Speaking of Hamels, has anyone else been following the exploits of Austin Hedges lately. He recently hit home runs in 5 straight games at El Paso in AAA ball, and then hit 2 more last night, has 11 home runs in 28 gmes and 32 RBI with a .380 average.
Scouts who are watching him say its not a mirage, the guy is developing into a very good hitter [apparently made some major adjustments to his swing] and he and Hunter Renfroe are both tearing up minor leagues and Padres expect both of them to be in their lineup by August. Given that young righty Matt Wisler is also a decent major league hurler and would have fit right in with the Phillies young staff, that deal doesn't appear to look nearly as one sided as many suggested last year.
Look, I loved the Hamels deal and understand that an Eickhoff tilts the deal even a bit further, but I bet their are scouts out there who believe Wisler is a better prospect than Thompson, Hedges is one level ahead of Alfaro and outhitting him, and Renfroe is hitting better than Williams and both are at the Triple A level.
I am very happy with the deal, but it is always fascinating to look at guys who might have become Phillies and see how they are doing. Keep an eye on Austin Hedges, I predict he will be a Top 50 prospect when MLB comes up with their new ratings, and Renfroe might be also.