There are two differences of varying significance between Thursday's Cole Hamels' trade and the deal that brought him to Texas three years ago.
One, my room at the Ventura Beach Marriott was facing the other direction last time. (The Rangers only make Hamels deals when the Cowboys are training in Oxnard).
Two, I was practically the lone voice against the trade that sent five minor league prospects to the Phillies in exchange for Hamels and Jake Diekman. While none could be called an All-Star, all five have reached or are in the majors at this point.