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Home > Jeff Schultz > Archives > 2008 > April > 04 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USYou name it, Hampton’s had it
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
First it was the calf. Then it was the forearm. Then the back. Then the elbow, the oblique, the hamstring, the groin, vertigo, gout, brain freeze, demonic possession, high cholesterol, low biorhythms, closed chakras and going blind from sitting too close to the television.
Mike Hampton isn’t an injured pitcher anymore. He’s a wrenched ankle away from being the poor schlep on the Operation game. He’s way south of Chris Chandler and just north of Monty Python’s Black Knight.
Off go the arms.
“It’s just a flesh wound.”
Off go the legs.
“I’m invincible! The Black Knight triumphs!”
King Arthur passes.
“Oh, all right! We’ll call it a draw.”
For the 957th straight day, Hampton did not start an official major-league game Thursday night. He suffered an injury. A new injury.
A new injury? Who knew there were any left?
This time, it was a strained left pectoral muscle. He has been listed as moment to moment.
“Cold night,” Braves manager Bobby Cox said before the game. “Not good for hamstrings and groins.”
Cold night. Hot day. Leap year. Summer solstice. Like it matters.
When a pitcher goes nearly 32 months without a real start — with seven times on the disabled list and two major surgeries since 2005 — it’s safe to assume this is not all about weather conditions.
Mike Hampton suddenly has the durability of a Peep in a microwave.
If you’re Hampton, what’s keeping you from throwing in the towel? I mean, except maybe the fear of a torn rotator cuff.
“No, not really,” when asked he believed his fate seems doomed. “For the first 30 minutes I was pretty down. But I’m still optimistic.”
That’s one. He’s going back on the disabled list, and he hasn’t even thrown an official pitch yet.
“You think you’re ready to go, start the year and turn the page and …”
And then — same, same.
He said he felt soreness in the left pec — an unusual injury for a pitcher on Monday. He got treatment. He felt fine Thursday — for 23 pitches in the bullpen. “I turned it up, and it started biting me,” he said.
Trainers told him the injury is “minor.” Yeah.
Hampton’s $121 million contract — $43 million paid by the Braves in the final three years — mercifully ends after this year. When the deal expires, all parties will have paid off: the Rockies, the Marlins, the Braves and Aetna.
He last pitched Aug. 19, 2005 against San Diego. He allowed seven runs and 11 hits in 31/3 innings. In some painful foreshadowing, Hampton even was hit by a pitch by the Padres’ Chan Ho Park. He went on the disabled list with a herniated disk soon after. Other injuries and two elbow surgeries followed.
In the past several months, the Braves have watched Hampton rehab. But it seemed more like they were watching somebody stack wine glasses, waiting the inevitable crash.
“We saw him in Arizona before he went to Mexico [for winter ball], and he looked great,” Cox said.
Mexico. First game. First inning.
“He did the splits on a wet mound,” Cox said. “The hamstring went.”
Hampton made it to spring training. He suffered a groin strain, but the arm held up: a .500 medical batting average.
“I feel good about where I’m at,” he said at the end of spring.
Then came Thursday night. Lazarus, he wasn’t. It was 51 degrees but Hampton didn’t blame the weather. He didn’t really blame anything. But the strain was undeniable.
At 7:09, one minute before the scheduled first pitch, the Braves announced Hampton was scratched and would be replaced by Jeff Bennett. TV kept showing replays of his warm-up tosses, like the Zapruder film.
Hampton, who has been through quite a bit, said: “It’s the toughest thing I’ve ever had to do, step off the mound [in the bullpen] and hand somebody the ball.”
The Braves media game notes indicated Hampton is trying to become the first plus-35-year-old pitcher to win 10 games after missing at least two years since Lynwood “Schoolboy” Rowe in 1946.
Rowe died in 1961. He might have a better shot than Hampton to repeat the feat. It would be an achievement at this point if he could just make it to the mound.
