Johnny Damon played with both the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. Terry Pendleton and Sid Bream were members of the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates respectively before joining the Atlanta Braves.
Players being on both sides of a rivalry happens and will continue to happen. That being said, it will still seem odd watching Cole Hamels as a member of the Atlanta Braves.
That’s exactly what will happen in a few months as Hamels and Atlanta came to terms on a one-year, $18 million deal. Braves fans still remember the damage he did in his prime as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies where he won a World Series. He has also pitched for the Texas Rangers and most recently the Chicago Cubs.
Hamels, 35, will be counted on to bring quality left-handed pitching and veteran leadership to a young staff. Durability has always been a strength for Hamels, as he’s made 20+ starts for 14 consecutive seasons.
The Braves hope this trend continues in 2020, but he did get hurt last season and wasn’t the same player afterwards.
The Braves didn’t tie themselves down long-term since it’s only a one-year deal, but $18 million isn’t cheap either. Hopefully he is able to return to form and gain run support from the Atlanta’s potent offense.
Photo Credit: AP
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