AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2008 > April > 04 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USYou name it, Hampton’s had it
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
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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Permalink | Comments (155) | Categories: Braves / MLB, Jeff Schultz
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Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By RD
April 4, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this
Get rid of his sorry A#$! Give him his money and let him walk.
By tm
April 4, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this
good grief
By Kyle Bravos Fan
April 4, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this
Alright, seriously. I understand the frustration behind Hampton’s continuous string of injuries. But it seems rediculous to just give up on him completely like his elbow gave out again or something. This is a minor injury, most likely to make him miss one start or two and then be back in to try again. It sucks that it happened, but chill out. I’m not saying he won’t make it through the season unscathed, but I wouldn’t throw in the towel over a pectorial strain. Not for a guy like Hampton.
By Huff
April 4, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this
This just in: Mike Hampton ruptures disk taking his spikes off in the locker room…
By Huff
April 4, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this
This just in: Mike Hampton disclocates index finger picking his nose…
By Ross
April 4, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this
I cut my finger on the inner rim of a can of Vienna sausages the other day. But I’m optimistic I’ll be fishing in no time. I feel good. Until I get my Vienna mojo back, I’ll just snarf wieners straight from the plastic wrapper. To keep in shape, I’m learning to use a can opener. Left-handed.
Anyone got crackers?
-drl
By huff
April 4, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this
This just in: Mike Hampton dislocates jaw while chewing gum…
By Kozzie13
April 4, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this
Dude is made of glass, shades of Chris Chandler
By Atlantarama
April 4, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this
OK, so who had 30 minutes before game-time in the pool?
By Robert
April 4, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this
Does the name Bob Horner come to mind or Bruce Sutter? Get rid of this guy now!
By Mac McLemore
April 4, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this
Honestly, I don’t know what to think! I’m disappointed, but let’s see what happens. I know that we all (MH included) keep hoping that we will wake up from this bad dream, this nightmare - and SOON!
By tom a. hawk
April 4, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this
think about how frustrated hampton must be…it’s frustrating to watch, i couldn’t imagine it actually happening to me. here’s a guy that’s been out nearly 3 years and was 20 minutes away from returning to the game which he loves and now he’s gotta wait some more…i’m pullin for ya hammy.
By Rutuger
April 4, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this
The physical demands and strain on the body of a pro athlete are unlike anything any of us have experienced.
That being said, if his body can’t take it, then the cold hard truth is that he’s of zero use to us. He has been killing us these past few years.
It really is almost comical that it played out this way—mere moments before his first start of the year—but then again it seems to be right in line with the typical luck of the devoted Atlanta sports fan.
GO HAWKS
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
April 4, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this
A strained pectoral muscle ? You have got to be kidding me !
Hey Mikey, Put some ben-gay or icy hot on it and get your sorry AZZ back on the mound already.
Personally, I think you have no heart, no guts and certainly no CAHONAS !
Dear John Schuerholz, bend over one more time and take it like a man.
The following is your responsibility and it has been a colossal mistake.
Letting Glavine get away.
Trading Adam Wainwright to the Cardinals.
Trading for Hampton.
I call this the three stooges of pitching moves and it is the real reason why the division streak ended at fourteen.
By Drew
April 4, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this
If the Bravos will make a move this year we need Mike H and he had as good a spring as any pitcher in MLB. Lets give the guy a chance with 2 TJ operations. I predict comback player of the year honors for Hampton….
By Ross
April 4, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this
Bob Horner? Are you kidding? That guy could eat three consecutive pizzas before breaking his wrist on a pineapple slice.
-drl
By Matt
April 4, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this
This just in: Mike Hampton strains wrist while making a hand party.
By BUBBA
April 4, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this
WHO IS MIKE HAMPTON? DOES HE PLAY BASEBALL? I’VE NEVER SEEN HIM PLAY BEFORE, WHEN WILL I GET TO SEE HIM PLAY? DOES ANYONE GET THE MESSAGE ON THE BRAVES STAFF AT ALL????? COME ON BOBBY… .. HE’S GOT TO GO…NO WAIT MAYBE HE CAN PLAY CHECKERS….UUHHH WELL NO HIS FINGERS MAYBE HURT TOO’… DAMN…..JUST DAMN. DOES SOMEONE FEED HIM TOO???? AND WIPE HIS….UUHHH…..ARM.??
