Yankees aren't out on Cole Hamels just yet

Just when you thought they were out, they pull you back in. The New York Yankees aren't ruling out the possibility of making a run at Philadelphia Philles ace Cole Hamels, according to David Lennon of Newsday.

It just so happens that the Yankees are going to get an up-close and personal view of Hamels as he pitches right in their own stadium in the series finale today. The Yankees are expected to get Ivan Nova back on Wednesday, but with a starting rotation that has a 4.42 ERA, an upgrade may be likely.

Hamels' name has been thrown around all year and just yesterday it was reported that the Rangers and Phillies have been having ongoing discussions about the ace. Still, nothing seems to be close and the Phillies appear to be determined to max out the value in a trade for Hamels. He does have a no-trade list that has 20 teams on it, but the Yankees are not on it, making them an approved destination for the lefty.

New York was initially thought to be out on Hamels because of the price tag. And no, that didn't mean Hamels contract. The Yankees, known for their big payrolls, had no problem adding on $22.5 million for the next three years that Hamels will bring with him.

But the Phillies aren't looking for salary cap relief. As a team that is in the process of rebuilding, they want prospects. The Yankees are very reluctant to tap into that system and use their top prospects as bait. While the season progresses on, the Bronx Bombers may find themselves with no other choice, needing to trade prospects for Hamels and go for it this season.

That decision may be expedited today when they see him in person. Hamels has posted a 2.96 ERA and 3.55 FIP through 94.1 innings this season.