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Cole Hamels Rumors: Tigers Hold Ticket for Phillies Ace?

By Blaine Blontz
June 13, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA: Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-US PRESSWIRE
June 13, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA: Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-US PRESSWIRE

The Philadelphia Phillies focus in framing a possible trade of left-hander Cole Hamels, is on acquiring third base and outfield help, reports Buster Olney of ESPN.

Yesterday morning it was reported that with contract talks between Hamels and the Phillies being "dormant" for the past month, the club was calling teams to gauge interest in their ace.

Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer came out later in the day and said Philadelphia wasn’t expected to trade any "major piece" anytime soon. Gelb expects the Phillies to wait until veteran starters Roy Halladay and Ryan Howard return from injury before making a decision on moving high-profile players such as Hamels and Shane Victorino.

Josh Slagter of Mlive.com speculates that the Detroit Tigers could hold the "golden ticket" when it comes to acquiring Hamels, if they so desired, in third base prospect Nick Castellanos.

Castellanos, 20, is currently playing for the Tigers’ Double-A affiliate, following his promotion from High-A. Over his combined 311 at-bats between the two levels, the third base prospect has posted a line of .373/.416/.531 with 33 extra-base hits and 44 RBIs.

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Should the Tigers target Hamels?

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