Cole Hamels: 'Mets are Choke Artists'

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Mets fans have been giddy over the last couple of days about signing Francisco Rodriguez and trading for J.J. Putz, which goes a long way towards fixing their weak bullpen and preventing a third straight choke job. But Cole Hamels would like to remind you that until that happens, the Mets will forever be "choke artists".

In an interview on WFAN today with Joe Beningo and Evan Roberts, Hamels was promoting the Phillies' World Series DVD when he was asked outright, "Do you think the Mets are choke artists?"

"Last year and this year I think we did believe that [they were choke artists]," he said. "Three years ago we didn't because they smoked everybody, and I think we all thought they were going to win it all. Unfortunately that didn't happen. But, yeah, that's kind of what we believed and I think we're always going to believe that until they prove us wrong.

"For the past two years they've been choke artists."

I guess when you're a World Series MVP, you have the right to say things like that with impunity. And truth is, he's right until the Mets prove him wrong. The Mets really have no great response for that until they can prove that they can win a crucial game at home to end a regular season. For any Met player whose blood doesn't boil upon hearing that, they have no soul.

Here's the entire interview for those who want the correct perspective ... though I don't know who else out of context "for the past two years they've been choke artists" could be.

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RNPS IMAGES OF THE YEAR 2008 Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge celebrates with catcher Carlos Ruiz after their team defeated the Tampa Bay Rays to win Major League Baseball's World Series after game 5 in Philadelphia, October 29, 2008 REUTERS/Bill Kostroun (UNITED STATES)

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 31: Philadelphia Phillies Chase Utley arrives at a victory rally at Citizens Bank Park October 31, 2008 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays to win their first World Series in 28 years. (Photo by Jeff Fusco/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Chase Utley

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 31: Philadelphia Phillies Pat Burrell and his dog Elvis arrive at a victory rally at Citizens Bank Park October 31, 2008 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays to win their first World Series in 28 years. (Photo by Jeff Fusco/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Pat Burrell

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 31: Philadelphia Phillies Shane Victorino arrives at a victory rally at Citizens Bank Park October 31, 2008 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays to win their first World Series in 28 years. (Photo by Jeff Fusco/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Shane Victorino

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 31: Philadelphia Phillies Jamie Moyer (L) and Brett Myers (R) arrive at a victory rally at Citizens Bank Park October 31, 2008 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays to win their first World Series in 28 years. (Photo by Jeff Fusco/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brett Myers;Jamie Moyer

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 31: The Phillie Phanatic celebrates at a victory rally at Citizens Bank Park October 31, 2008 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays to win their first World Series in 28 years. (Photo by Jeff Fusco/Getty Images)

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 31: Fans celebrate at a victory rally at Citizens Bank Park October 31, 2008 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays to win their first World Series in 28 years. (Photo by Jeff Fusco/Getty Images)

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 31: Philadelphia Phillies Cole Hamels speaks at a victory rally at Citizens Bank Park October 31, 2008 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays to win their first World Series in 28 years. (Photo by Jeff Fusco/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Cole Hamels

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 31: Philadelphia Phillies Shane Victorino carries the World Series Trophy at a victory rally at Citizens Bank Park October 31, 2008 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays to win their first World Series in 28 years. (Photo by Jeff Fusco/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Shane Victorino

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

12-11-2008 @ 5:58PM

anthony said...

I agree, the Mets took a dive two years in a row, you have to think that something isn't right. The mix of players, lack of leadership, no real strong "go to" guy, front office
whatever. Can't blame Willie for both years he got the hook & Jerry Manual produced the same ending. Glad I'm not a Met fan, I would have took a header a long time ago.

12-11-2008 @ 10:31PM

jesse said...

Wow Cole Hamels, nothing gets by you!

12-12-2008 @ 6:27AM

susie said...

cole!!! that was unclassy!!! u are better then that.

12-12-2008 @ 8:13AM

MR said...

