Hamels Back In Area, Talks Phillies Rebuilding

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Spring Training is just around the corner!

With pitchers and catchers just a few weeks away from reporting, one notable former Phillies was back in the area this weekend.

Cole Hamels was giving kids pointers at Maplezone Sports Institute in Garnet Valley. The Cole Hamels Foundation sponsored the event.

Hamels, who was traded during last season, was part of the "glory days" from 2007 to 2011, but knows the team is now in rebuilding mode.

"It's going to be tough for a lot of fans in Philadelphia to watch for where they're going to be. There's still a lot of great players on the team that I would love to watch and love to play with. They're just in a learning stage."

He says though the players will improve over time, however, and expects them to one day be "great."