Sports Columnists

By The Grinch

October 30, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

I sincerely believe that he will contribute if he can. Hampton’s a gamer, and nobody wants him to earn that money more than he himself. I think he’ll be back and back strong. And oh, how lovely it would be to have a strong rotation again.

By Steve Avery

October 30, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

He better give us at least 25 starts next year. He owes us. Here’s what I don’t understand…a few years ago, Chipper took a pay cut in order to help re-sign Smoltz. Why doesn’t Hampton take a pay cut for the team as well, given what has transpired over the past few years?

By TBurns

October 30, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

The suits in Atlanta would be fools to count on Hampton coming back healthy enough to be a difference maker. If he can, great - icing on the proverbial cake. It’s really too bad that the contract is such a burden as they can only make moves to potentially replace him after he’s lost for the season and they can collect on the insurance.

By rick

October 30, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

Dream on. Hsmpton is to the Braves what Wood and Prior ended up being to the Cubs. One injury after another.

He’s done.

By Junior

October 30, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this

Im jacked that Hampton is recovering well, and has taken the right steps to be back in the lineup next year. I have allot of faith in the “warrior” he is that he will get back in the game and make a huge difference. Hopefully adding Glavine to T-HUD and Smoltz, amongst Hamptons return will make this a pitching dominant team again. Hampton is very capable of winning 15 games next year, BANK ON IT!!!!!!!

By Sam Bowie

October 30, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

Haven’t seen a Brave this injury prone since Horner.

Seriously, it would be a fantastic story if Hampton bounced back and posted 12-15 wins in ‘08.

By David

October 31, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this

Uh, no! I hope the Braves don’t get bit by the “trust in Hampton” bug again. If he does come back and is ready to go, you can never have too much pitching. Go after one of the Oakland duo and land a free agent pitcher like Freddy Garcia. Maybe trade for Jon Garland, but trust that Hampton will ever contribute the way the Braves need him to? No!

By BeachGaBulldog

October 31, 2007 1:34 AM | Link to this

I hope that he doesn’t ever make it back. I am sick of hearing his name. He sucks anyway.

By benjy

October 31, 2007 2:14 AM | Link to this

everyone say the name Jair Jurrjens….hes 21 throws 94-100,slider 73-84… and maybe the third pitch, a change, that chucky is looking for. hampton was good but hes an overpaid bum. i get sick to my stomach when i hear about hi 37th rehab… i dont care anymore. if gimpy comes back congrats but otherwise hes been the biggest leech since jason giambi.

By Shamus Thacker

October 31, 2007 2:48 AM | Link to this

Hampton could become a quadriplegic tomorrow, from smiling, tanning, or breathing, so I don’t think we should count on him too much.

He makes Bob Horner look like a Gherig/Ripkin Ironman, (or as we say here in Jawja, “Arnman”.

By vwburt

October 31, 2007 3:15 AM | Link to this

the braves needs to do like the red soxs. get their young pitchers ready for the bigs. there pitching in 08 will be o.k. with or without hampton. if hampton can get it done the braves will be a hard team to beat.

By William

October 31, 2007 5:18 AM | Link to this

I’ve heard Mike Hampton is a great guy in the locker room, but look at the facts. He’s 35, will be 36 in September 2008 and hasn’t pitched a full season since 2004. He hasn’t even thrown a pitch in a real game since August 19, 2005 - and got bombed for 7 runs in 3 innings by the way. Rebuilding arm strength and game stamina doesn’t just happen overnight, ask any pitcher who’s ever come back from Tommy John surgery. Anybody who thinks the guy is going to come out of spring training next season - and that’s assuming he doesn’t hurt himself again in the batting cage or slip in the shower - to pitch 150-180 innings and win 12-15 games is delusional and needs to stop reading science fiction.
Insurance benefits offset aside, add to that the $14.5 million he’s been paid each of these last two years to soft toss on the sidelines without even offering to re-work his contract (once again, thank you Chipper for re-doing yours) and that “competitive fire” and “team guy” I keep reading about sounds like a bunch of B.S. Given how long he’s played and how much money he’s made in baseball, if the man had any integrity he’d retire or least take a pay cut

