Cole Hamels News

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.

Madison Hagerty was in tears as she walked up to Chase Utley's table on the concourse of Citizens Bank Park Thursday afternoon.

Not many owners, it seems, based on the number of hurlers being offered up in fantasy trades and the ensuing reluctance of owners to add any.

IN THE SAME inning that saw Cole Hamels' day end, the Phils also cut the Cleveland Indians' lead to 5-3, thanks to a two-out, two-run double from Jimmy Rollins.

May is a month in which any amount of optimism can be excused, and if you spend enough time scanning the airwaves and sports pages in this town you will find a number of sources attempting to talk themselves into believing in this Phillies team.

There's not a thing that happens on the baseball diamond that can't be solved with an enjoyable night of moving pictures! The film? Star Trek: Into Darkness.

The Indians had a scare in the fifth on Wednesday when Mark Reynolds got, in the words of Indians manager Terry Francona, a "stinger" during an at-bat against Phillies starter Cole Hamels.

Three months ago, before the announcement was officially made, Roy Halladay endorsed Cole Hamels as the new leader of the Phillies rotation.

Jason Kipnis connects on the first of his two doubles against the Phillies on Wednesday, igniting a two-run third inning in the Indians' 10-4 victory at Citizens Bank Park.

The three-time All-Star agreed to a minor league contract with Philadelphia on Wednesday and will report this week to Clearwater, Fla., for extended spring training.