Sometimes a news story breaks that has so many punchlines that my brain just overloads and freezes. I believe that we have one of those situations on our hands. Ed Wade, veteran-loving GM of the Astros, has signed veteran free agent starter Mike Hampton to a contract of undisclosed terms. Hampton has thrown less than 150 innings since 2004 due to a slew of injury problems, so of course I have to mention that it's pending a physical.
Once upon a time (or, more accurately, in 1999), a younger, healthier Hampton went 22-4 for the Astros in the Astrodome, which was more or less pitcher heaven. He's never really done anything like that since, though the eight-year, $121 million contract he signed with the Rockies in the winter of 2000 is still one of the biggest ever for a pitcher. This contract is presumably for much less than that.
To be honest, I'm just not seeing the attraction here for the Astros. Hampton turned 36 in September and has 25 starts in the past four seasons, including missing all of 2006 and 2007. He fought a bunch of injuries again in 2008 and just wasn't all that great in his 13 starts. I thought pursuing Randy Wolf was pointless, so I guess this is double-pointless for the 'Stros.
This move likely means the Astros are no longer interested in Wolf, but If Wade can manage to bring him back into the fold as well, maybe he can get 25 starts out of the two old lefties and just pretend they're one player.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-01-2008 @ 4:54PM
Jim L said...
I don't think Hampton means the Astros are opting out of Wolf. Wolf came through admirably for Htn, so I think you were wrong about how pointless that hire was. As for Hampton, the contract is only for 2 mil with some incentives. His last six starts in '08 were solid, so this is a leveraged looksee. Since Drayton is trying to hold payroll at 100 mil (that's AFTER raises to current roster), Htn appears to be aiming at a run with a very mid-level payroll. If Hampton could be a fifth starter, this would be a good deal.
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12-01-2008 @ 6:21PM
Ben Brown said...
There is absolutely no loyalty anymore. If Hampton had any at all he'd play for the Braves for the minimum for a couple of seasons since he has essentially been stealing money from them for years. I can't believe with his track record and injury list that anyone would give him a 2 million dollar base and a possible additional couple of million in incentives! Incentives for what? Showing up for a start? Showering after every practice? It sure won't be for start(s) as in multiples. Maybe "a" start - as in singular - every now and again. Just look at his "IPMP" or "innings per millions paid" the last five years or so. All I can say is it must be good to be Mike Hampton...
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12-02-2008 @ 12:47AM
Joshua said...
Stealing money from the Braves? Uh, no. Try "stealing money from the Marlins", whom Hampton forced to trade him to the Braves, and the Braves forced the Marlins to pick up his contract through 2006. So, if there were any justice, he would be forced to play for the Marlins, and at the veteran's minimum at that.
12-02-2008 @ 10:37AM
Jen G said...
I agree with Jim L...he has been strong since returning to the mound. As for "stealing"...Do you guys REALLY think that Hampton got injured ON PURPOSE????? Get a life! Some players live their life to play ball and an injury is usually a major setback. You go and get the Tommy johns surgery and see how your life is after that. More power to Hampton for getting back out there and FIGHTING for what he wants the most...to play ball! We'll be there CHEERING for him EVERY STEP of the way!
Signed,
A TRUE HAMPTON FAN!
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