By Matt
April 4, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this
Tom A. Hawk:
…i’m pullin for ya hammy….
Please don’t say that, because the next thing we know, he’ll have pulled a hammy.
By renny
April 4, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this
Mike Hampton??? im not sure who is more delicate at this point, Hampton or toilet tissue??? give me a break! this is the same guy who got hurt in the bath tub a few yrs ago. My grandmother is more durable then this loser!
Hell i can do get hurt for way less money!!!
By nick
April 4, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this
we could be spending this money on keeping teixeira…not paying the glass man hampton…if someone’s body is really that prone to injury, they should be in a different profession…
By melissa
April 4, 2008 1:18 AM | Link to this
Thanks a lot John Shoulholze!! for coveting this guy!! People seem to forget you are reponsible for this man being here!! you were so in love with this f* and I mean f*!! more f* than a female!! John what in the hell!! and I mean hell!! did you see in this man to make you fall in love!!!!! John shame on you!! I am not going to let you off the hook like that!!!!!!!!!!! That 121 million dollars spent the right way would have bought us two championship right about now!! You stepped down because you know you made a big boo! boo! You will never be known for the greatest general manager!!! and you can take that to the bank!!!!!!!
By Please Retire
April 4, 2008 1:18 AM | Link to this
Spare us the annual false hope of a dark horse, oft injured pitcher overcoming various forms of cryptonite and leading ATL back to the top. Even the “Nature Boy Flair” knew it was time. Mike, it is time. Don’t come off the DL in 15,30,60,or 260 days. Please just hang it up. Save us from the pain caused by our own willingness to naively believe in you and your ability to get back on the field. Some source of outerworldly knowledge is trying to tell you and us tomahawkers something. Listen, Mike. Listen to the Great Voice from above. Let nature/uncanny string of injuries take its course. Move on with your life. Become a better golfer than Smoltzy and enjoy some free time with Tiger Woods. Take a note from former Tekster, James Johnson, and quit stealing $$$$! You’re lucky to have not been prosecuted already for all of the millions you have taken from management, w/o even picking up a rozen bag! Listen to the voice of wisdom. It’s calling you into the wonderful world of retirement! Thank you for playing, but it’s GAME OVER, MIKE!!!!!
By Flag
April 4, 2008 1:19 AM | Link to this
By Bobby Cox
April 4, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this
This jut in: I farted and the after effects may have caused an unknown injury to Mike Hampton’s arm. He might require an additonal Tommy John’s Surgery. Expect to seem him back on the mound in 2012.
By Bobby Cox
April 4, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this
Go away PFLAG!
By Bobby Cox
April 4, 2008 1:35 AM | Link to this
April Fools! He’s OK. No he’s not. Yes he is. No he’s not. April Freakin Fools! Too many voices!!!!!No he’s not. Yes he is. No HE’S NOT!! Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas, Hallelujiah!
By Suenah
April 4, 2008 1:35 AM | Link to this
OOHHHH come onnnnnnnnn WHen is this nightmare going to end????
By bobby cox
April 4, 2008 1:37 AM | Link to this
Hampton’s driving me…Awh beavers and ducks…Insane!
By Bobby Cox
April 4, 2008 1:41 AM | Link to this
He’s OK. No he’s not. Yes he is. No he’s not. I can’t take it!!!!
By Mike Hampton
April 4, 2008 1:44 AM | Link to this
Whoa, Livin’ on the DL. Break my nail and I’m half way there. Whoa, Livin on the DL! Easy cash, that I can’t turn down. Whoa, Livin on the DL!!!
By Frank
April 4, 2008 1:45 AM | Link to this
This just in: Hampton has a hangnail……out 4-6 weeks…(LMAO)
By Math man
April 4, 2008 1:50 AM | Link to this
3 years - $43 million. 0 piches. Never has someone done so little to earn so much. “earn” - interesting choice of words. He’s on the world’s greatest disability program.
$14.33 million per year. There has to be some sort of baseball insurance program whereby the Braves aren’t eating 15% of our salary eah year to pay someone not to play. Every year. For three years.
By Bonjovi
April 4, 2008 1:53 AM | Link to this
Stop it, Mike. Just please stop!
By Mike Hampton
April 4, 2008 1:56 AM | Link to this
This just in: I’m hurt!
