Cole Hamels-Brett Myers Altercation Rumors Denied

Cole Hamels and Brett Myers have both been beloved and demonized in Philadelphia. Today, Cole Hamels and Brett Myers are grouped together in more infamous ways. Cole Hamels and Brett Myers have each seen better days lately, as Hamels is in his worst downward spiral ever, and Myers hasn't even been used in the World Series. But Cole Hamels and Brett Myers are both back in the headlines, after an alleged altercation following Game 5.

Brett Myers allegedly attacked Cole Hamels for Hamels' now-infamous post-game comments after Game 3 on Saturday. After losing Game 3 with two horrible innings, Hamels told the media that he couldn't wait for the season to end. Although Hamels said it in the context of how mentally draining this season has been, it did not help his rapidly declining status in Philadelphia.

The Cole Hamels-Brett Myers incident reportedly had Myers crack wise at Hamels after Game 5. Myers allegedly joked that he thought Hamels had quit, as he was walking by Hamels' locker room. Reports claim that Hamels cursed at Myers before the two were separated.

However, according to Philadelphia Inquirer blogger Andy Martino, Hamels and Myers did not argue to this extent. Phillies director of baseball operations Greg Casterioto said that these words were said in jest, and the two were not angry at each other. Still, even if the story is overblown, it is the last thing Hamels and Myers need to be accused of right now.

Cole Hamels and Brett Myers have each been brilliant and infuriating in their time with the Phillies. Hamels was a hero in 2008 and a goat now, and Myers alternates between hero and goat status every season. Hamels' two recent clubhouse actions have only helped illuminate his poor play, while Myers is being talked about for the first time in this whole series.

Hamels doesn't need the extra pressure of these allegations, if the World Series goes seven games. Almost no one in Philadelphia wants Hamels to make his regularly scheduled start in a Game 7, if it gets that far. But Charlie Manuel has few other options, other than J.A. Happ and Cliff Lee on extremely short rest. If there is a Game 7, Hamels could be used in some fashion, and have his comments thrown back at him by New York fans.

For Brett Myers, he hopes to make more headlines on the field than off in the next two days. He has not pitched in weeks, since he was left off the NLCS roster, and hasn't pitched in the World Series. Given the most recent Phillies bullpen struggles, Myers could get called on to try and spark some life. He could come in for early relief, or even for late relief, since the closer's position is in question yet again.

Cole Hamels and Brett Myers aren't the most popular Phillies right now, but this current run of excellence wouldn't be possible without them over the years. However, Phillies fans will be nervous if either one sets foot on the mound in New York . Yet just one clutch performance from either of them would blow doubters and tabloid hounds right out of the water.

Sources

New York Post- "Report: Phillies Hamels, Myers spar in locker room"

The Phillies Zone- "Myers, witness: No confrontation"