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Comments
By mike
April 4, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
Lollygaggers!
By WILL
April 4, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
THIS TEAM YOU CALL ATLANTA ILIKED THR TEAM BETTER IN 1978 WITH PHIL NIEKRO,DALEMURPHY , ROYSTER,BIFF POCOROBA, PAULCASANOVA,FELIXMILLAN,CLRTEBOYER,RICKCAMP,RALPHGARR,SONNYJACKSON,THESE PLAYERS GOOD AND THEY PLAYED HURT, THESE CLOWNS NOW,ARE WORTHLESS,IT SHOWS THE YANKEES PAYROLL IS MILLIONS AND BILLIONS AND THEY HAVENT WON A WORLD SERIES IN 7 YEARS,AND JEFF ANYTIME YOU WANT TO MEET ME ON THE STREET LET ME KNOW AND I WILL SHOW YOU WHAT A VIETNAM VET IS ALL ABOUT YOU A SS CLOWN
By Satan
April 4, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Mike Hampton is cool in my book. I enjoy a criminal of his magnitude. 121 million is quite an impressive amount to steal especially when you do right in front of everyone and no one bats an eye.
Seriously, I think the Braves should have Beat Mike night at the Ted where the first 5,000 fans in the stadium get to hit Hampton with a bat. I hope we can get that in the works by the All Star Break.
By mike
April 4, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
Seriously, when the injury happened I would have at least had some respect for him if he had shown any emotion at all. If it had been me I’d have been pitching a fit like a six year old. Instead, he just kinda winced and walked away. Not an indication to me that he was all that upset about the “injury”.
By Bubba
April 4, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
You have got to be kidding me? Hurt again? Mark this deal down as one of the WORST ever made.
By so Hampton walks into a bar
April 4, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
“ouch!”
and just cause I couldn’t help but notice- looks like Jeff and WILL ABOVE, have some beef. I mean WTF WILL? Looks like you were afflicted with Irrationalpostsyndrome in ‘Nam. Get better there ol WILL. we’re rootin for ya
By Dawg19
April 4, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Will, if you liked them better then, then don’t watch them now and don’t read the sports section of the AJC. Where did that hatred come from and why on earth are you threatening a man for writing an article? Seems you have some issues there bud. Take a Zoloft and relax.
By Howard
April 4, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
Jeff…need one go any further thna the case of Mike Hampton to illustrate the insanity of MLB and these salaries paid these whimpy, whiny, over-rated prima donnas?? Is Hampton gonna refund the Barves any of their money? Damn idiot hasn’t done a thing for them…hell, I’d gone through all he did and only asked a million…been lost cheaper than that panty-waist wuss! Go back to the old days where players were real men…like Koufax, Carlton, Ryan, Gibson, etc. Ever see those guys go out like hampton and the rest of his ilk?? No…because they worked hard in the off-season and they knew they were expected to pitch nine innings…not five or six and expect some guy called a set-up man and a closer finish his work for him. This is the sorry state of MLB…a monster created by the owners and sports agents.
By oldmike
April 4, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
I had the missfortune of playing golf last night. It was at best 47 degrees when we were halfway through the round at 5:15. The wind was strong. There was a light mist falling. It was raw, damp and wet. Hardly the night for golf. Or baseball. As I was driving home listening to the pre-game show all I could think was that the Braves should scratch Hazmpton from this start and cautiously wait for a warmer night to begin anew. Why risk injury on a night when getting loose would be near impossible. Then I turn on the game hoping to see him pitching and see Bennett instead. My worst fears realized. Then I read that Hampton had discomfort in this muscle earlier in the week. Don’t 1 and 1 usually add up to 2? Shouldn’t they have held him back? Can anyone out there explain this to me?
By Mike Hampton
April 4, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
Don’t y’all realize I want to pitch. I tried my best to give it…damn I just sprained my finger typing- I got to go.
