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Rockies' ties to Hampton coming to end

By Gerry Fraley, Special to the Rocky

Published September 8, 2008 at 1:06 p.m.

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Starting pitcher Mike Hampton pitched two forgetful seasons for the Rockies, going 21-28 with a 5.75 ERA.

Photo by Ed Andrieski / Associated Press/2001

Starting pitcher Mike Hampton pitched two forgetful seasons for the Rockies, going 21-28 with a 5.75 ERA.

Long wait rewarded

Former Rockies left-hander Mike Hampton this season became only the fifth major leaguer in the past 30 years to have 100-plus career victories and go more than 1,000 days between wins. The list, according to the Elias Sports Bureau:

Jose Rijo (won July 13, 1995; April 21, 2002; with 2,474 days between wins); Dave Stieb (April 29, 1993; Aug. 29, 1998; 1,948 days); Floyd Bannister (May 15, 1989; May 27, 1992; 1,108 days); Mike Hampton (Aug. 14, 2005; Aug. 5, 2008; 1,087 days); Dennis Leonard (May 23, 1983; April 12, 1986; 1,055 days).

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Tonight's series opener at Atlanta brings a touch of melancholy for the Rockies. They can walk across Turner Field and personally wish a longtime employee happy birthday and farewell.

Mike Hampton.

The conclusion of this season marks the end of the eight-year contract Hampton originally signed with the Rockies, a costly relationship that never took hold.

The Rockies will be free of a financial obligation once they pay the $6 million buyout on his option for 2009 - a sum that was prefunded so it won't impact Rockies finances.

Hampton, who turns 36 Tuesday, will try free agency again.

Do not look for a reconciliation.

"I try not to look back in the rearview mirror," said Hampton, who has returned to Atlanta's rotation. "Denver was a tough place to pitch, but I didn't hold up my end, either. I've always been sorry that I didn't do better there and have things work out the way we wanted."

In their free-spending days, the Rockies gave Hampton an eight- year, $121-million contract in December 2000. It became a staggering miss.

Hampton pitched two fitful seasons with the Rockies, going 21-28 with a 5.75 ERA before moving to Atlanta through Florida. The Rockies had to pick up some of the remaining $84.5 million on the contract to make the deal work.

Both parties moved on long ago.

The Rockies are wiser for the experience. The Hampton collapse convinced them that development was the only way for the franchise to go. The Rockies are zealots on that approach, which produced a World Series appearance last season.

"The biggest thing that came out of it was that we faced the reality of who we are and what direction we had to go in," Rockies general manger Dan O'Dowd said. "We were trying to be something we weren't. Since that point, the organization has really had one common vision: Win through scouting and player development."

Hampton has had a harder time since the split.

"I wouldn't wish what I've gone through on anyone," he said.

After winning 27 games with the Braves in 2003 and 2004, Hampton ran into a string of injury problems. The 2005 season ended for Hampton with a start Aug. 19. His next major league start came this season, on July 26.

He underwent two major elbow surgeries. Every time Hampton seemed close to a return, another injury arose: a strained groin, a pulled hamstring, a strained pectoral muscle. As the disappointments mounted, Hampton remained determined.

"I'm not going to throw in the towel, regardless of how distant the light at the end of the tunnel seemed," Hampton said. "It was frustrating, but I always thought I'd get back on the mound."

Hampton was running on full adrenaline when he finally made it back to the mound and allowed six runs in four innings during a no-decision against Philadelphia. He settled down after that and has become progressively more effective.

On Aug. 5, Hampton went seven good innings to beat San Francisco. It was his first major league victory since Aug. 14, 2005. He became the first major leaguer since Jose Rijo in 2002 to have 100-plus career victories and go more than 1,000 days between wins.

Hampton, who is not scheduled to face the Rockies, has had four quality starts in his past five outings. He is throwing strikes again - 12 walks in the past 44 innings - and sinking the fastball.

Atlanta manager Bobby Cox said Hampton is "getting close, really close" to being what he once was. Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell said Hampton has shown the arm works well again, but he must scrape off more rust.

