ARLINGTON -- Cole Hamels carried bittersweet memories as he officially departed the Rangers for the Chicago Cubs' rotation on Friday.
Hamels' victory on the final day of the 2015 season to wrap up the American League West title ranks among his favorite memories. The 2016 team that steamrolled through the West was a joy to be around.
Hamels enjoyed everything about the Rangers: an ownership group that helped his charitable foundation expand; a front office that tried its utmost to win; a solid fan base; great teammates.
There was one glaring drawback.
The Rangers, who paid a heavy price in terms of young talent to obtain Hamels from Philadelphia in 2015, never won a postseason series during his four seasons with them.