By Bill
April 4, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
Hats off to Mr. Hampton for not throwing in the towel and continuing to try to contribute! Most would have given up long ago.
With that said, it might be best for all for the Braves to just call it quits for him. Sometimes things just don’t work out the way we would hope and it may be time to end the Hampton story and start looking ahead without him.
By Chess
April 4, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
This pitcher is made of glass. Light in the Loafers…..
By seriousbravesfan
April 4, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
Mike Hampton’s body is shot. It can not support an athletic agenda. I think the last 3 years have been harder on him emotionally than on the Braves or fans. I also think that, at this stage, he mentally expects injury and that won’t change as long as he tries to play ball. He should accept this and show integrity by resigning or retiring now. He has faced enough ridicule and the Braves have carried him long enough. He is just holding a roster spot that could be filled with a productive pitcher. When he was active he was a damned good pitcher but that was the past. All good things come to an end. This is the time for his career to end. I wish him well.
By Tommy
April 4, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
Look on the bright side. After this year, his contract is done and the money can go to resigning Tex.
By jfowl
April 4, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
Stick a fork in him. He is DONE! Go ahead and bring someone else up from Richmond and let him get some experience.
By BrianSinATL
April 4, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
This is ridiculous! This guy is ridiculous! I felt embarrassed as a fan last night. Just when you thought it was over. And a pitcher with a pec injury? Hey Mike, pitchers are suppossed to do more reps and lighter weight when working out the chest. Ok Arnold! I also read a comment in another article that he just needed to get his legs under him. Legs, you haven’t thrown a baseball when it counts for 32 months. In my mind that’s enough time to run stairs, poles, hit the bike, sc*^# Atlanta fans of a real pitcher, or whatever else that clown McDowell has you doing. Cut him loose and put someone in his roster spot that deserves it.
By Tom
April 4, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
I say its time to see if Charlie Morton has what it takes to be a fifth starter, if Hampton somehow makes it back off the DL, let him be middle reliever, he couldn’t be much worse than Ring and Ohman.
By War Eagle
April 4, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Cut your losses now, let him go be a Cy Young winner somewhere else, if he doesn’t get hurt getting on the plane to get there first. I am tired of reading about this guy, worst deal in the century. He has to be so out of shape, he can hurt anything and has. Good Luck in another city and new doctors.
By JP
April 4, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Is this guy really any better than a crook? He’s getting paid $15 million a year to sit on his a$$. He should do the honorable thing and retire, instead of collecting money that the Braves could use to bring in a pitcher that isn’t made of glass.
By tom-a-hawk
April 4, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
The Best Solution for Hampton: Send him out on the field, let the fans chase him around the field until somthing else breaks and then put him out of his misery like a horse.
By Dr. James Andrews
April 4, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
Without Mike Hampton, I would not be in business. Ok, maybe I would still be in business, I just wouldn’t have been able to buy that island in the Pacific. Or that new Rolls Phantom. Or that solid gold marlin thats hanging in the living room of my 8th house. Thanks Mike, I owe you one!
By tyoung44
April 4, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
A SAD SAD SITUATION, HAMPTON SHOULD BOW OUT. TOO LATE TO BOW OUT GRACEFULLY, JUST BOW OUT, HECK, NOW NOT ONLY DOES THE REAL PLAYERS GET DISGUSTED WITH THE BULLPEN PICTCHERS, HAMPTON CONTINUES HIS TERRIBLE INJURIES, HAMPTON GET TOUGH! MY GOODNESS!
By Mike
April 4, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
Not to be too contrary, I hope he gets back soon. When healthy, he was healthy when he first arrived, he was very effective. Some of you may be too young to remember….
Get well Hampton, we need you.
How desperate is that?
On a different subject, we are making every pitcher we face look like Cy Young contenders. Bring back Chief KnockaHomer’s tent!@!!!
By Jake
April 4, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
Mike Hampton is dead to me.