By Jim

October 31, 2007 8:10 AM | Link to this

I’m as disappointed in Hampton’s injury problems as anybody. What I don’t get is some of you vilifying him for it. If it was an injury that could possibly be due to laziness or a lack of conditioning that would be one thing, but it is well known that he trains very hard and stays in peak physical shape. There ain’t much he (or anyone) could have done to prevent a tendon tearing….…it happens to pitchers frequently (of course). As far as his big contract goes, anybody reading this would have taken that money too if they could have gotten it. He owes no one an apology for that. Now if he comes back and is successful this year, and wants to be a good guy it would be nice if he signed a discount contract extension for a year or two to make up for some of the time he’s missed (but we won’t hold our breath, eh?) . I just hope he’s recovered next season. We need him.

By manormyth

October 31, 2007 8:14 AM | Link to this

No thinking writer would suggest that Mike Hampton will contribute anything to the Braves next year. Worst deal J.S. ever made; it’s not a coincidence that we’ve missed the playoffs last two years, while Hampton has sucked our payroll dry and given the club and it’s fans nothing.

By M

October 31, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this

BeachGaBulldog, you are indicative of the hate that consistently spews from these blogs. Hate, ignorance and pompousness! If you can’t articulate any better please just stay away and go back to your coloring book.

By gayle

October 31, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this

I see two problems solved. If we can count on Hampton being healthy, back in the rotation and giving 200 plus innings, we can also count on bringing back Dale Murphy to replace Andruw in center field.

Each has about the same chance of happening. Will you people get over this Hampton stuff? He’s done. It was one of the worst trades that Scherholz ever made!

By Mike

October 31, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this

Where does everyone think that we are paying him $15 mil a year for Hampton. The Braves were setting aside $8 mil the first three years we had him since the Marlins were paying his contract for those years. So, effectively, we are paying him around $8 mil a year still.

And does anyone remember when Smoltz missed the majority of two seasons due to arm/elbow surgeries? He’s been pretty decent since then, right?

By Jim

October 31, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this

……and just to remind everybody……. Hampton was pitching great and was our most effective starting pitcher for most of ‘04 and early ‘05 until the elbow problems began. As far as his age, correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t Smoltz at least as old or older when he had his last elbow surgery? Hampton could very well come back strong and be productive. I agree that they cannot count on that, but it’s very possible and would be a great bonus.

By Jeff R

October 31, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this

As Mr. Bisher said, nothing’s certain until Hampton takes to the mound and pitches. Given that he’s skipping winter ball, for whatever reason, means that he should be assigned to Richmond next March when camp breaks to see how he performs under real game conditions. I sure wouldn’t let him test his arm next April in Atlanta Braves’ games. We need wins, not test-run losses.

By Rutuger

October 31, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this

Did you REALLY just try to write a column inspiring confidence—or anything but disgust, for that matter—in Mike “Glass Arm” Hampton??

This guy has been sucking the life out of this team for three years. I’m just sad he’s still around to take our money and valuable bench space that could be providing a spot for a tub of sunflower seeds. At least those seeds would be providing some sort of contribution.

By mike

October 31, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

Yes great lets get back to going into the post season but never to the world series. That way we can always made it thus far

By GE

October 31, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Neither Hampton or Glavine will help the Braves. Why spend millions on guys that are over the hill? Why not save the bucks for younger talent? If Renteria can go with his market value, then so can these guys who have less value. It is not personal…its business.

By scooter

October 31, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Furman,

I don’t see how we could possibly count on Hampton. If he does comes back, it would be a fantastic bonus. Despite Mike’s rehab efforts, it seems highly unlikely he’ll be able to come back as a productive pitcher for us again.

We need to develop our pitching talent from within since we really aren’t capable of snaring high-priced free agents.

By mark

October 31, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

Hampton will pitch for the Braves when Vick is invited to be a judge at the Westminster Kennel club.

By jjschiller

October 31, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Hampton can’t “rework” his contract. All he can do, because of the player’s union, is sign a contract worth MORE money. You cannot override an existing contract with a contract for a lower value.

What CHIPPER did, was sign a LONGER contract, with less money per year, but for a HIGHER TOTAL VALUE.

If Hampton is really done, and he really isn’t ever going to be an effective pitcher again, like all of you think, then don’t give him MORE money. Pay him what he’s owed and be done with it.

