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Hampton Injured
Written by Colin on November 27, 2007 – 1:01 pmNo, this isn’t a repeat article dug out of the archives from early 2007. Or from 2006. Or from 2005. Mike Hampton is (again) injured after making only one start for his Mexican Winter League team. Hampton lasted just one inning before having issues with his leg.
Hampton apparently may not even be back to pitch again this Winter. The Braves are still hoping he can recover enough to compete for a rotation slot this Spring, but aren’t counting on Hampton’s arm. Frank Wren used the phrase “cautiously optimistic” – which could mean anything, knowing Hampton’s health.
Since he arrived from the Rockies after the 2002 season, Hampton has been on the DL eight times. He’s had multiple elbow re-constructive and repair surgeries including Tommy John surgery. Even though insurance covers a portion of Hampton’s salary when he’s on the DL, the Braves likely have to pick up between 40 and 60% – somewhere between $6 and $9 million.
Even if Hampton is done for the year, the Braves are not likely to go after another starting pitcher after signing Tom Glavine, one source says. I’m not sure how I like this strategy, but they do need to focus on a few other pressing needs. After those are taken care of, we need another quality young arm.
We’ll keep you updated as we hear more. Let us know your thoughts – should the Braves go after another starting pitcher or spend their money elsewhere?
Colin
Posted in General | 2 Comments »
By Melissa on Nov 27, 2007 | Reply
Hampton continues to hold the Braves’ hopes up, but I think it’s time for people to realize that he may not be coming back…for goodness sake, the man is 35, he’s getting old(er), he’s had numerous surgeries and right when he begins to look like he might possibly be back for half a year, he blows something else out. I’m getting tired of hearing about all of his injuries, personally. Oh well, we’ll see what happens.
By Melissa on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
Hampton continues to hold the Braves' hopes up, but I think it's time for people to realize that he may not be coming back…for goodness sake, the man is 35, he's getting old(er), he's had numerous surgeries and right when he begins to look like he might possibly be back for half a year, he blows something else out. I'm getting tired of hearing about all of his injuries, personally. Oh well, we'll see what happens.