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Things could be about to get tough for these ace pitchers

By Rucker Haringey

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 28: Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros reacts in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on May 28, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City.MLB players across the league are wearing special uniforms to commemorate Memorial Day. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 28: Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros reacts in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on May 28, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City.MLB players across the league are wearing special uniforms to commemorate Memorial Day. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – MAY 27: Cole Hamels #35 of the Texas Rangers delivers against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on May 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – MAY 27: Cole Hamels #35 of the Texas Rangers delivers against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on May 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

3. Cole Hamels

Hamels is another Rangers’ veteran who’s pitching above his head to start the year. His performance isn’t going to dive bomb like Colon’s, but you should bet on a dip in his form as well.

The talented lefty is only 3-5 on the young season, but his ERA of 3.74 makes it clear he deserves better. Much like Colon, he could easily have seven or eight wins if he was with another team.

Hamels is the first player on this list who still has above average stuff on a consistent basis. Even at 34 years of age he is still averaging over a strikeout per inning. He doesn’t have quite the same velocity he did in his younger days, but he can still dial-up an above average fastball when he needs a big out.

Despite those positive markers, Hamels is still in line for a dip. Simple age related regression combined with his injury history makes him keeping up this level of performance extremely unlikely. That’s precisely why the Rangers should look to sell high on him as soon as possible. If they wait another month to deal Hamels, his stock could be down sharply.

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