He’s already established, seems to be handling his innings load just fine this year and I’m enamored with his changeup.

I don’t know if the question includes arbitration time and what not, but if I had to pick one pitcher for 2009 and the years following: I guess I would still pick Hamels.

I know Price isn’t nearly as slider-happy as Liriano was prior to TJ, but Hamels is for the most part a three pitch guy. Fastball, change-up, curveball. I think that means less stress on his arm. Even though Hamels has had some injuries in the past, I’m more confident with Hamels than Price. Price still may never reach his full potential…maybe he becomes better than Hamels…but Hamels is much more of a sure thing.

Hamels is amazing. Best changeup in baseball. Really understands how to pitch and setup batters. Doesn’t just pitch down or just nibble on corners like some successful pitchers. He uses all different parts of the strike zone and changes the hitters eye level very well. Some batters like to cheat and just sit waiting for a pitch in a certain zone. Hamels approach makes him better equipped to exploit that to his favor.

For just 2009, that’s a no-brainer. Take the proven MLB talent.

If contract situation is taken into account, I’d go with Price, since he’ll cost virtually nothing over the next 3 years. That’s too good to pass up.

He’s proven, while Price is not.

Not to say that Price doesn’t have a ceiling which could be higher than what Hamels is right now, but I vote for the guy that already is the complete pitching package at age 24.

There are very few pitchers I’d rather have than Hamels (in fact there may be no other pitchers I’d take over him given his age/stuff/polish/results — maybe Lincecum).

as special as a talent price is, i will go with hamels because hes proven. you can plug him into the #1 spot and not worry, because your going to get a good outing almost everytime out. you can pretty much write in 16-18 W 3.00 era and 180 K’s.

Only for the pure fact both are big time lefty prospects who are almost all projection at this point.

I am surprised this is an actual discussion question, price is a superb talent but..hamels is a proven young ace, price will need to establish himself some lol

He has better stuff and a better defense behind him. He has every thing you need to succeed right away. He also has a ton of confidence, which is on display in the world series. Hamels has more experience and has shown he is an ace, but Price could be better. Hamels is the safe pick and Price is the very risky pick, but Price could also reward your team more.

He’s still got all 6 cost-controlled years left. He’ll be free for the first 3. Yes, please.

I love David Price and I think he’ll be great, but Hamels track record wins it.

Surprised no one has brought up Hamels injury history yet.

Both are immensely talented and obviously and have pros/cons. Hamels contract and injury history - Price needs to “prove” himself (though I see it as more as just a matter of time) and he has a significant advantage in a cheaper contract.

If money is a factor it’s Price - if not, I go Hamels.

Let me make an argument for each guy.

Hamels — far more proven.

Price — likely can improve much more, younger, cheaper for longer.

I am tempted to go with Hamels, but without researching the matter, I’ll go for the guy with the higher ceiling — and I believe that is Price.

How does anyone pick price over hamels?

Hamels has ALREADY DONE IT for an extended period of time, price has a few good innings.

All those picking price are the exact type of guy I want in my fantasy pool. You take maybin, I take ibanez. You take andrus, I take o.cabrera. You take porcello, I take danks. Lets see who wins this year.

Proven is 100% better than ceiling….

Price is no doubt a great talent who has a bright future, but for Hamels the future is now. Should be a #1 for at least the next 4-5 seasons. Price could well be that, but we don’t know with as much certainty.

Right now I don’t think anyone could take Price. He has about two-minutes experience in the Major Leagues (albeit good post-season experience). Hamels is proven.

so I would take Price. The 2 years at league minimum (assuming he sticks and becomes a super 2) offer a lot of value, as does having 6 years of control instead of 3. Hamels will be up for arbitration this year. If I was a large market team and/or needed to win next year it would be different.

How anyone can choose Hamels at this point. All Price has to do is be over half as good as Hamels over the course of the next six years and he is more valuable. Just the cost controlled aspect of Price means that if Hamels repeats his performance from this year over the next three years of his contract, he’ll average 13 WS a year. For Price to make up that value over the next six years, he’ll have to be as good as Jair Jurrjens, Mike Pelfrey or this years Josh Beckett. Good pitchers, but that’s the least he’ll have to be and Price is projected to be ace material. Plus you’re getting three of Hamels arbitration years and three years of almost free Price along with three arby years. I think the obvious answer is Price here over the long haul of this team.

Hamels is already a proven commodity while Price has barely played in the ML level. Sure, Price’s potential is sky high but at this point why take that risk when Hamels is already a dominant force in the ML level.