By CHOPPY

October 31, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

I don’t think there is any harm in counting on Hampton to be the 5th starter. The problem last year is that they needed him to be the #3 starter. That was a mistake. Next season they will have Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine (if they don’t screw it up again), with a competition between Chuck James (hopefully healthy), Jo Jo Reyes, this kid Jurrjens, maybe Lance Cormier, and Bennett for the 4th spot, and then just say we only need Hampton to be the 5th starter. And if his health falters, you make the other guys who don’t pan out for the 4th spot compete for the 5th spot. I think the key here is to add Glavine to eat up 200+ innings and stabalize the middle of the rotation so that these young guys don’t have too much pressure and Hampton won’t feel like he has to pitch thru pain as a #3 or #4 guy. His spot could be skipped on weeks with extra off days to allow him more rest during the season.

It’s okay to count on Hampton, as long as you count on him for something reasonable.

By Forrest Gump

October 31, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

I like Hampton, but I don’t think he will ever contribute to the Braves. The Braves certainly cannot count on his presence.

By Bo

October 31, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

I hope he makes it back, But don’t bet on it….he has been out since 2005 that is a long time, and a lot of H20 under the bridge.The Braves better have a back up plain this time.

By Taylor

October 31, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Wren said Monday that Hampton would pitch in the Winter League, now he’s not pitching. There must be some kind of promising progress for Bisher to be optimistic, but I still can’t see him staying healthy and help the Braves whatsoever.

By GM R

October 31, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

It would be better for the Braves if he broke down again before the season starts - at least they would then get the insurance dollars - if he comes back next year he will be fourth starter at best - not what you want for $15M.

By davidb

October 31, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

I think this was the exact same article from last year.

By Gary

October 31, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

Whether Hampton’s ready or not, we need another ace for the future. It’s not fair to keep asking Smoltz at his age to be our go-to guy. We need 4 proven, steady starters and then we can take chances with young guys for our 5th starter. We have the offense and the defense. Hampton is a key for starting pitching, but certainly not the only one and definitely not worth counting on.

By Tremaine

October 31, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

Isn’t this the same story from the past two years.

By Stuart

October 31, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

It scares me that Hampton is not pitching winner ball. His feel and velocity will not be there next year and the braves cannont count on him.

Best bet: He gets off to a good start and the braves trade him early in the year and get out from under some of the contract before the deadline and go get some more pieces.

By KC

October 31, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

GE: “Neither Hampton or Glavine will help the Braves.”

Really? NEITHER? If we can agree on a way to quantify that statement, I’d be happy to put money on it.

By KC

October 31, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

Mike” “Where does everyone think that we are paying him $15 mil a year for Hampton. The Braves were setting aside $8 mil the first three years we had him since the Marlins were paying his contract for those years. So, effectively, we are paying him around $8 mil a year still.”

From what I understand, you are absolutely right.

Many fans talk endlessly about the fact that he’s earning 15 million, but fail to understand that budgetary approach the Braves have taken to his contract, which has effectively brought his salary to 8 mill per season over the length of his stay in Atlanta. It should also be noted that much of his salary over the past couple seasons was covered by insurance.

But if people insist on harping on his 15 million dollar salary this year, they should at least remember that Hampton won 32 games for us in 2-1/3 seasons with a solid ERA of 3.94, and that we paid him a TOTAL of about 8 million dollars over his first 3 seasons here.

By DC Bravesfan

October 31, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

Last chance, all I got to say. If he gets hurt again, and doesn’t start at least 10 games for us, cut ties…

By richbrave

October 31, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

Mike H. seems to be a good guy, howevvah—-. When you’re mid-30’s with a well-worn arm and the hay’s in the barn, why take a pay cut? If healthy o.k., a gamble on less and longer, but at this juncture not me babe. Maybe Mr. Mike thinks that way too??

By baseball fan

October 31, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

Of course he will come up big this year because his contract expires! Don’t they always look spectacular when that contract is up! The only exception being andruw jones. Even in a contract year mr. lackidaisical couldn’t perform.

By Jim

October 31, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Love the comment that when Hamption steps back on the mound that Vick will be a judge at a national dog show. Hampton wasn’t that effective the year his injury streak started. He’s soaked up a ton of bucks without contributing anything. He’s toast.

