Written by Mike Mariano | 22 August 2009

Remember when Cole Hamels called the Mets choke artists? Yea, I've heard all the rationalizations.  It was a planted question on the Mets radio network WFAN.  Cole would never use those words yada yada yada.  Then Hamels goes out and defends his comments on WIP a couple months later. [caption id="attachment_2648" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Hi, Cole Hamels is the name. Nice to MEAT you. "][/caption] The only one choking last night was Cole, as he threw 5 meaty innings giving up 10 hits and 4 runs including a laser of a home run to Frenchy in the Mets 4-2 victory over the Phillies. Cole had zero command and was all over the place.  He hit two batters including the opposing pitcher Mike "Big Pelf" Pelfry who gave Hammels such a death stare as he took first base.  The Mets on the other hand, were solid behind Big Pelf in spite of yet another horrible call by the Umpires (seriously, I can't remember the Umping being this bad ever in years past) and another tight rope walk by K-Rod. It should be noted that Cole Hamels is 1-4 in 8 games vs. the Mets with a 4.50 ERA.  His first and only win coming in his first start.  Hamels season has been unimpressive this year.  As each day passes, the Cliff Lee trade looks more like a move of necessity rather than complimentary.  Lee is now the ace of the Phillie staff.  On paper, a one two punch of Cliff Lee & the 2008 version of Cole Hamels coupled with Phillie offense is enough to beat any team in a short series.  Hell, your offense alone could carry the team.  However, we all know the old adage "Pitching wins championships".  Now honesty Phillies fans, do you think you have enough pitching to go far into the playoffs this year? Lee has been outstanding since you got him.  But aside from him and a surprising start from J.A. Happ everyone else has been, well, just eh.  Blanton has been up and down.  Pedro has replaced Moyer (who has the most wins on your squad...not that wins mean much, but just saying) who won't give you much more than 5 mediocre innings.  Couple that uncertainty with even more in the Bullpen.  Brad Lidge is not 2008 Brad Lidge, Durban has an ERA over 5 and I am telling you out of personal experience that I would be very scared that Chan Ho Park has a dominant role in your bullpen.  He is always one key home run away from self destruction. Anyway, this is the role the Mets and their fans have been relegated to: Spoiler and breaking down other teams.  The season series now stands at 6 to 3 Phillies.  It's just too bad Cole Hamels can't pitch every game vs. the Mets.  He illustrates "Choke Artistry" on the mound better than he can describe it.