At some point, onlookers might stop watching pitcher Mike Hampton's every movement at spring training, waiting to see if he'll wince or grab his leg or arm after a pitch. But not yet.

Hampton's throwing sessions draw cameramen and reporters, and attentive fans curious watch to see if the veteran left-hander can remain healthy. So far, so good.

"Getting stronger," Hampton said after throwing bullpen and batting-practice sessions without incident. He cursed after one pitch, only because it didn't go where he intended.

Too many times in the past, discomfort was the source of such displayed frustration.

Hampton missed the past two seasons recovering from two elbow surgeries more than a year apart.

"Toughest thing I've ever dealt with in my life," he said, "but it's in the past."