By EddieKang
April 4, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
You know what’s funny we keep him, but we wouldn’t pay Andruw Jones! Ask yourselves this question who has done more for this Braves organization. We Sould’ve kept Andruw Jones, and got rid of people like Hampton plus another guy that always gets hurt.
By Lemon
April 4, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
Isnt’ there a lemon law that would apply here? He is worse than my car.
By Truth and wisdom
April 4, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
I’m sure you and the other writers noticed long ago that everyone and everything “looks great” to Bobby Cox. But you are dutifully bound to print his Rebbeca of Sunnybrook comments.
How can you tell he’s lying?
His lips are moving (an old joke about lawyers)
By Kunify
April 4, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
But the check keeps on coming doesn’t it Mike. Retire today so the 15 mill your stealing from the Braves can go to real contributors! Loser
By PM
April 4, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
EddieKang,
The Braves could not choose between Hampton and Andruw. They are under contract to pay Hampton through this year.
To all,
Make sure you are not on the bandwagon or cheering when Hampton has a successful season this year. It could happen.
It’s easy to be a naysayer in this case. It’s harder to believe Hampton and continue to support him.
By GM R
April 4, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
The Speedy Claxton of the Braves. He even makes that big poof John Kincaid look tough. Roll on the end of the season when we can finally say goodbye to this big girl’s blouse.
By btwarren
April 4, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Maybe Hampton will be found guilty of dog fighting and sent to prison and the Braves can sue to get their money back….wait, what am I crazy, something like that could never happen….but seriously just another bad episode in Atlanta sports history.
By monty
April 4, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
Call Dr.House something has got to be wrong with Hampton,seriously! Is it mental? Mind over matter or does he have some rare disorder that prohibits him from the simple things in life or is he just that unlucky? I don’t believe in kicking a man when he is down, not even Hampton but there has got to be a reason of sorts that makes sense. None of this injury stuff makes any sense. I saw him pitch in spring training and his stuff was exxcellent. But how do you keep getting injured from such wierd non-contact ways? What’s next a pulled muscle from combing his hair?
By designerguy
April 4, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Hampton…well, that goes to show you…never, NEVER trust a Met, even an ex-Met….Damned Manchurian pitcher….they did this to us on purpose!
By prosport
April 4, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
If you were injured on your job, wouldnt you like or expect your employer to keep you until you are better? If it was all about the money, he would have already walked away. I appreciate that he continues to try and come back. He may have to just live through some of the pain and try to make a go of it. After this long of a layoff, he will probably have to live through some pain. I am 48 and have to live through alot of pain to just go out and throw some BP with my 10 year old and I am still in pretty good shape. Remember the Braves are not taking a huge hit for him because other teams are paying parts and insurance is covering part. The dollars are large, but you have to have a different perspective on the MLB level.
By JackP
April 4, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
When the Braves signed Hampton a few years ago, they got one of the all time shafts in the history of baseball. What a soiled, worthless player Hampton was but the stupid Braves signed him anyway. Probably years of steroid use is causing his body to break down. Hang it up Mike. You took the Braves for millions. The least you can do is retire and give the team a financial break but then again the Braves will probably sign Kevin Brown for millions. They are that stupid.
By your phreaking daddy
April 4, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
you folks dogging Hampton are the stupidest morons on the planet. “cut him now”, you holler. why? he still gets paid. guarenteed contract, idiots. just stfu and talk about something you know about, like how Bobby Cox doesn’t know what he is doing….
fools
By bob j
April 4, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Please, Braves, get rid of Hampton….he is an embarrassment to his teammates, over half of whom are being paid six figures, should be an embarrassment to the Braves management, and, finally, should be embarrassed himself. Just get him off the roster permanently and bring in young guys who want to play. As far as the Braves losing dollars by just dumping him, sometimes you take your losses and just move on. Blank took a bigger loss because of Vick and he is still in business by taking steps to improve the Falcons.