By quint

October 31, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Thanks to jjschiller: you said exactly what I was about to write. Nobody takes a paycut when they have a contract. I have nothing to add to that.

Also, if Hampton does win fifteen games this year (or more) then the 15 million will be a bargain. Guess what? The Braves will have to pay it anyway. I just hope he doesn’t pull a Paul Byrd and dip out on Atlanta after being on the disabled list for so long, coming back for a good season, and then bolt for more money. I can’t forgive the guy for that. He had better think hard about that before he files for free agency.

By Sam Bowie

October 31, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

William,

So, can you back up your opinion that the notion Hampton will bounce back and win 12-15 games is “delusional?” Many pitchers have come back from Tommy John surgery to put up solid numbers. Why would it be impossible for Hampton to do so?

By papa

October 31, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Furman, You are totally awesome but I disagree with you on this one. Hampton is entirely content to sit and “heal” while collecting $$$ for occasionally hanging around the dugout. I wouldn’t count on Hampton for anything. If he happens to surprise and act like a professional then that much better for the Braves. If he is so close to being a good pitcher again then are any clubs inquiring about him in a trade???

By #1 Braves Fan

October 31, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

All you people saying that the Braves only paid Hampton 8 million a year don’t understand how payroll is calculated….Yes the Braves basically looked at the Hampton contract as 8 million per year….that was the average. When payroll is figured however it is calculated by how much you paid this year in payroll. So with the self-imposed payroll they had the previous few years Hampton was costing them 15 million per year and will again this year. If Hampton was a decent guy he would re-sign and re-work is contract for 3 years to the tune of say 20 million or about 6.6 million per year….I do think the man will come back and be productive for someone but unfortunately he probably won’t do much for the Braves this year 100 to 150 inning at best and be solid

By GT

October 31, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

Hampton as a potential 20 game winner? Smoltz and Hudson haven’t won 20 games since 1996. Are these two pitchers really a step below someone who hasn’t tossed in two years?

The Braves used to believe it was impoosible to have too much starting pitching. But in more recent times they seem content to play with half a deck. The results the past two years aren’t coincidence, they are directly in line with the neglect of this philosophy. Establishing good starting pitching doesn’t mean you have to spend $100 million for Barry Zito, either. They should be able to draft and develop it within the organization. Unfortunately we have not drafted well and our former GM traded away what little remained to make big, but ultimately unproductive splashes.

The attitude in much of this blog seems to consider a rotation of Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton and Glavine capable of going a combined 75-40 next season. I look at this rotation and think the numbers are more likely to be the reverse.

By William

October 31, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this

Sam Bowie,

You are certainly correct, a lot of pitchers have come back from Tommy John surgery to be successful. An article I recently read quoted a couple doctors saying success rates were 80 to 85 per cent. However, check your history as Hampton’s case is a bit different. Please recall that he had Tommy John (ligament replacement) surgery on 9/26/05 and then had surgery AGAIN to repair a torn flexor tendon in the same left elbow on 4/10/07. How many pitchers, particularly 35 year old pitchers, have come back from multiple surgeries like that? Don’t get me wrong, I hope he returns and pitches like he did with the Mets, I’m just not as optimistic as you are.

By Sam Bowie

October 31, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

William,

Yeah, the number of cases where guys come back from multiple Tommy Johns is definitely small. (See a USA Today article from July 2006 at http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2007-07-18-tommy-john_N.htm) In terms of what this bodes for Hampton, I’m not sure that we have a lot to go on one way or the other (in terms of the sample size of guys who’ve had multiple Tommy Johns). I’m not too concerned about his age hindering his recovery; my hope is that his track record and the years of experience he’s logged will help out- both physically and mentally- with his comeback.

All that being said, I totally understand your concerns.

By Carl Wolerski

October 31, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

I want Hampton’s job…..no production and a paycheck that could buy 5 million Chick Fil A biscuits at $2 per biscuit!

What a waste of money on this guy! I’m disgusted to see these guys make all this money and not produce a thing.

Get rid of the Bum. Hell, I’d take the Brewers pitcher who won 1 game this year….that’s one more victory than Hampton!

By Bare E. Bonds

October 31, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

Hey Furman, what do you mean the right track to recovery? Vick will be out of prison by the time Hampton throws his first pitch for the ATL.