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I crave news about Cole Hamels. And I know you do, too.
Cole threw again today. His arm is still attached. Likely will throw again Wednesday.
— Chris Branch (@ChrisBranchTNJ) March 16, 2014
Now, I'm a little concerned that Hamels' arm still being attached was newsworthy, like there's a chance it could in fact just drop off. Not violently, like when he's throwing, but when he's just standing there. His arm just suddenly falls to the ground. Wait, why am I imagining this!!?
Cole Hamels threw his latest bullpen. "Really thoroughly impressed just with the way I've been feeling all week," Hamels said.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) March 16, 2014
And I am thoroughly impressed with how thoroughly impressed HE is! Hamels' quote seems unambiguously positive, and so I'm going to breathe a minute sigh of relief until Wednesday when he throws again. If he makes it through Wednesday with his arm intact, the next stop on the recovery train to Healthy Town is facing actual hitters.
Now for more good news: Mike Schmidt is healthy! Which is good news because for awhile, he wasn't.
Mike Schmidt underwent chemo & radiation therapy for a melanoma. #Plillies
— Mike Sielski (@MikeSielski) March 16, 2014
The cancer was Stage 3, and had spread to his lymph nodes. But after surgery to remove the lymph nodes under one arm, as well as chemo and radiation treatments, he's feeling much better. Schmidt is in Clearwater today to do the very first "Sundays with Schmidt", which will be broadcast on CSNPhilly today. Between Schmidt, Jamie Moyer, and Matt Stairs, I'm looking forward to the TV broadcasts for the first time in ages.