Some Phillies Links for You, July 3, 2012: The Crime and Punishment of Trading Cole Hamels

Michael Vitez: Local student psychs out at Phillies games - in a good way

"As I feel with my clients, I refuse to give up on the Phils," he said. "Perhaps I'm just Dostoyevsky's Prince Myshkin, but we'll see."

I'm feeling a bit more like Raskolnikov staring at the prospect of four more weeks of this trade talk.

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. denounces rumors, says team wants to keep pitcher Cole Hamels

A more relevant comparison for what Hamels could net is Carlos Beltran. He represented the best available hitter on the market last summer. In a trade with San Francisco, he fetched single-A righthander Zack Wheeler, now the New York Mets' top prospect.

Bob Ford: Multiple options for Phillies and Hamels

Well, the guy is from California, and Dodger Stadium is a great place to pitch, and that franchise has got it going again. A very good fit. By comparison, Hamels can look at the Phillies with a cold eye and see that the needle isn't pointing up. If he really wants to win, the Phils aren't a great bet for the next several years.

Crashburn Alley " Blog Archive " On Trading Cole Hamels, Part 1
There's more? Anyways, some worthwhile considerations here given whatever trades happen at the end of the month happen in a new rules regime with an added wild card spot. What's for sure is that some team will serve as the cautionary tale for next year. ::whistles past graveyard::

Rich Hofmann: It makes no sense for Phillies to give up so early
Holy hell, this is going to be a long month.

The Complete Chooch Breakdown
...occurs after every night Kendrick and Lee pitch. wokka wokka wokka

Harper Has Ultimate Choice for Final All-Star Spot - jmik58's Blog - Operation Sports
A choice between these two guys for the final spot is the disheveled 2012 season's smelly, skeevy midseason reach-around on the Broad Street Subway.

Lakewood's Lino eager to make impact on Phillies someday
Impressive debut in a wild one up in Lakewood last night for the prospect in the Thome deal.

The Whipped Mare of the NL East

Different Week, Same Story: Punchless Braves Fall To Cubs 4-1 - Talking Chop
You read game recaps like this and think: Wow, the Phillies are six games behind that team.

Brewers 6, Marlins 5 - Brew Crew Ball
And you read game recaps like this and think: Huh, maybe the Marlins can be beaten.