The last we heard from Cole Hamels, he was owning up to hitting Bryce Harper with a pitch on purpose. Hamels was suspended five days for his uncommon honesty, and he was so shaken up that upon his return to action on Sunday, he allowed a run to the Padres.

Given all of this other Cole Hamels news, then, it's been pretty easy to forget the original and important Cole Hamels news - he's a pending free agent who doesn't seem to be close to an extension agreement with the Phillies. What's the latest, Howard Eskin?

Just reported on Sports Final @NBCPhiladelphia that I'm told cole hamels agent has told Phillies they r looking for "7" year deal.

— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) May 14, 2012

Cliff Lee was given a five-year contract with an option. Roy Halladay was given a three-year contract with an option. Ryan Howard was given a five-year contract with an option. Chase Utley was given a seven-year contract and now who knows what's going on with him. All along it's been reported that the Phillies are fine with Hamels' desired annual salary, but aren't so fine with his desired length. A seven-year contract would be quite a long contract.

An agreement could still be reached, obviously. Maybe Hamels would settle for six years and an option. Maybe the Phillies are willing to go to seven. Maybe anything. Hamels is 28 years old and his numbers so far this season are outstanding. One way or another, Cole Hamels is going to get paid. And as always, it's difficult to imagine him getting paid by someone other than the Phillies.