By Mike Hampton
April 4, 2008 2:00 AM | Link to this
Math manDon’t you wish that you could be me? I’m gettin’ paid to play…GOLF (Funny thing is I make millions of $$$, but can’t qualify for the tour!) God Bless Baseball!!
By Mike Hampton
April 4, 2008 2:13 AM | Link to this
Whoa! Livin on the DL. Scratch my butt and I’m half way there! Whoa Livin on the DL, kiss a snail and I’ll make it I sware! Whoa Livin on the DL!!
By dirty
April 4, 2008 2:14 AM | Link to this
Tommy John to rename surgical procedure Mikey Hampton Surgery. Changing the terminology of all sport related injuries…pulled Mikey…strained Hampton…slipped Mike…strained Hamptoral muscle…listed Mike to Mike…on the MH.
By Bonjovi
April 4, 2008 2:16 AM | Link to this
I asked you politely to stop. GO Philadelphia SOUL!!!Arena ball,baby. ARENA BALL!
By Bobby Cox
April 4, 2008 2:21 AM | Link to this
Dirty, I strained a Hamptoral muscle laughing at your post. I’m listed as “Mike to Mike”. Keep up the good work!
By Geo
April 4, 2008 2:23 AM | Link to this
What a pos! $15M reasons on why he should continue to pretend that if he’s not injured he can pretend to be a MLB pitcher. He couldn’t get my grandma out and she’s 80!
By Mike Hampton
April 4, 2008 2:30 AM | Link to this
Yes I could.
By An Outfielder
April 4, 2008 2:37 AM | Link to this
I pulled a Mikey the other day. Brian got me drunk and we ended up at a gay bar. I don’t know how that happened.
By Mon55
April 4, 2008 3:49 AM | Link to this
Can anyone tell me when was the last regular season game that Hampton started ands actually pitched in without getting hurt??? I think it was when he played for the Rockies… He was a pitcher…am I correct???
By Mike Hampton
April 4, 2008 3:53 AM | Link to this
I don’t even remember.
By I'm an idiot
April 4, 2008 3:57 AM | Link to this
But so are you!
By IlliniBrave
April 4, 2008 4:16 AM | Link to this
Hey, how about we do this… take Hampton off the pitchers roster and put him in with the field players and use him as a pitch-hitter. He’s got a higher BA and hits more HRs/ABs than Kotsay, Pena, Prado, Infante, and Miller (you’d think a guy weighing 250lbs would jack one out more often!).
See that way, when we have to DL him, it won’t be as big of a deal and won’t be so painful to swallow.
By Neal Hopper
April 4, 2008 5:10 AM | Link to this
Can he coach basketball? While he’s on the DL maybe Tech could use him.
By Kevin
April 4, 2008 6:33 AM | Link to this
Well time to release Him what will he do next while in bed he pulled his penis out n broke it….next ole me arm gettin a pizza….I sorry he needs go with bobby cox to.Maybe they can beat up bobby cox wife now…See u Hampton maybe braves can sue u for Fakein stuff
By Kevin
April 4, 2008 6:38 AM | Link to this
Naw he would injury his wallet showin GT how to get hurt n paid.Also next one be i was cookin food n dog trip me n i pulled a nuts….Yes mike hampton Mr ER job get hurt play the ole i hurt me wrist punchin me wife other day….Are my head when chipper jones made a error…are when i tinkled i pulled a hammy!
By john webber
April 4, 2008 6:42 AM | Link to this
And to think us Mets fan were mad when he walked away from us- of course, now I am surprised he could even walk without fracturing an ankle
By Jordan
April 4, 2008 6:42 AM | Link to this
This just in: Mike Hampton has had the lower half of his body amputated after he scratched his herpes with unclean hands and his pelvis was slowly eaten by a MRSA infection. “I hope to return to the mound by my next start and expect to pitch as well as I did in 2005” said Hampton as he lay helplessly on the locker room floor. Bring back Bob Wickman. At least when he missed games it was for understandable things like hangovers or having a piece of polish sausage lodged in the lining of his heart…you know, things we can identify with.
By Oyster
April 4, 2008 6:47 AM | Link to this
Yogi Berra said half of baseball is 90% mental. At this point, Hampton is afraid of starting and is imagining injuries to stay off the mound. In an interview Tuesday he said he wouldn’t be able to sleep Wednesday night because he was so nervous about his start. Hampton needs a good shrink.
