ARLINGTON, Texas — Cole Hamels admitted the move to the American League is going to be an adjustment. Even though he’s been involved in interleague play throughout his career, the move from Philadelphia to Texas involves a fulltime change in outlook.
Especially between innings.
“You kind of get used to knowing you’re always going to be in the game, no matter what,” said Hamels, slated to make his second start in a Texas uniform Saturday at Seattle. “Hitting, pitching, running. You really get to focus more on actually pitching, which that’s my job is to be the best pitcher.
“I think that will be very helpful. I think that will help me out with getting a little bit more insight in preparation for the inning, knowing the hitters I’m going to face and see if I can pick the brain of a few of the guys. You just get to prepare a little bit more. And then all you have to do is actually execute the pitches. It gives you time to cool down, reset yourself.”
Hamels has started studying AL hitters, though he said that relying on his catchers becomes more important as he gets to know the league.
“In this day and age there’s a lot of information, you get to watch guys a little bit more,” Hamels said. “You’ve got a lot more access with MLB network and the coverage from ESPN and the technology with video you get to at least watch them more than opposed to just relying on the scouting of a scout who covers that area. It leaves you with less excuses, but that’s the fun part about baseball.”