Mike Hampton will not pitch in '07

[DravenX]

Braves.mlb.com

ATLANTA -- When he acquired Mike Hampton before the start of the 2003 season, Braves general manager John Schuerholz was lauded for his ability to work a deal that would provide his club with what appeared to be a three-year bargain.

Unfortunately, Hampton was still under contract for six years and, with the injury woes that have followed the veteran left-handed pitcher, now appears to have been anything but a bargain for the Braves.

While being evaluated by Dr. David Altchek in New York City on Monday, Hampton learned that he'll be forced to miss his second consecutive season. He has a torn flexor tendon in his left elbow that Altchek will attempt to repair during a surgical procedure on Tuesday morning.

Altchek has told the Braves that it will be another six to nine months before Hampton is able to resume pitching activities. The 34-year-old left-hander hasn't pitched since Altchek performed Tommy John surgery on him on Sept. 25, 2005.

"It's disappointing because Mike has worked so hard physically and mentally to come back to pitch for us," Braves general manager John Schuerholz said. "He wants to pitch again for us almost as bad we want him back pitching for us."

[rockin500]

cant say that i am shocked.

[ATLien]

He should just retire.

[browntown653]

If anybody was expecting anything from him anyway...that's a shame.

[brewersfan19]

uuummmm.. is it time to just cut your losses or ties with Hampton and move on to get someone else to pitch. What do you think about that Mr. Wood, oooppps, I mean Mr. Prior, ooooppss again, I mean Mr. Hampton. These three have some sort of plot to stay inactive and collect huge amounts of money or something?