May 8 -- VISITING THE OBAMAS

BY SCOTT LAUBER

Finally back home after a four-game road trip that felt like 40 games. Made a stop in New Jersey this evening to celebrate Mother's Day, so colleague Geoff Mosher took care of things at the Bank. Meanwhile, I'm here to pass along news that the Phillies' visit to the White House has been rescheduled for next Friday. They'll hang with President Barack Obama from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. before heading over to Nationals Park for a 7 p.m. game. Details are forthcoming, but I'm sure the Phils will get a peek at the Oval Office, the Rose Garden, maybe even the Lincoln Bedroom. And hey, if they're so inclined, perhaps they can check out the Obamas china, too.

Should be an interesting visit. A few weeks ago, I wrote about the close friendship between Obama and Phillies broadcaster Gary "Sarge" Matthews. They met several years ago in Chicago when their daughters enrolled in the same dance class. Obama is a big baseball fan, so he bonded with Sarge immediately. As many of you know, I co-wrote a book with Sarge that was released in February (check it out here), and when I asked if he'd given a copy to Obama, he said he's not sure the Prez would read a baseball book that isn't about his beloved White Sox. Personally, I just think it would be cool to have my book on a shelf somewhere in the White House.

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So, the other day in St. Louis, Cole Hamels boldly tempted fate. Talking about the line drive off his left shoulder and sprained left ankle that derailed him in his last two starts, he said, "I'd rather have these sort of freak injuries than take one off the face or blow your arm out or your knee out and be on the DL for about 60 days."

Well, Hamels survived his start tonight.

If you missed it, Hamels allowed two runs on three hits and two walks in six innings against the Braves at the Bank. He struck out seven, retired the first 11 batters he faced, and most importantly, didn't incur any bodily harm. That's the best news the Phillies' rotation could possibly receive. If Hamels can pitch like the ace he is, perhaps it will set a tone for the rest of the starters to follow.

Please make sure to check Saturday's News Journal for full details on Hamels' start. And don't forget to check out Philled In on Twitter and Facebook.