Hamels: Phillies' early start is not fair to the fans

PHILADELPHIA | From the standpoint of recent prestige, the Philadelphia Phillies have as much claim to prime-time television slots in the first round of baseball's playoffs as anyone else. They are, after all, the defending champions, and in 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels' mind, that should get them something. But these things are decided by one factor: TV ratings. And there, the Phillies have no claim against the New York Yankees or the Boston Red Sox. So they are opening their title defense with a pair of afternoon games against the Colorado Rockies in the National League Division Series; ... Email </a