Hammel says trade rumors come with the territory

MIAMI -- Friends and family call Cubs pitcher Jason Hammel with the latest trade rumors, but he's been able to ignore all the talk.

"I knew about it coming in," Hammel said Tuesday. "It came with the territory and I understand that. I wouldn't sign here if I wasn't capable of dealing with it.

"I just keep going about my business every day."

Hammel, who struck out nine on Monday but did not get a decision in the Cubs' 5-4, 13-inning win over the Marlins, could be the next Cubs starter dealt by the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline. In the last two years, the Cubs have traded Paul Maholm, Ryan Dempster, Matt Garza and Scott Feldman.

Hammel has asked his agent to only call when there's actual news. So far, the right-hander hasn't heard a word.

"I told him, 'Tell me when something is actually happening,'" Hammel said. "I don't want to hear about the other stuff that's just hearsay."

The Cubs return home Friday, and Hammel knows the media will ask.

"I'll go hide in the lounge," he said.