Age: 20 Ht.: 6-2 Wt.: 185 Bats: Left Throws: Left
Drafted: HS–San Diego, 2002 (1st round)
Signed by: Darrell Conner

Background: Hamels had nothing but question marks entering his pro career, but has provided only exclamation points since signing with the Phillies. He ranked as one of the top pitchers in the 2002 draft, but a broken humerus in his left arm caused him to miss his junior season at Rancho Bernardo High and slip to the 17th overall pick. He originally injured his arm in an off-field accident and aggravated it by pitching. He had surgery performed by the Padres team doctor in his native San Diego and rehabbed with pitching guru Tom House before returning and impressing as a high school senior. Protracted contract negotiations kept Hamels away from baseball before he agreed to a $2 million bonus, and then he showed up out of shape from the long layoff. Because he got little done in instructional league, the Phillies sent him to extended spring training in 2003 to get indoctrinated in the organization’s philosophies. Once they turned him loose, he dominated the low Class A South Atlantic and high Class A Florida State leagues. His combined 1.34 ERA would have led the minors had Hamels accumulated 11 more innings to qualify. He allowed just 15 earned runs and not a single home run all season. His command, stuff and pitchability allowed him to edge Gavin Floyd for the top spot on this list, and being lefthanded also aided Hamels’ cause.

Strengths: Hamels should have three above-average pitches when he reaches the majors. He already shows plus command of a fastball that sits between 89-92 mph with plenty of movement. He can reach back for more when he needs it, topping out at 94. His best pitch might be his plus-plus changeup, which was neck-and-neck with Ryan Madson’s as the best in the organization and possibly the minors. Hamels displays exceptional control of his changeup at such a young age, and it really fades away from hitters. Hamels shows a very businesslike mentality on the mound, with no great highs or lows. He’s a great athlete, allowing him to repeat his delivery with ease, hold runners and field his position well.

Weaknesses: His curveball eventually should become a third plus pitch for Hamels, and its movement is already there. He just needs to develop more consistency with the curve. His overall command and control are advanced for his age–and ahead of where Floyd and Brett Myers were at similar stages in their development–but he can continue to improve it as he progresses.

The Future: Hamels hasn’t experienced any repercussions from his high school arm injury. A pulled muscle in his right shoulder blade caused the Phillies to remove him from the trials for USA Baseball’s Olympic qualifying team. Club officials didn’t want to risk Hamels altering his mechanics to cope. The minor injury isn’t a long-term concern, and he should begin 2004 on schedule by returning to high Class A Clearwater. He’ll be challenged in Double-A Reading as soon as he proves he’s ready, and will continue his rapid development toward becoming a frontline starter.