Cole Hamels is starting the 2009 offseason with a public appearance.

If nothing else, Cole Hamels is honest. Sometimes, he’s honest to a fault.

In April, he admitted to the Inquirer’s Jim Salisbury that he spent too much time doing appearances and signing autographs following his 2008 playoff MVP performance. He said that he didn’t prepare for the upcoming season the way he should have.

Quite frankly, it was refreshing to hear a professional athlete open up and accept responsibility for his performance, or lack thereof.

Philly fans would be even more impressed if Hamels follows his own advice and lays low on the appearances this offseason as he prepares for 2010.

However, the pitcher who said early Sunday morning that he wants a fresh start, is beginning the 2009 offseason the way he ended he 2008 offseason — he’s signing autographs.

On Saturday, Nov. 7, just days after a potential Game 7, Cole will appear at BC Collectibles in the Montgomery Mall. For as little as $99, you can get this 2009 Wold Series LVP’s autograph. For another $30, he’ll personalize it.

Seriously, dude? You’re going to do exactly what you said you shouldn’t do to start your offseason?

Look, we realize the offseason is long and Cole should rake in the greenbacks while he can. Also, we understand this was booked a couple of months ago (it looks like it was actually rescheduled from another date).

However, when you just suffered through a horrific season that you blamed on being unprepared for due to personal appearances, it’s in poor taste to start the next offseason by doing the exact same thing.

Let’s hope this isn’t a omen for 2010.