By Dr. James Andrews
April 4, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
All these Hampton apologists get the heck out. He is worthless.
By No bandwagon
April 4, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
PM, OK. I promise not to get on the bandwagon or cheer when Mike Hampton has a successful return this year. Wow. I feel so nervous taking such a risk!
By bravefanatic
April 4, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
i just feel sorry for all of you who thought mike hampton was gona help us this year. when chuck gets back he and jurrjens should be our 4th and 5th starters anyway
By theinsider
April 4, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
designerguy, the answer is yes, we did it on purpose and I’ve got more news for ya….Glavine is next. bwaaaaaaa!!!!!
By Jeff
April 4, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
I am sick of this tool. I had a bet he wouldn’t get injured until May but I was not pessimistic enough. Hey Mike, 2 things: 1) Its all stress related - no other explaination is possible 2) give back the tens of millions you’ve made the last few years you waste of resources.
By Dan
April 4, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Mike it’s time to go!
By Merle
April 4, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
I mean honestly, in the steroids era couldn’t someone slipped this guy a few PED’s?
By Jeff Alx.
April 4, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
This guy is a waste. Maybe Chipper will come back here, read the comments and relay them to Hampton. Hampton get lost. With that many millions of dollars under your belt, you’re a major drain on the Braves’ payroll. Is it a coincidence that one the Braves since Hampton, that the team went downhill? Get lost, get out of town, go sleep in a bubble.
By old fart
April 4, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Too bad there isn’t an euthanasia clause in his contract.
By Me, me, me.....
April 4, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
The Braves have shown, so far, ineptitude to keep leads and that will be their demise for the season. The front office MUST get some big time relievers capable of doing just that. Otherwise, you can kiss the season good-bye.
By jim
April 4, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Mike Hampton - What a loser. Anyone with a half ounce of self respect would have said, “Stop paying me ” several months ago. To continue to draw his money is absolute theft. Does anyone ever consider that maybe old Mike’s injury issues are now located in his head. Cut this jerk and move on. He is a disgrace to atheletics and to humanity.
By Chris
April 4, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Hampton is a bigger thief than Bonnie and Clyde!
By Chris Chandler
April 4, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Wow, This guy makes me look like Superman!!!!
By Chuck
April 4, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
One of the major repercussions of long term steroid and HGH use is a breaking down of muscle tissue resulting in numerous injuries. Draw your own conclusions to the modern day athletes.
By Patriot
April 4, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
OK OK OK….I will be the first to take the plunge…..the season is over.
By Todd
April 4, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
can’t quite understand why so many of you hold it against Hampton that he keeps getting hurt. do you not think he wants to be out there? why would he go through all the rehab if he didn’t want to pitch? sure he could easily retire but he’s still a competitor and doesn’t want to give up. bottom line for me is he just has a fragile body and some very bad luck. I’m pulling for him to get healthy and get a chance to prove himself again.
it could be worse, look at the Yanks giving millions to Carl Pavano, what has he done for them? and Pedro isn’t exactly doing much better for the Mets.
so come on people, don ‘t blame the guy for things out of his control.
By VaBravesfan
April 4, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
The Braves should mail Hampton his check and kick all his crap to the curb before his sissiness rubs off on some of the younger players. How the hell do you pull a pec muscle warming up? He should have at least taken the mound and pretended that he got hurt during the game. Wouldn’t have looked so much like a baby.
By jton
April 4, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
I get so sick of hearing about MLB “injuries”, especially Hampton. Just imagine if this were football!! These baseballers like Hampton are just a bunch of professional babies! What a wuss!
By BUSHWACKER
April 4, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
You think Hampton has it bad, according to TED TURNER in 30 years I ‘ll be eating you or you will be eating me! At least Hampton has a couple dollars in the bank.
By ScottBravesfan
April 4, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Just retire and give his spot to Jo Jo Reyes.
