PHILADELPHIA — Cole Hamels has it in his hands again.

Hamels hopes to make up for a disappointing season by pitching the Philadelphia Phillies back to the World Series on Wednesday night. A postseason star last year, Hamels hasn't been the same dominant ace in 2009.

Here's the skinny on the slender left-hander since last October:

— Goes 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA in five postseason starts last year, helping the Phillies win the second World Series title in franchise history. He's named MVP of the NLCS and World Series.

— Finishes 10-11 with a 4.32 ERA in 32 starts, hardly the type of season anyone expected. His struggles are one reason the Phillies trade for another No. 1 pitcher, acquiring Cliff Lee from Cleveland in late July.