By Steven
April 4, 2008 6:54 AM | Link to this
Lets not act like us fans weren’t prepared for this to happen. You knew it would, and it did. No surprises. Now we all get to see Chuck James go 4 1/3rd innings before getting a ‘tired’ arm.
By Susan
April 4, 2008 6:55 AM | Link to this
We should be more concerned over the pen and the hitters right now then Hampton. We have played 4 games now and the pen has let 3 of them go.
I was looking at the pen and you know what, its not the same pen we ended the season with. What worked has changed. Big mistake trading Yates, Resop should have gone. Where did he come from anyway? I just dont remember.
By Dawg4Life
April 4, 2008 7:01 AM | Link to this
I think that it is funny how my 7 year old was out playing a game in the cold last night, but this “athlete” can’t even throw 10 pitches without hurting himself. Actually, there was one of the girls that got hit in the face with a pop fly, and she stayed in the game. Sad thing is that he is that he makes as much as Chipper. They need to find some way to get some of that $30 million they have paid him over the past 2 years back. If that is how much you get paid to warm the bench, then I am in the wrong business.
By J.J.
April 4, 2008 7:04 AM | Link to this
If he was a horse they would have shot him years ago…
By Jen
April 4, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this
Wow, what a sweet deal this guy has. Millions & millions$$$ What a great country!
By tc
April 4, 2008 7:25 AM | Link to this
Hampton is afraid of failure, making all that money for doing nothing! There is no way he can live up to the money he has taken without lifting a finger. There is no other business in the world where you get paid to sit on your a** and rehab. He’s laughing all the way to the bank and riding this pony for as long as the Braves let him. He smarter than all of us!! what a scam…
By Glenn
April 4, 2008 7:26 AM | Link to this
Do the math, $43 mill for what? and you can’t go to work(real work)in this country on less then $3.00 a gallon gas.The phoney government wants our guns,our money,our souls,and our rides!
By greenvegas
April 4, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this
great article. well written.
You see what roids can do to a pitcher
By jimmy
April 4, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this
Aetna… that’s great!! just think of the money wasted on this fragile bum.
By scott
April 4, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this
Crap, this guys just needs to pitch through the pain. I mean it’s not like they would be risking anything by letting him pitch while he is hurt. He’s always hurt! What a wuss!
By Patriot
April 4, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this
Hampton is obviously too fragile to play in the majors.Three years is enough fooling around with him. Send him to the minors, trade him or just fire him….he is not helping us. 3-1 to start….same old Braves…no bull pen. I quit watching last night.
By bill
April 4, 2008 7:45 AM | Link to this
This is the end for Hampton.I don’t think he’ll make more than 2 starts this year,if that.
Jeff,thanks for the Monty Python reference.Made me smile this morning.
By Jason
April 4, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this
I was really pulling for Mike. Then I heard the announcement that he was being scratched from the game I thought to myself, not again. I liked the pole on the article were you can vote to see how many games that Mike will start. I was suprised that zero (0) wasn’t one of the choices.
By No Dawgs Here
April 4, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this
Mike Hampton is nothing more than a welfare case. 3 years now he has had something wrong. What a loser!! The Braves are even bigger losers for keeping him.
By doobird
April 4, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this
Back where he wanted to be … DL. It should be noted that he has set records for most money made while sitting on the bench watching teammates play. Will that get him in Hall of Fame? It should because records are records, right? $15 million per year not bad … I’d say he’s happy!!!!
By dorrel
April 4, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this
C’mon guys at least Chandler got us to a super bowl. Remember it the game vs Minny, he was holding his ankle then limped back out. he delivered! Hampton should leave and Booby Cocks is an idiot for having such loyalty for Hampton! I blame allof this on Booby C**! The economy, Iraq, the weeds on my lawn, Mike Vick fighting pit bulls, the democratic debacle, you name it, it’s his fault!
By justinstud
April 4, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this
The idea of a sports psychologist isn’t a bad one. But I am not sure there is any money left to pay for something like that. I remember saying that he would never pitch again after the second elbow injury, and I made the mistake of getting excited about him being back. As much as I would like him to be part of the rotation, I don’t think it will happen. And you shouldn’t criticize the guy for making a load of money, we all would do the same.
