Say hey, baseball: Is today Cole Hamels' last start as a Phillie?

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The Cole Hamels trade rumors have reached a critical point, and it’s now very possible that the ace’s start in Chicago tonight will be his last in a Phillies uniform. After today, his next start is scheduled for Thursday, just one day before the deadline. It’s possible he will still be around for that one, but they could very well hold him out if he performs well tonight. However, the cries for a trade are only getting louder -- both the Rangers and the Red Sox were reportedly upping their efforts yesterday -- and there’s a good chance a trade happens before Thursday.

The typically consistent Hamels has been going through a rough stretch, which couldn’t have really come at a worse time for Philadelphia. Over his last seven starts, Hamels has a 6.10 ERA and is averaging just over five innings per outing. Because of these struggles, some have called this the most important start of his life -- a crazy notion for a guy who has won a World Series. With that being said, even if we know this start shouldn’t have too big of an effect on his trade value, it will for some people.

This is also a very bittersweet day for Phillies fans. On the one hand, an eventual Hamels trade will jump-start their favorite team’s rebuild. However, players like Hamels don’t come around very often. Maybe the only good thing about these incessant rumors has been the fact that it’s given Phillies fans a chance to say goodbye. Hamels has been around for a full decade, pitching like an ace over that time, winning a World Series and making three MLB All-Star Games. Regardless of what Philadelphia gets back in a trade, at least part of every fan will be extremely upset to see him go. It’s just a shame this start has to come on the road.

• The Mets have addressed their struggling lineup with the immortal Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson! (But it’s actually a decent trade)


• On the Braves side of things, it’s just continuation of the rebuild that was started over the winter. So far, it’s looking good.


• Further off the coast, the Cardinals acquired former closer Steve Cishek yesterday. One can only assume he will not allow a baserunner through the rest of the season.


• Did the Marlins make a mistake waiting this long to deal Cishek?


• Scott Kazmir seems like he’ll be a pretty decent fit in Houston.


• Apparently there are people in Oakland who are mad the A’s traded Kazmir? Stop. Don’t do that.


• If the Dodgers are really willing to trade Yasiel Puig, every team in baseball should be on the phone with them right now. Seriously, GMs, get on the damn phone.


• I hope you remember how ridiculous Randy Johnson was.


• Should the Angels be looking in their own division to boost their lineup?


• Rumors are heating up that Jeff Samardzija could be dealt to the pitching-starved Blue Jays.


• Baltimore’s rough start to the second half could lead to them selling at the deadline.


• The Twins might actually, legitimately make the playoffs. Who’d be in their rotation?