MLB: Hamels ready for marquee matchup with Santana

The Mets landed Santana in the offseason, putting two of the game’s best left-handers in the same division, and in the center of a passionate rivalry.

“[Santana is] someone I followed for the past couple years and when I was in high school,” said Hamels. “When I played fantasy baseball, I wanted him on my team because he’d get tons of points. He stays healthy and puts up great numbers. That’s somebody you definitely aspire to be. Now that he’s in the [National] League, it makes it more entertaining for the fans with the rivalry we’ve developed.”

Having already outdueled Roger Clemens in his young career, Hamels said he won’t be affected by the magnitude of facing Santana.

“I don’t even care,” Hamels said. “The guy could have eight arms and it’s not going to bother me.”

Hmm...so Hamels was a gamblin’ Veruca Salteen!