Hamels clarifies remarks that cause a stir

PHILADELPHIA — Cole Hamels isn’t ready to call it a season.

Hamels wants to pitch again if the Philadelphia Phillies need him against the New York Yankees in the World Series. It would be the struggling left-hander’s turn to take the mound in Game 7 on Thursday.

Hamels angered fans and created a stir on talk radio with his comments after his latest poor outing Saturday night. He clarified those remarks after the Phillies avoided elimination with an 8-6 victory in Game 5 on Monday night.

“Sometimes I might not say the best things or the smartest things, but I’ve learned and am learning,” Hamels said. “I wasn’t able to sleep the past couple of nights because of it.”

Hamels allowed five runs over 4 1-3 innings in an 8-5 loss in Game 3. Last year’s World Series and NLCS MVP, he’s 1-2 with a 7.58 ERA in four starts this postseason after going 10-11 in the regular season.

“I can’t wait for it to end,” Hamels said after the game. “It’s been mentally draining. At year’s end, you just can’t wait for a fresh start.”

Many took that comment and ran with it. But Hamels talked for about 30 minutes to groups of reporters and also said he looked forward to the possibility of redeeming his season in Game 7.

Hamels reached out to manager Charlie Manuel to make sure they were on the same page.

“I went to Charlie just to talk to him because that’s who I am, and I think he understands that,” Hamels said. “I just wanted to tell him my true thoughts — that I’ll never ever quit. I want to play this game until somebody takes it away from me.

“I think Charlie knows me. He has managed me for quite a few years. I think the only doubt it left in people’s minds were the fans, and you know, it hurts. I love the city of Philadelphia, I play as hard as I possibly can. I might not necessarily have the results that they hope (for), but I know that if I go out there, and do everything I possibly can, and in the end they see (that), then I think they can respect that.”