By Lou
April 4, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this
Mike Hampton was a good pitcher for the METS, but when it came to resigning him, the METS threw everything but the kitchen sink to get him back, but no, the Big Apple wasn’t good enough for him, didn’t like the town, the team, etc.,etc, so he took the big money and went to Colorado and STUNK the joint out-and now look at him-what goes around comes around-now he ain’t good enough for anybody-I don’t wish injuries on anyone-but this guy acted like a prima donna and the Braves have been sucked right into his act! (by the way, you could have guessed, I am a METS fan).
By lakeman
April 4, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
hampton has given the braves nothing over the years…he ought to be ashamed to keep taking the braves money…but just like all loosers, he has no shame..the braves should release him immediately…he is a big baby and is laughing at all of us all the way to the bank..
By Dan
April 4, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
Mike, I feel your pain. I can just imagine having to set on my back side as baseball goes on again without you. But, I know that the mental anguish will subside as soon as you take a banded stack of fresh hundred dollar bills and put it on the boo boo. I can hear the exhale of relief as you kick back suck on a long neck, that’s what I’m talking about.
By dirty
April 4, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
Tommy John to rename surgical procedure Mikey Hampton Surgery. Changing the terminology of all sport related injuries…pulled Mikey…strained Hampton…slipped Mike…strained Hamptoral muscle…listed Mike to Mike…on the MH.
By ED
April 4, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
I wish somone would pay me $15 million to pull a muscle.
Seriously he is worthless and I think he was scared to make a fool of himself trying to pitch again.
I worked six weeks in 2001 on a Torn ACL before surgery. Such wimps
By Jim
April 4, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
Mike Hampton is a complete oxygen thief! I had a feeling that he would somehow continue his 3 season free ride. That being said, I am more dissapointed in the braves for providing Jeff Bennett with only 3 runs. It’s time to get it in gear. We can’t drop these three to the Muts.
By Elvis
April 4, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
…If he can’t get well, and his act together since 2005, then before he effects the teams with his illness and post injuries, then I believe maybe its time to TRADE HAMPTON TO PIEDMONT HOSPITAL - Atlanta GA for a relief doc!!! (Dr Wells or Funk can pitch, and Both are healthily than Hampton!! LOL)
TCB,
Elvis
By opieandy
April 4, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
I’m sure the Braves are no more cursed than other teams, but here’s a list of some key acquisitions who never did much due to injury:
I’m sure there are a couple more I’m forgetting. At least Hampton has played, which is more than can be said of Mr. Esasky!
By Big Dawg
April 4, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
Another game:* Same old song and Dance. Same old Braves, Same old no Bull in the Pen. Same old BC, Same old BS, Same old Hampton. Time for a change!*
By Dean
April 4, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
This sounds like a psychological problem to me. Pain in his pectoral! Give me a break. I get tightness in several muscles every day. It’s not enough to stop me from doing my job or going about my daily activities. I think he is scared to go back out there for many reasons, many of which would make sense to me. But a scared pitcher is not a good thing. I say he gets three chances to go to the mound(if he can make it) and if he’s not effective then it’s time to call it a career.
By Joe
April 4, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
Mike, please drive to your local home depot, buy about 10 feet of rope, tie a noose, insert your head into the noose, attatch the other end of the pole sticking out of the giant pile of money you’ve stolen from the Braves over the past three years, and drop.
By xtimastah
April 4, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this
it’s gotten to the point where I don’t think he even wants to play.
what a worthless piece of crap.
By TheCutMan
April 4, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
Given his injury history, did anyone really think Hampton would hold up for even a FEW starts in 2008? Anyone?
Clearly the Braves cannot count on getting anything out of the MASH pitcher of the ages and now find themselves with crossed fingers hoping that a couple of 40+ guys can cheat the grim age reaper and somehow put together a rotation known for both its excellence and consistency in 2008.
That, afterall, will be needed for a return to the post-season. Wonder what odds Vegas would provide on that happening?
By WILL
April 4, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
HE IS SCARED TO COME BACK,KEEP JAMES UP HERE SOP I CAN MAKE SOME MONEY BETTING AGAINST THE BRAVES I CANT WAIT TILL MONDAY MY BANK ACCT WILL BE LOOKING GOOD AFTER THE METS SWEEP ATLANTA THE METS WILL ROCK HUDSON,GLAVINE AND SUNDAY SMOLTZ WONT MAKE IT OUT OF THE THIRD INNING AND THIS BULLPEN THANKS TO THE GREAT BOOY CAX IS ALREADY OVER WORKED
By jeff
April 4, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
If Mr. Hampton is making $15 mil this year, and he can expect to make 30 starts, he “earned” $500k last night.
