Elite matchup

Here were are in the 14th inning. So let’s look ahead to Friday’s matchup between Johan Santana and Cole Hamels. “He’s someone I’ve followed the last couple of years,” Hamels told Philly reporters about Santana. “When I was in high school and played fantasy baseball, I definitely wanted him on my team because he got me tons of points. Ever since I got into pro ball, he’s stayed healthy and put up great numbers, and he’s someone I definitely aspire to be.” As for getting excited about facing Santana, Hamels added: “That’s for the fans, and I’m appreciative they’re excited about it, but for myself it’s not a big deal. I’m not pitching against Santana. I’m pitching against Jose Reyes, (Carlos) Delgado and (Carlos) Beltran.” Added J.C. Romero, Santana’s former teammate in Minnesota: “The first five or six innings, I’ll be a fan. I’ll be in the bullpen, just watching a nice baseball game. [Santana] is going to bring his best stuff. ... [link]