By Bill
April 4, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
One thing is for certain. If he WANTED TO PITCH he would have. Either no desire or not enough guts .
By Sick and Tired
April 4, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
If Hampton was a “black” guy, He would have been throwned under the bus long before now.
By WRCz
April 4, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
How many innings, games, seasons has Smoltzie played in pain? (More than he’d even admit, I’m sure.)
By poorbrave
April 4, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Enough is Enough! Time to move on.
By Frank
April 4, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Hampton’s “injury” is right in with Chipper’s sore thumb…a joke for players of supposedly their calibre.
By billy
April 4, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
I hope what I believe to be true isn’t true, but here goes. Mike Hampton was in with the Mets in the late 90’s when steroids were present. If you look at his body, you can see how he bulked up very quickly, and I can’t help but believe that he was involved. This may be why his body breaking down from the steroid use. If this is true, he would do more for ALL of the high school kids that consider this quick attempt at “bettering themselves” by coming forward about it. It would show how the body truly does break down when you use steroids. He, along with Giambi,(the tumor he already had), old footage of Lyle Alzado when he warned of the dangers before he died, and Galaragga, (twice had cancer, and we all know he used them), would make a wonderful public service announcement to prevent this from happening to future generations. This will never happen though, because the embarassment to the individuals would far outweigh the importance of the message.
By SHA
April 4, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
This is getting old, old, old. People attract things into their lives unconsciously, and I firmly believe if MH would get his mind right, maybe his body will follow one day. But, his mind is probably on the DL also. Maybe that’s what they need to do surgery on. This has got to be demoralizing for his teammates. They can’t count on S__T! from this guy. I’ve never seen so many DL candidates as the Braves have had recently. Somebody must have started a trend and everyone’s jumping on the bandwagon for the slightest pain. Glavine, Maddux, Smoltz, McGriff, Justice, etc…in the old days the desire to win and help the team had these guys playing with minor discomforts. Smoltzie can’t help his latest bouts. He’s given this team 120% through the years. I respect him. But Chipper is constantly on the DL. Hampton has a permanent seat there. And others have joined the list off and on. We should just have an “Active List” for them for the times that they do play. Why are these guys so injury prone? This is getting absolutely ridiculous!!! How can we expect to catch the Mets or Phillies with this bad energy in the clubhouse. I admire Glavine & Maddux or staying off the DL, which in turn helped their career stats and their reputations. Somebody please brainstorm with them to give our younger players some advice for the future and keep their sights off of the poor role models in the clubhouse that live on the DL.
By huff
April 4, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
This just in: Mike Hampton experienced a significant muscle strain after eating the Super Grande special at Aunt Chilada’s Mexican Emporium last night. He could not extricate himself from the bathroom stall and EMTs were called to assist. Braves officials project he’ll be on the DL a minimum of 6-8 weeks.
By Aaron
April 4, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Playing sports growing up we would call an athlete that gets minor injuries and sits down on the bench a “p***.”
I thought Jones was bad with his injuries but Hampton takes the prize.
For all the money Hampton makes you would think he would be in the gym strengthening and stretch every muscle in his body.
By ike
April 4, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
Headache Anxiety Mumps Pulled muslce Toe hurts Otits media Nervous what does that spell….. HAMPTON!!!
By **Chris Chandler**
April 4, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
WOW…this guy makes me look like freakin superman..
By prosport
April 4, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
If he were black? You have got to be kidding!
If he were black, he would still be getting his pay! A guaranteed contract does not know colors!
By Al
April 4, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
Hey Mike take your butt out of here. You are freaking awful and a disgrace. $43 Million dollars and you and I have the same amount of wins. With the $ you’ve already robbed from fans, the team, and the organization, the right thing to do if you were man enough would be to retire right now and save the Braves the money they still owe you so they can go out and get someone worth a hoot. To raise $ for this season ticket holders should be allowed to punch Hampton one time each later in the week since they are ultimately paying his salary and doing as much work as he is. With the money this leach is eating up we could sign Francouer to a long term deal that he has earned and deserves.
