Updating previous reports, Philadelphia Phillies SP Cole Hamels (elbow) threw 41 pitches in a bullpen session Saturday, March 21, according to Andy Martino of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Hamels said he felt fine, aside from normal soreness from the anti-inflammatory shot he received Tuesday, March 17. He will throw approximately 50 pitches in a minor league game Tuesday, March 24.
Our Instinct: Things are looking better for Cole than they were a week ago. We expect the Phillies to take it easy on him, possibly moving his start of the regular season back. Look for his innings to dip a little this season, but he is still one of the elite pitchers and should be worth $25-$30 in 2009.
