Cole Hamels
Photo: Icon SMI

"To get an award like this is something surreal. This definitely has to go to the whole team right here. But it's only a stepping stone," Hamels said. "Being in that parade down Broad Street is what we all want. Getting a World Series ring and trophy is what really matters. Getting there is great, but winning it all is the best."

The Phillies held the Dodgers to 20 runs in the series, four runs a game. There was, however, a big difference between Hamels and the rest of the starters. Blanton, Myers and Moyer allowed 14 earned runs in 11 1/3 innings of work, good for an 11.12 ERA. The Phillies offense and bullpen was able to compensate in two of those starts, but Cole allowed the Phillies to win the one low scoring game of the series and make the clinching game easy on the whole team.

The one thing that stands out in Cole's performance this post season is the one home run he allowed, an opposite field shot by Manny Ramirez in game 5. During the regular season, his rate of allowing home runs was 24.6 per 200 innings. He brought that rate down somewhat in August and September, but brought that to the extreme against a good home run hitting club in Milwaukee and a Manny powered team in Los Angeles. He's allowed 9.1 home runs per 200 innings this post season, almost 1/3 of his regular season rate.

Hamels strikes batters out, limits their walks, and now limits their home runs, too. The Phillies defense can take care of the rest, making Hamels a winner and the team National League Champions.