By razorblade
April 4, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
HAMPTON SHOULD HAVE BEEN A LAWYER!! HE CAN COME UP WITH MOST ANY EXCUSE YOU CAN THINK OF!! HE WOULD BE A GREAT VICE-PRESIDENT — MAYBE EVEN THE PRESIDENT!!
I FOR ONE; AM SICK OF HEARING ABOUT MIKE THE WUSS!! HOPE HE ENJOYS EVERY DOLLAR HE GETS. ALSO TIRED OF BOBBY COX MAKING EXCUSES FOR THIS GUY! BRAVES; DO US ALL A FAVOR! LET THIS BABY GO AND GET SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO PLAY BASEBALL!! THERE ARE GUYS OUT THERE WHO NEED A JOB AND WOULD APPRECIATE THE CHANCE!! POOR MIKE!! GO GET A REAL JOB!! AND IF YOU HAVE A COUPLE OF BUCKS TO SPARE; I NEED TO GET THE BABY A NEW PAIR OF SHOES. AND MAYBE A GALLON OF GAS!! SORRY MIKE; BUT YOU ARE A LOOSER!! A RICH LOOSER!! BUT STILL A LOOSER!! BRAVES; FOR PUTTING UP WITH THIS GUY!! — WHAT A JOKE!!
By WILL
April 4, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
WHERES MY OPINION AT THE BRAVES SUX THE WHOLE TEAM BRING ON THE GEORGIA BULLDOGS
By WILL
April 4, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
WHERES MY ARTICLES AT
By willdave
April 4, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
By now it’s clearly obvious that Mike Hampton is simply too prone to injury to have an effective career as a Major League pitcher. I know Hampton really wants to pitch, and he’s doing everything he can to resume his career. However, the Braves need to go ahead, cut their losses, release the man and find a starter who posseses more durability. Nothing personal. Hampton seems like a wonderful human being and at one time showed great potential as a pitcher. However, MLB is a business and must be conducted that way.
Whatever happens, I wish Mike the best.
By Rex
April 4, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
A good pitcher (and a pretty good hitter, too) when he is healthy…which, unfortunately for Hampton and the Braves, is never. I say give him his money, release him, and get someone else in the lineup.
By reebok
April 4, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
Why does Hampton even bother to show up at the ballpark? He could pretend he fell in the shower and save the drive.
By WILL
April 4, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
IMILLION TO I THAT ODDS ARE THAT HAMPTON WILL PITCH 10GAMES THIS YEAR AND FINISH THE 5TH INNING.THIS WHOLE TEAM SUX THEY ARE 1AND 3 AGAINST WASHINTON AND PIITSBURG THEY WILL BE 1-6 COME MONDAY THEY ARE THE WORST AT LOSING 1RUN GAMES IF I HAD A QUARTER FOR EVERYTIME THE ATLANTA BRAVES HAVE LOST A 1RUN GAME ICOULD BUY A BRAND NEW JAGUAR THATS A FACT THIS IS WHY I BET AGAINST THE BRAVES EVERY GAME IWILL BE IN GOOD FINANCIAL SHAPE COME SEPTEMBER THIS TEAM IS NOT ANY GOOD THEY ARE LIVING OFF THERE REPUTATION JUST LIKE THE YANKEES ARE.
By by johnny
April 4, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
Its like when i buy a loser in the stock market. I get rid of it and never look back.
By Blane
April 4, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
Opieandy: You forgot about Len Barker and the “Mad Hungarian” Al Hrabosky.
By Carlton Powell
April 4, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
Time for reality check. If this current injury lingers, the Braves absolutely need to re-evaluate their situation. Sure, we’re only one week into the season, but the Brave’s should have won three games against the Pirates. The Mets and Phillies are just around the corner. Unless Hampton can pitch effectively and consistantly, he needs to be released. Enough already. The Braves MUST do what they need to do to re-sign Tex. They need the money not paying Hampton would free up. Do what they have to do NOW. If not, the Braves will be so far behind the Mets and Phillies, no amount of good play will help. And, with Pedro on the DA for probably 6 weeks, the table is certainly set. Making the kinds of tough decisions such as these regarding Hampton’s future are where GM’s earn their pay. For the record, I just finished running 3.5 miles on my treadmill. My back hurts a bit. I took 3 Advil and am gonna work 8-9 hours today. IT IS time to “man up.”