Always nice to read someone who doesnt know what they;re talking about. The Mets collapsed for one reason and one reason only -- a lousy bullpen that blew 29 games, 7 alone for Santana who left with a lead after 7 innings and the bullpen blew the game.

Blowing 15 games would be bad enough but if the Met bullpen "only" blew 15 instead of 29 they win the division by 13 games and Cole Hammel and the Phillies are non-entities.

12-12-2008 @ 8:39AM

Gary said...

I am sure that Phillies' management was pleased with Cole Who giving the Mets something to hang up in the club house for all of next season. They will probably freshen up the posting everytime the Phillies are in town.

12-12-2008 @ 8:45AM

Tom said...

Hamels will need a larger hat to fit on that swelled head.

12-12-2008 @ 10:12AM

fritz said...

The Problem with the Ny Mets
The Wilpons have no clues, Mets need Help at second Base
Left field is a Joke, Right field also a joke, Catching big hole
they should of sign Mark teixeira then you would have a good team
for a longtime

12-12-2008 @ 10:23AM

Thor said...

As a Mets fan since 1962, I have to agree with the choke statement until proven differently...2 years in a row of choking is enough....Lets go Mets in 2009..

3-02-2009 @ 2:29PM

glennmcentire said...

you are right i think they have too many players that dont have any heart. they get their paychecks and dont care about winning. omar miniya couldve had somebody like gary carter, but i think he doesnt want any white managers. jerry emmanuel has nver won anything. they will choke again , remember they still have david wright who makes the dumbist mistakes in the end of the year. when you need david wright he will strike out or make an error .

12-12-2008 @ 11:36AM

Jimmy said...

Hey LEW, why are you so upset? Hammels was right. If the Mets bullpen didn't choke, they would have won. But, they did so the Phillies won. Don't be angry at a guy who speaks the truth, be angry at the losers you are rooting for. Just remember, there's always next year.

12-12-2008 @ 11:42AM

Ddunning said...

He just stated the obvious. Whatever the reasons, the last two years, they choked. Deal with it

12-12-2008 @ 1:09PM

magoo said...

The Yanks will now sign Teixeira, AJ maybe Cameron and the payroll will be less then 08. Also, another relief pitcher and Sheets.

12-12-2008 @ 1:48PM

mji222 said...

Jeez Lew, take a pill. Or smoke some crack or do whatever you do. The truth hurts don't it? Face it, your muts CHOKED. ACCKKKK!!! Until you knock the Phillies off the top of the mountain, there gonna crow. Wanna shut em up?? try WINNING some games at the end of the season!!! And remember, second place makes you the first LOSER!

12-12-2008 @ 2:00PM

Craig said...

The Mets are choke artists!!! Phils rule baby!!!

12-12-2008 @ 2:27PM

Paul said...

COLBERT;COLBERT;COLBERT;COLBERT;COLBERT;COLBERT;COLBERT;COLBERT!
Forger "Larry"Chipper Jones. Maybe Colbert will name his kid "CITI" like Larry named his daughter Shea.
This guy is what, 23y.o.? Pitched what, less than 40 games in his career?
I just hope he stays in the NL East for the rest of his career.
A veteran would never, unless he's an idiot, call out another team. Luckiily for J.Rollins, his team eventually run.
Its alot harder to have a lead and be favored than being in second perenially, waiting for the better team to fail (two seasons ago); Mets always had all the pressure on themselves and did choke LAST YEAR; this season was more about pressure PLUS Wagner going out.
Go Mets! Lets see how many decades pass before the Phils make another appearance in the playoffs.

12-12-2008 @ 3:56PM

KILLER said...

HEY PAUL WORLD FU*KING CHAMPIONS AND HEY MR IF MY AUNT HAD BALLS SHE'D BE MY UNCLE ! I LOVE WATCHING THE PHILLIES AND METS PLAY . . . IT'S GREAT BASEBALL. I ALSO LIKE WATCHING JOSE CRY !