By B. Sabean
April 4, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
How about Barry Zito for Mike Hampton?
By jed
April 4, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
schultz,
it’s obvious hampton was damaged by steroid use. how else do you possibly explain all these injuries? still, the guy takes the money even after he’s brought the damage on himself.
obviously, o’brien cant ask these questions without running the risk of alienating the team he’s covering, so why dont you stop making giddy monty python references and start actually asking some questions?
By lin
April 4, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
TIME FOR THE BULL PEN FOR FEW MONTHS SEE HOW HE DOES.
By mike
April 4, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
Enough is enough with Hampton! If the guy is that physically disconnected - - - when every little turn means rehab - - - then get rid of him. Let him go home with his millions, which, hopefully have NOT been paid by the Braves. I think he needs a shrink or the Braves need one.
By Jim
April 4, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
On a cold moist evening, I’m not sure why the Braves even thought about having Hampton play. Should have held him out until the conditions are warmer, more like what he had in florida in spring training.
By mg
April 4, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
Is it too soon to start thinking about Mark Wohlers every time Hampton is in the news?
By Fred Garvin, Bettendorf Male Prostitute
April 4, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
When will Smoltz and Chipper corner this guy and beat the friggin living snot out of him?
What a wimp! I want his job….and PAY!!
By BOO-HOO
April 4, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
REMEMBER KID’S, THIS IS YOUR BODY ON STEROIDS. ALLYOU GOTTA DO IS FIND A DUMB A** OWNER OF A TEAM TO PAY YOU MILLIONS,ON TOP OF MILLIONS, OF DOLLARS,AND THEN GET THE FAN’S TO PITY YOU FOR SAYING YOU DID NOT KNOW WHAT YOU WERE DOING? YEAH HAMPTON THIS IS GETTING TO BE REAL FUNNY.
By Matt Foley, Motivational Speaker in a Van down by the River
April 4, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
Is it me or have I seen Hampton on the Wizard of Oz as a Munchkin? It appears he is 4’Nothing on TV. But those munchkins move around pretty quickly so it can’t be!
By Jamarcus Washington, Kappa Alpha Pledge, UGA
April 4, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
In all fairness to Wohlers, his WENCH was boinkin another Dude while he was making a good living. You can’t compare Hampton to Wohlers. I’m sure she is back at Waffle House!
Most baseball players have a high school education and a Waffle House/Hooters WENCH for a “wife”. Just ask Chipper and Glavine.
By hotrod
April 4, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this
as durable as a peep in a microwave? funniest line I have read in a long time,I laughed out loud,keep ‘um coming!!!
By DawgNCA
April 5, 2008 1:46 AM | Link to this
Hampton will be fine. But then again, I’m still waiting for Nick Esasky to get better.
By zinoDawg
April 5, 2008 1:49 AM | Link to this
Funniest thing I have read in YEARS!!!
By Trippy Hippie
April 5, 2008 3:17 AM | Link to this
At least he’s never perforated his epiglottis.
Oh. Crap. I just jinxed him.
By 3177
April 5, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
The guy obviously needs an extensive stretching regimen instead of a workout regimen. He’s too tight. But now he’s rich and tight. He did this to us in Denver too.
By dorothy davis
April 7, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
I have finally realized that Hampton has no intention of ever pitching again..just wants to get all his payday before leaving baseball. What a phony!!!!
By Jim
April 7, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
OK OK Enuff with the kick Mike Hampton stuff—who would have known he would be injury prone when they traded for him. hindsight is 20/20—ya win some ya lose some some bigtime - even if he comes back and wins 10 games this year (fat chance)but enuff whining—time to look forward to next year when the Braves won’t have to cover the contract anymore—Tex however will be gone but they can get other talent—there ARE other good players out there that will look good in Atlanta—any suggestions out there??