Amid Trade Rumors, Cole Hamels Takes on R.A. Dickey as Phillies, Mets Close Series

Since Cole Hamels last took the mound and was a hard-luck loser to Mark Buehrle and the Miami Marlins, the Phillies have one just once, and trade rumors have swirled around the 28 year-old lefthander.  

In 2012 Hamels is currently 10-4 with a 3.08 ERA and will be representing the Phillies in the National League for the annual All-Star game on Tuesday in Kansas City.  This will be Hamels' last start before the break.

The Mets pitch their own double-digit winner and 2012 National League All-Star R.A. Dickey.  One of baseball's biggest surprises and biggest stories in the 2012 season, the knuckleballer Dickey sits at a remarkable 12-1 with a 2.15 ERA.  Dickey's only 2012 loss was an interleague game against the New York Yankees where he allowed five earned runs.

The game should go to whichever team's offense shows up and makes a statement.  The Phillies' chances don't bode too well, having lose 13 one-run games in 2012.  But, thanks to the play yesterday and clutch home runs from Chase Utley and Carlos Ruiz that propelled the offense into action late, there is reason for hope.

Of course, Chase Utley is on the two-day-on-one-day-off schedule and tonight will be a night off for Utley.  

Tonight's Lineup:

1. Rollins, SS
2. Pierre, LF
3. Pence, RF
4. Ruiz, C
5. Victorino, CF
6. Wigginton 1B
7. Polanco, 3B
8. Fontenot 2B
9. Hamels, P

Tonight's game will begin at 7:10 and is on Comcast Sportsnet and MLB Network, as well as on radio at 1210AM WPHT-AM and 94 WIP-FM.