By stilldefiant
April 4, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
This has to be one of the funniest articles I’ve read in a long time. Classic! That being said, I hope the Braves will overcome and do well this season. Go Braves!
By WILL
April 4, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
WHY DID YOU TAKE MY ARTICLES AWAY THE BRAVES ABSOLUTELY SUX IDONT CARE IF IF ITS HOT WEATHER OR COLD THE GEORGIA BULLDOGS WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP WITH A TORNADO IN TOWN WIN 2GAMES IN 1 DAY AND THIS BRAVES TEAM CANT WIN A DAMN BASEBALL GAME ITS PATHETIC SELL THIS STINKING TEAM TO VEGAS,
By leroy
April 4, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
Mike Hampton is the Grant Hill of MLB.
By the time Hampton throws another pitch- IF he actually throws another pitch- in a major league game he will have taken over $40,000,000 from the owners and fans of the Braves with a clear conscience.
Unbelievable…
By Hotrod
April 4, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
You must trade him now if possible while he is half healthy.Take what ever you can get.
By WILL
April 4, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
CHALK GETTING HAMPTON UP TO BEING THE STUPIEST FRANCHISE BESIDES THE PHILLIES BECAUSE THE PHILLIES HAVE LOST 10000 GAMES THE BRAVES ARE NOT FAR BEHIND
By True story
April 4, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
No lie. I was on my way home from work listening to the pregame and I texted my friend, “$100 says Hampton’s arm explodes tonight!”. The story was that he was making his first appearance in over two years, since August 2005. Then I tuned back in after changing stations and heard that “Bennett” was pitching. Since Bennett is new I was thinking this was the Pirates pitcher, but I heard the broadcaster mention Corky Miller too, who I knew was a Brave. I was shocked the rest of the ride home and wondered if his arm had indeed EXPLODED. I was wrong, it was his CHEST that exploded and in the pregame bullpen warmup no less! Its time the Braves cut their losses and free up a roster spot. Hampton is cursed.
By tpm
April 4, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
The amazing thing about this is Mike Hampton has not pitched 200+ innings since 2001.” That guy is a bulldog and wants to finish games” Buck Belue once opined on the radio.
This team will not win with a jurassic park rotation.
By 82DAWG
April 4, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
After a while a person’s body just gives out on them. For some it’s in their 60’s, some their 50’s, some much sooner. Hampton’s body has given out on him. It’s time for him to collect his last millions from the Braves and retire to Texas or Montana or wherever.
By Bama
April 4, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
The Braves are in BIG TROUBLE
By jeff
April 4, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
Will, during the 14 year championship run of Atlanta, our Braves finished a collective 170 games ahead of the Mutts. This, no doubt, has caused among Mutt fans a psychological disorder known as Traumatic Stress Disorder. You may have heard of it: Soldiers returning from war, not used to the intensity of the battle, struggle to regain the equilibrium necessary to function normally in everyday life. Obviously the gut wrenching collapse of 2007 hasn’t helped. My suggestion, as your superior, is to find help,not here on the Braves blog, but on the couch of a trained therapist.
By WILL
April 4, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
this braves team is so bad it will take them extra innings to learn how to wipe there tails because they are pathetic, we saw another player they traded TYLER YATES what did he do last night struck out the great CHIPPER JONES WAY TO GO YOU STUPID WREN KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK MAYBE YOU SHOULD TRADE HAMPTON TO MARS AND GET HIS RICH A SS OUT OF OUR GEORGIA FACES THIS TEAM MAKES ME SICK .
By fedup
April 4, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
I’m in my late 40’s & play racquetball once a week. Yeah, I’m sore before and after the matches, yet I play. Athletes do that - they play through the pain.
I don’t know Hampton personally, but he’s lost that perspective.
My greatest fear? He does come back, has a decent year, and then tries to hit the Braves up for a fat contract next year… Given what’s transpired the last 3 years I’m thinking he should play for free - if he can suck it up and deal with it.
