Rootin’ for a Summer in the Hampton(s)

I’ve always liked Mike Hampton and thought it was far more gutsy a move for him to sign with the Rockies (in 2001 for 8 years and $121 million) than Denny Neagle.

I thought it was all going to workout fine when he tossed an 8-0 Opening Day gem…at Coors Field. Alas…

Fast forward to 2008. After two years on the shelf, Hampton is attempting to bounce back — once and for all — with the Braves.

[T]he 35-year-old Hampton is back on the mound, trying to show in the early days of spring training that he’s still got a little something left in that scarred-up pitching arm.

“I’ve been preparing for this day since the day after the surgery,” Hampton said. “I’m excited.”

For the record, he’s referring to last year’s operation on his balky left elbow, the one that cut short Hampton Comeback, Version 2007. At that time, he was coming off Tommy John surgery, which replaced the ligament in his elbow and cost him the ‘06 season. When the pain returned, he went back under the knife for a torn flexor tendon.

Another season gone.

I’m hoping the same won’t be said about 2008 for Hampton.