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Hamels impressed with potential 1st overall pick Groome

Leon Halip / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Cole Hamels is a three-time All-Star and one of the top starting pitchers in the game, so he knows what it takes to compete and prove yourself at the highest level and he believes youngster Jason Groome has what it takes.

The 17-year-old Groome is being tabbed as a potential first overall selection in the 2016 MLB draft. With the Philadelphia Phillies owning the pick, he'll get a long, hard look from the club.

Hamels, however, is already convinced of his potential.

"He did a workout with the Phillies," Hamels told Matt Gelb of Philly.com. "I was there, throwing a bullpen, and he had just got done throwing. I was like, 'How old are you?'

"I was not that big," Hamels said of the 6-foot-6 Groome. "Gavin Floyd and I were skinny. We didn't throw that hard. We had to grow into our bodies to get some velocity. He's already got it. I told him, 'Man, you stay healthy and you are going to be golden.'"

Groome recently helped Hamels coach at a baseball clinic over the weekend and Hamels sees something special in the New Jersey product, who already touches 96 mph with his fastball.

"Even if they don't draft him, he's going to make an impact in the big leagues," Hamels explained. "I think he's going to be very good if he goes to Philly."

The Phillies haven't had a first overall pick since 1998 when they drafted Pat Burrell.

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