I'm in a 16 team, standard CBS, head-to-head, keeper league and was offered Brad Penny and Kelvim Escobar for Cole Hamels.  I am pretty weak at Starting Pitching and the 2 quality pitcher for 1 sounds appealing but I am hesistant to deal Hamels.  Any insight into this trade would be appreciated. The rest of my rotation is below.

1. Cole Hamels

2. James Shields

3. Greg Maddux

4. Ted Lilly

5. Joe Blanton 

The decision on Cole Hamels really comes down to the direction your team is headed.  If your team is off to a great start and you are looking a making a championship run, making this deal may be your best option.  Brad Penny (10-1, 2.04 ERA) and Kelvim Escobar (9-3, 2.81 ERA) are off to fantastic starts. For the 2007 season you are likely to get more out of this combination that you would out of Cole Hamels. 

If, however, your team is treading water, you are better off holding onto Hamels.  Hamels has dominant stuff and could be an anchor in your rotation for years to come. Although his 9-3 record and 3.79 ERA are actually worse than Penny and Escobar, Hamels has much greater long-term value.  Both Penny and Escobar are entering their 30’s and are likely at their peak.  Hamels is just 23 and has only scratched the surface of what he can do.  His high strikeout totals are also a sign of a bright future ahead of him. 

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