Greetings from Citizens Bank Park, where it seems Phillies starter Cole Hamels is looking forward to tonight’s pitching showdown with Johan Santana as much as the rest of us. Hamels admitted to the Philadelphia Inquirer in today’s editions that his excitement level is even higher because – at least for fantasy baseball reasons — he’s been a Santana fan for a while now.

“He’s someone I’ve followed the last couple of years,” Hamels told the paper. “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, [Santana has] stayed healthy and put up great numbers, and he’s someone I definitely aspire to be. Now that he’s in the [National] League, it’s more entertaining for the Philly fans and the rivalry that’s sort of developed.”

Those fans are certainly getting into the rivalry. Tonight and Saturday’s games are both sold out, and Sunday’s finale has a good chance of selling out, too.

It will be interesting to see the energy levels of the two teams tonight. Philly had a day game Thursday, while the Mets played that 14-inning night marathon against Nationals that didn’t end until around midnight.

Santana, meanwhile, has lost his past two starts after that terrific opening in Miami on March 31.

Lineups and pregame notes to come …