Cole Hamels News

Baseball now has "advanced metrics" that illuminate the game for the addicted but obfuscate it for the casual fan.

For the Philadelphia Phillies and all teams around baseball, the MLB Amateur Player Draft, taking place during the first week of June, is a chance for the team to really bolster what in recent years has been a barren and nearly decimated farm system.

The real question concerning the Phillies is no longer what will happen to them this season.

Make sure you post any fantasy baseball questions you may have in the comments section of the daily Roundup.

Cliff Lee pitched a gem, and Delmon Young and Domonic Brown were the hitting stars.

As fantasy owners, we cringe at the thought of seeing our pitcher's line in the box score at the end of the day with a five, six or higher number in the "ER" column.

May 20, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Alex Sanabia throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Marlins Park.

With the 2013 MLB Draft right around the corner, the Philadelphia Phillies have likely narrowed their choices as to who they want to select with the 16th pick, their highest in the draft since 2002 when they drafted Cole Hamels with the 17th pick.

The last time Cole Hamels threw a pitch with his team in the lead was April 7. It was a crisp Sunday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park, in the high 50s, with the wind gusting to center.

May 15, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard signs autographs for fans prior to playing the Cleveland Indians at Citizens Bank Park.

Just when you think the Phillies have turned a corner, they remind you of their offensive futility.

Justin Ruggiano's sixth inning double put Miami in front and the Marlins' bullpen spun 2 2/3 scoreless innings in relief of Alex Sanabia to down the Philadelphia Phillies, 5-1, in the opener of a three- game set from Marlins Park.

With two swings on Sunday, the Phillies earned a thrilling win reminiscent of the 2008-11 period and some positive momentum heading into an eight-game road trip.

MLB Commissioner Bud Selig is supposed to retire in 2014. His departure could open the way for a decision on the DH that would apply to both leagues.

James Loney, Rays: Loney, who hit .249 last year for the Dodgers and Red Sox, reached the weekend as the major leagues' leading hitter at .367. Cole Hamels, Phillies: A year after signing a $144 million extension, Hamels is 1-6 with a 4.63 ERA.

As a San Diego native, Cole Hamels said he remembers how former Padres closer Trevor Hoffman used to consistently invite troops to games.

However, through the first quarter of the season, those thoughts can be thrown out the window, as only one of those five teams has met expectations.

The Seattle Mariners' road trip makes a stop in Cleveland, as they pay a visit to Progressive Field for the opener of a four-game series with the Indians.

While they slip, slide and fall in their modest pursuit of reaching .500, the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals have failed to pull away.

WITH THOUSANDS of fans attending the 24th annual Phillies Phestival at Citizens Bank Park yesterday, the club raised thousands of dollars to support the fight against ALS.