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Reports: Texas Rangers acquire lefty Cole Hamels from Philadelphia Phillies

By Art Garcia, The Sports Xchange
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35). Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI
1 of 2 | Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35). Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI | License Photo

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Rangers took a big step toward returning to contention in the years ahead by acquiring Philadelphia ace Cole Hamels in a blockbuster trade Wednesday night, according to various media outlets.

Texas also received pitcher Jake Diekman in exchange for a package laden with prospects, including catcher Jorge Alfaro, outfielder Nick Williams, and pitchers Alec Asher, Jason Thompson and Jerad Eickhoff. Philadelphia also picked up veteran pitcher Matt Harrison.

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Neither the Rangers nor Phillies confirmed the trade. Rangers officials declined comment.

The players were more open about it.

"He's got a long track record of great success," first baseman Mitch Moreland said of Hamels. "It'll be huge for us."

Harrison is one of the more popular players in the Texas clubhouse.

"We played a lot of ball together," Moreland said. "We played some in the minors together. The whole time I've been here he's been here for the most part. We've been on the DL at the same time. We've spent a lot of time together, so it's going to be tough."

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Without acknowledging the deal was done, Texas closer Shawn Tolleson more than hinted at the upcoming changes.

"It's exciting to get new faces in here, but it's sad to see some guys go that you really like playing with," he said.

Bringing in the left-handed Hamels, under contract through 2018, adds to a potential staff that would feature Yu Darvish and Derek Holland. Hamels is 6-7 in 20 starts this season with a 3.64 ERA after throwing a no-hitter July 25 against the Cubs.

The Rangers believe they are ready to contend for a playoff spot with a top-flight pitching staff. Darvish is out this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, while Holland is working his way back from injury this season.

Diekman, in his fourth season, is 2-1 with 5.15 ERA in 41 relief appearances this year.

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