Phillies trade Cole Hamels to Texas Rangers, reports say

The Phillies traded ace pitcher and 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels to the Texas Rangers in a deal announced late Wednesday evening.

In a deal reported by CSNPhilly's Jim Salisbury and Jayson Stark of ESPN, Todd Zolecki and others the Phillies have sent Hamels, Jake Diekman and cash to the Rangers.

They will receive a package of the Rangers' prospects that included outfielder Nick Williams, who was pulled from his Double-A game Wednesday evening, catcher Jorge Alfaro, pitcher Jered Eickoff,  and pitcher Alec Asher.

Hamels' nine-year Phillies career finishes with a 114-90 record with a 3.30 ERA and 1,844 strikeouts.

In the final start of his Phillies' career, Hamels no-hit the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Thompson appears to be the highlight for the Phillies. Baseball America ranked the 21-year-old righty as Texas' No. 2 prospect before the season and No. 43 overall. But he's put up unimpressive numbers at Double-A Frisco, going 6-6 with a 4.72 ERA in 17 starts.

Baseball America ranked Jorge Alfaro No. 3 in the Rangers' system before the season and No. 67 overall. The 22-year-old backstop raked in the Arizona Fall League before putting up a .253 batting average, five home runs and and 21 RBI at Double-A.

Williams' was Texas' No. 5 prospect, according to the magazine. He's hit .300 at Double-A while clubbing 13 homers and driving in 45 runs.

Matt Lombardo may be reached at MDLombardo@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattLombardo975. Find NJ.com Philadelphia Sports on Facebook

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