer to this, but I don't think he'd be in there at that situation."
Schmidt said he hopes the World Series goes the distance. Jokingly, he noted he wanted to watch more baseball, instead of re-runs of TV dramas.
To push the series to the limit, the Phillies may need some production from Ryan Howard. While Chase Utley has tied Reggie Jackson's World Series record with five home runs, Howard has been in a slump.
"Howard, the other night, didn't hit, but got a couple of big walks," Schmidt said. "He didn't kill a rally. Those 3-4-5 hitters, they can be rally killers when they're not right."
Schmidt added it is hard to pitch around Utley, to get to Howard.
"How do you not pitch to Chase Utley? Four breaking balls in the dirt? Hit him? There's not a lot of room in there," Schmidt said. "He stands very close to the plate and he doesn't give an inch. It's all right if you hit him because he will just go down to first. If [Jimmy] Rollins or [Shane] Victorino are on base, they'll just move up for Howard, [Raul] Ibanez and [Jayson] Werth."
Patrick wrapped up his interview by putting Schmidt on the spot with a Hall of Fame-related question.
If given one first-ballot vote, who should receive it -- Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter or Mariano Rivera.
"Without question, Mariano in his role against his peers has pulled away from anybody close," Schmidt said. "I guess Trevor Hoffman might be the only guy. [Dennis] Eckersley. What Mariano has accomplished at his position is second-to-none ... I'd say probably Mariano."
Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
