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Cole Hamels Rumors: Sunday

The Angels, Dodgers, Rangers, Pirates, Tigers, Marlins, and Giants were reportedly among the teams with scouts in attendance for Cole Hamels' start against the Rockies this afternoon, though keep in mind that a scouting presence does not always imply trade interest in a particular player.  The lefty didn't disappoint, dealing eight innings of one-run ball at Coors Field. The Rangers sent Don Welke, the senior special assistant to GM Jon Daniels, to Denver and Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com reports Texas wants Hamels bad. Here are the latest rumors on the prized left-hander with the latest up top:

• Hamels doesn't seem concerned about his uncertain future, telling reporters after his victory, "That's the least of my worries."
• The Phillies' forthcoming offer to Hamels is "expected to be in the ballpark that they know the left-hander will want, this close to free agency," tweets ESPN's Buster Olney.  I'm guessing Hamels would have his eye on a contract worth $23-25MM annually over six-plus years, if he reaches free agency. - Tim Dierkes
• The Phillies are still "trying like heck" to sign Hamels, reports Salisbury.
• The Dodgers and Phillies have had discussions about Hamels, but the Phillies aren't thrilled with the players they would receive in return, according to Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com. The Dodgers could become more aggressive in their pursuit with news that Chad Billingsley is suffering from elbow issues.
• The Phillies have a scout attending the Angels-Yankees game fueling speculation the Halos could be in on Hamels, writes Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. Heyman lists 10 teams that could be interested in Hamels, as well as the Brewers' Zack Greinke.
• In the same piece, Heyman quotes one official who says there's a 30% chance the Phillies sign Hamels to a long-term extension.
• Outside executives believe the Phillies will work feverishly to extend Hamels rather than trade him, writes Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Sherman provides three reasons for such a theory, including that it's harder than ever to land a commensurate package for a star in his walk year given the rule changes in the new collective bargaining agreement. 

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