Hamels Could Be Off Trade Market

By most accounts, the biggest trade deadline target for the Texas Rangers is 28-year-old Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels and his 3.07 ERA.

The Rangers might have to go to Plan B sooner than later, whether it be Milwaukee Brewers starter Zack Greinke, Chicago Cubs starter Matt Garza or even Hamels' teammate, and former Ranger, Cliff Lee.

That's because the Phillies have recently made a serious push to re-sign Hamels to an extension by reportedly offering a six-year deal, something the club has not done for a pitcher by inter-organizational rule. In fact, when the Rangers signed Lee away from Texas following the 2010 season, they only offered five years while the Rangers offered six.

"They want to sign him, and that's their priority," an official of one club who spoke with the Phillies this week told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark. "They're really not even entertaining [trade] offers at this point."

That came after Hamels had suggested even if the Phillies traded him he would not re-sign with whoever got him and would go into free agency with hopes of returning to Philadelphia.

So don't get too excited about seeing Hamels in Rangers red, folks, because it's not sounding too promising. Feel free to bust out your old Cliff Lee T-shirt jerseys though.

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