Hampton Gone, Other Updates

Written by Colin on December 2, 2008 – 8:39 am

Mike Hampton is suffering from Tom Glavine Syndrome. He accepted a contract with the Houston Astros for less money than the Braves were offering to be closer to his kids. While we can’t fault him, we sure can make fun of him for taking just over $95,000 each inning. And by make fun of him, we do mean “be jealous of” him – wouldn’t we all take that job? Hope he can stay healthy for the Astros. Looks like it’s a one year, $2 million contract. We wish him nothing but the best. The Braves now need to fill 3 spots in the rotation.

ESPN is reporting that the Braves are not likely to get Jake Peavy, but it could be revived at any time. Speculation is that our offer is still on the table and that if the Padres decide to play ball, we’ll end up with Peavy after all. Sounds like they’re just being unreasonable with what they want for Peavy.

ESPN also said that with $40 million to spend, the Braves will upgrade their starting pitching. No duh. That was helpful. I could have a TV show if that’s all I needed to say.

Looks like the Braves didn’t land Junichi Tazawa, the 22 year old Japanese phenom. Two separate newspaper reports indiciate he’ll sign with the Red Sox on a 3 year major league contract soon. That’s a shame – I’d have loved to see him pitch here in Atlanta. Here’s hoping two major newspapers are full of crap.

What do you think the Braves can do from this point forward to make the best of the offseason?  No CC? No Peavy? No Tazawa? Should we forget about pitching and just buy all the offense we want? If not, who do we want?


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Posted in Speculation | 3 Comments »


3 Responses to “Hampton Gone, Other Updates”

  1. By Jonathan on Dec 2, 2008 | Reply

    Whether he signs with the Red Sox or not, don't look for Tazawa in Atlanta. He's already declined the Braves' offer.

    I'm still hoping that something happens and the Padres can't deal Peavy to anyone and that they come back to negotiations. Wren said he was still open to the idea but that San Diego would have to make the first move to reinitiate that process.

    I'm starting to get a bit worried about our pitching next season with Hampton leaving. I never thought I'd say I didn't want to see him go, but things are starting to look a little sparse. We absolutely have to get pitching this offseason. Look what good it did for us to not have it last season.

  2. By Matt on Dec 2, 2008 | Reply

    You know…this is a frustrating feeling…

    It's absolutely no secret that the braves need quality starting pitching…yet they can't seem to get a handle on getting some new hurlers, or even keep old ones. Like Jonathan, I'm suprised to hear myself say this, but I wish Hampton wasn't leaving. It also feels like a bit of a betrayal when Atlanta hung by him during all of his injuries and now he bails now that he's healthy, but hey, it's a job, so I guess I get it.

    Here's hoping Wren pulls a Scheurholz….and to good meetings in Vegas.

  3. By Alan O. on Dec 7, 2008 | Reply

    I agree that Hampton kinda bailed on the Braves. I wrote a short article on just this subject: http://www.braves.gasportsforums.com/
    (hopefully it is ok to post the link, if not, i'm sorry and i can post the highlights of my article here)

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