New deal for Phils' Hamels

PHILADELPHIA - Cole Hamels has about everything an ace pitcher could want after only three years in the major leagues.

The Phillies left-hander was the MVP of the World Series, he has earned a reputation as a big-game pitcher, he has been an all-star, and he's married to a former Playboy playmate.

Now Hamels has a hefty three-year, $20.5 million contract to go with the championship he's still savoring.

While the Phillies partied with a parade, Hamels planned a low-key celebration.

"I'm not go- ing to Vegas any time soon," Hamels said Sunday.

He could afford the trip and even a seat at the high-rollers table. Hamels still has one goal ahead of him: He wants to show Philadelphia his history of injures are really behind him.

"It's not something I've necessarily been blessed with over the past couple of years, but I think this is where finally I've been able to get over that hump," Hamels said. "Knowing I can go through a full season and what it's like on my body, physically and mentally, I think that challenge is over."

The deal avoids an arbitration hearing and keeps the 25-year-old Hamels in Philadelphia through the 2011 season.

Hamels went 4-0 in the postseason with a 1.80 ERA as the Phillies claimed their first championship since 1980. He won the first game of three playoff series and took the MVP award in the NL championship series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.