By Jerry
April 4, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
What in the world is with you people? Mike Hampton is not a con man, but he is human! You act like he is being hurt on purpose. There is NO one anywhere that wants him to come back any more than him! Give the man a break!(No pun intended)
By RW Albany
April 4, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
Why would want to retire now. This guy is laughing all the way to the bank.
By Mark
April 4, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
Let’s call it like it is: he’ll find any injury to avoid staying on the mound. It’s not unfortunate, he’s not “made of glass”, it’s not bad luck; he’s just chicken. Until someone calls him out he’ll just keep laying eggs. Can you spell C-O-W-A-R-D.
By WILL
April 4, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
I AM UNEMPLOYED, AND A VIETNAM VET AND I CANT GET A DAMN JOB AND THEY PAY THIS PIECE OF CRAP TO SIT ON HIS A SS AND THROW A PITCH NOW AND THEN AND I CANT GET HELP FOR MY AUTISTIC DAUGTER IHOPE FRANK WREN, JOHN SCHURHOLTZ, AND ALL THESE PLAYERS IN ATLANTA THAT CALLS THEMSELVES BALLPLAYERS GO AND DROWN THEMSELVES IN LAKE SINCLAIR IDONT EVEN WASTE MY 3HOURS OF ELECTRICITY TO WATCH THESE SOORY EXCUSES FOR BASEBALL PLAYERS THIS IS THE LAST THING I WILL SAY AS THIS WHOLE BRAVES TEAM IS NOT WORTH IT ANYMORE,IHOPE THEY SELL THIS TEAM TO A CITY THAT WANTS THEM BECAUSE THEY ARE REALLY WORTHLESS.
By Chris Chandler
April 4, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
Mike, you are a bum. Give the money back and retire.
By WILL
April 4, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
1AND 3 AGAINST LAST PLACE TEAM UNLESS THE BRAVES GET AN OWNER THAT CARES LIKE THE GREAT ARTHUR BLANK MLB SHOULD HAVE SOLD THE BRAVES TO ARTHUR INSTEAD OF SOME COLORADO BULL SHI TTERS WE COULD HAVE ALREDY BEEN BACK IN THE POSTSEASON BRING BACK WHERE ARE YOU AT TED TURNER.
By jcfromindy
April 4, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
YIPPEE……….. the Braves suck and so does Bobby Cox. I have no sympathy…………. YIPPEE, no good will come to the Braves……… Sounds like you guys could use Andrew Jones…………..
Crybabies!
By Joe
April 4, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
The guy is clearly just scared to pitch right now, and he is STEALING MONEY, just like that bum Speedy Claxton.
If he is scared to go he should just retire, but he is so greedy he just keeps making up injuries. A pulled pec? Are you kidding me?
By Bailer
April 4, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
Dig up schoolboy, he would be worth more to us
By WILL
April 4, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
THAKS AJC FOR LETTING ME GET MY STEAM OFF AND JEFF SHULTZ THIS YOUR BEST ARTICLE EVER KEEP UP THE GOOD BLOGS.
By milesarcher33
April 4, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Pro Ahletes stretch and use muscles that most of us don’t even know exist. While Mike Hampton may be roaring to go, his body clearly isn’t. This isn’t to say that he is out of shape. In my view, his muscles aren’t yet accustomed to the demands of professional athletics. While hopefully, his body and muscles will get acclimated, only time will tell. It’s possible that after this injury everything will be fine. It’s equally possible that after the long layoff and his advancing age (not that he’s an old man like me) his musculature will never adopt. It’s not yet time to give up and let’s give him the benfit of the doubt. Obviously, if nagging injuries persist, the Braves will do the right thing and he won’t be re-signed next year. In the meantime, since we’re paying him 15 million dollars (alot of money by anyone’s standards) let’s get the most we can out of him. Don’t get discouraged, the Braves certainly had in mind coming into this season (unlike last season) a Plan “B” for a fifth starter; i.e. Chuck James, Jeff Bennett and Jojo Reyes.
By Hamptonitis
April 4, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Mike Hampton has a major psychological problem. Who did Smoltzy go see when he was 2-11 back in ‘91? He ended up 14-13 that year after seeing that sports psychologist…
By Gator73082
April 4, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
The only losers that I see around here are YOU, so-called FANS! You’re all bashing on thi