"I've still got a ways to go," Hampton said. "I haven't pitched in three years, so it takes some time. But I do feel like I'm getting closer, each and every outing.

"I feel like I've been rehabbing for three years for this moment. To be able to go out and compete again, that's a very gratifying feeling."

Hampton acknowledged these starts serve as an audition for every major league team, save the Rockies. The taste this season has convinced Hampton that he wants to continue pitching.

Maybe Hampton could become the first pitcher older than 35 years old to go more than two years between 10-win seasons since Lynwood "Schoolboy" Rowe, who returned from World War II service in 1946 to win 11 games with the Philadelphia Phillies at age 36.

Re-signing with the Braves is a possibility. Hampton is well-regarded in the clubhouse, third baseman Chipper Jones said, and the rotation is thin.

Cox said the Braves could need to add as many as four starting pitchers in the offseason. Hampton's injury history will factor into the Braves' decision.

"Hopefully, I can impress enough teams so that someone will take a shot," Hampton said.

Someone will bite. If a pitcher is left-handed and breathing, teams will be interested. This time, the Rockies will not be calling.

Comments

  • September 8, 2008

    4:10 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Hayduke1 writes:

    Dan O'Dowd said. "We were trying to be something we weren't. Since that point, the organization has really had one common vision: win through scouting and player development."

    So Dan, when does the winning start?

  • September 9, 2008

    7:32 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    warrengfunk7 writes:

    Mike Hampton was always a good guy and a good team mate. I think he loved Colorado as well--that says something about him. I always thought he woudl turn things around.

    No regrets though Hampton. You did your best bud, don't regret not doing more. The only way you need to repay Colorado for that expensive overpay, is allow Colorado to win this game against you.

    That's right, they are 6 games out and every win is huge. Dish them up some phat ones down the middle.

  • September 9, 2008

    7:40 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    warrengfunk7 writes:

    Man Hampton, not facing the Rockies? Maybe you can talk Cox into starting you at 3B in place of Chipper? We all know you can hit, but it might help the Rockies to have you in the lineup over Chipper.

    Work your magic, just tell Cox you want to face your old team, give Chipper a day off, don't risk him getting hurt in a meaningless game. yah!!! ha,. hah, ha, ha!!!!!! DO IT!! HA< HA< HAH< HA!!! Cool

  • September 9, 2008

    3:05 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    street2 writes:

    It's too bad good players have to play for gun-shy management and ownership. Take a chance and give this team a chance.

  • September 9, 2008

    4:49 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Hambone writes:

    guy was a great athelete. it's too bad his legacy keeps the Rockies gunshy about big name pitchers.

    C;mon Rocks!! They other two teams are trying to give you a chance to get back in it!!

  • September 9, 2008

    5:12 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    ColoradoSpringsFan writes:

    Excuse me Hayduke1? When does the winning start? Try last year, we went to this little thing called the World Series. Maybe you have heard of it? Small market teams have short windows because of the cost of players. Can I point out that Oakland and Minn. Twins, both of which are considered the "best organizations" among the small market, have not made it to the WS in the high dollar era. We did. You can say fluke, but honestly small market teams need help to hit it big. So stop blaming Dan O'Dowd for not giving you a winner. It was 15 years before we made it to the WS, and it was 17 years before the Broncos made it the SB.

    And before anyone says, "The Monforts should sell" I ask, sell to whom? People with money don't want to lose money. They buy good assets. I remember a few years back everyone wanted Kroenke to buy the Rockies. Yea, and what has he done with the Avs and Nugs? Right, cut salary because losing money with anything less than a great shot at a championship is what fans do with other people's money.

    We tried the free agent thing in 2001. It failed and failed bad. Yes, it may mean that Holliday is gone, but you do not want to be in the same situation 5 years down the road where Matt has begun the slide on his production and the great young talent cannot be kept because of that contract, as we are today with Helton. Its always a lot harder running a real sports team than fantasy teams (though I will admit, i stink at fantasy everything).