Hamels, the 2008 World Series MVP David Harris Youth Jersey, is the first pitcher in major league history traded during a season immediately after throwing a no-hitter - he no-hit the Chicago Cubs last Saturday at Wrigley Field.
With a slight smile, Texas general manager Jon Daniels said he was watching that game and ''rooting for a couple of runs, maybe a bloop hit here or there, just from the standpoint of trying to make the deal happen.''
The Texas debut for the three-time NL All-Star will be Saturday night at home against the San Francisco Giants. Hamels is 6-7 with a 3.64 ERA in 20 starts this season.
''You're talking about one of the best pitchers in the game, under control, who wants to be here,'' Daniels said. ''Work ethic, consistency, performance, the fact that we were able to structure the deal as we did. And made it financially work for us. That was a big piece.''
Along http://www.jetsnflofficialshop.com/Authentic-Nick-Folk-Jersey with Harrison, the Phillies got Double-A catcher Jorge Alfaro, outfielder Nick Williams and right-hander Jake Thompson - three of the Rangers' top prospects - and Triple-A right-handers Jerad Eickhoff and Alec Asher.
''We were looking for depth and talent and we got both,'' Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said.
Hamels, who had a limited no-trade clause, vetoed a deal to the AL West-leading Houston Astros.
''You don't want to say no to anybody and you don't want to let a city down or an organization down,'' Hamels said. ''But you want to do what's best not just for my baseball career, but for my family.''
With Cole Hamels, the Texas Rangers have gotten another ace in hopes of getting back to the playoffs - in 2015 and beyond.
Texas obtained the Phillies left-hander in an eight-player deal completed before Friday's non-waiver trade deadline after being agreed on earlier in the week.
''I'm excited to start the next chapter Colin Kaepernick Kids Jersey of my baseball life,'' Hamels said. ''They have a lot of great players and there's always a chance in that league. I don't think they are too far away, even this year.''
Texas (49-52) went into Friday night's game against the Giants in third place in the AL West, eight games behind Houston. The Rangers were four games behind the second AL wild-card spot, with five other teams between them and the top two spots.
The rebuilding Phillies were a big league-worst 39-64.
Hamels next year will be part of a rotation that expects back Japanese ace Yu Darvish, who had Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery in March. Left-hander Derek Holland, who pitched only one inning the April 10 home opener, on Thursday began his minor league injury rehab from a strained shoulder.
The 31-year-old Hamels was drafted by the Phillies 17th overall in 2002, and is 114-90 with a 3.30 ERA over 10 big league seasons. He was an integral part of the greatest run in franchise history when they won five straight NL East titles, two pennants and one World Series from 2007-11, going 7-4 in postseason games.
''It was worth everything,'' Hamels said about playing in Philadelphia. ''It gives you a way to fight even harder . to hear the cheers, and you understand the boos.''
Hamels has spent his entire career with the Phillies, who drafted him 17th overall in 2002. He was an integral part of the greatest run in franchise history when they won five straight NL East titles, two pennants and one World Series from 2007-11.
''It was good for me to be around http://www.eaglesshopnfl.com/Authentic-Demeco-Ryans-Jersey him, as short as it was. He's a good all-around person and player,'' said Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola, whose major league debut was July 21. ''He gave me a lot of advice.''