World Series MVP Hamels extends Phillies contract

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - World Series MVP left-hander Cole Hamels agreed to a three-year, $20.5 million contract extension with the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday, avoiding salary arbitration.

"Cole has been an integral part of our club," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said on the team''s website (philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com).

"Based on his 2008 and postseason performance, he has established himself as a true number one starter."

The 25-year-old has become one of the Major League''s top young pitchers and the ace of the Phillies rotation in just three big leagues seasons.

Hamels went 14-10 with a 3.09 ERA in 33 starts last season but produced his best stuff during the playoffs going 4-0 with a sparkling 1.89 ERA as the Phillies claimed their first World Series crown since 1980.

His post-season work earned Hamels both National League championship series and World Series most valuable player honors.

(Writing by Steve Keating in Toronto; Editing by Padraic Halpin)