Texas Rangers: Has Cole Hamels Fully Regained His Groove?

Late last season, Texas Rangers Ace pitcher Cole Hamels began to fall. Game one of the ALDS series against Toronto was when he completely fell apart, lasting less than four innings. It was questioned whether Hamels had anything left and if he was still the best pitcher in Arlington. Hamels is regressing but the question on everyone’s mind is how much he has left in him.

It’s been a really long road for Cole Hamels. However, what he’s going through happens. Every star player goes through slumps. Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, and even Pete Rose probably went into slumps, too. And believe it or not, slumps happen to pitchers, as well. The Texas Rangers are counting on him.

Tim Lincecum, for example. Late in the 2010 season, he was in a slump, however he quickly got out of it and he went to win the World Series. 2011, he put up good numbers, but had a losing season. In 2012, he fell apart, resulting in being converted to a relief pitcher. Though he did play effectively in 2012 playoffs to reach and win the World Series for the second time. He eventually found a way to get out of his slump, resulting in him becoming a starter again, pitching two no-hitters in the course of two seasons and going on to win his third ring in 2014.

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Seems like Hamels has worked hard to getting out of his slump. In his last two starts, Hamels has allowed ten hits, four runs, and struck out four batters. Perhaps not very explosive, but effective to win two straight.

Hamels, 33, is obviously not the same pitcher he was in 2008, when he won the World Series, even being named MVP. He’s aging. He’ll never be his old self again. Many believe that Hamels is close or perhaps now out of his prime.

Let’s be honest. Yes, Hamels is aging and maybe he’s out of his prime. Last season’s ending is a very tough pill for him to swallow. Not only him but for the Texas Rangers Organization and the fans, too.

Hamels doesn’t worry about last season. If he was still thinking about his collapse, his record right now can probably be 0-3. Hamels steps on the mound next Tuesday against the Houston Astros. Winning his next start is the next step to him proving he’s still got it.