Post from: Knuckle Curve

Soriano has done a nice job (.297/.336/.511) so far, although he’s now out 2-4 weeks with a strained right quadriceps. Of course, the Cubs signed a few other high-profile free agents (Aramis Ramirez, Ted Lilly, Jason Marquis) to the tune of nearly $300 million, so it’s not like Soriano is solely responsible for the Cubs’ improvement this year.

Zito has been terrible for a Giants team that is going nowhere fast. Mike Hampton taught us a valuable lesson about the wisdom of locking up finesse lefties to a long-term deal, but evidently some folks weren’t paying attention. If Hampton is any guide, Zito will be pitching for a contender in 2009 — I’ll say the Mets — with San Francisco picking up most of his salary.

Lee is having a solid season in Houston (.298/.352/.531) for a team that can’t compete in a weak division. The Astros are drawing about 200 fewer fans per game in ‘07 than they did last year, so he isn’t really helping at the gate either. The Astros have had just one losing season (72-90 in 2000) since 1992, but this year looks like another for them. With all due respect to Lee, who is a fine ballplayer, I think they probably don’t need his help to do that.

Finally, I have to mention Gil Meche. The $55 million man got off to a hot start with Kansas City but has come back to Earth since then. On the bright side, he does have his Royals on pace for their first 70-win season since 2003. If Matt Morris is Wayne Newton, then Meche must be Robert Goulet. Come to think of it, I always kind of liked Goulet…

Post from: Knuckle Curve

Again.

Hampton will undergo elbow surgery on Tuesday and is expected to miss 6-9 months. He missed all of last season and made just 12 starts for the Braves in 2005. Bummer for Hampton and the Braves, to say the very least.

Not to change the subject or anything, but how was signing Barry Zito to a 7-year contract a good idea? And no, I’m not reacting to his two poor starts to start the season. Anyone who thinks that Zito comes without risk needs to take a good hard look at Hampton for an idea of what can go wrong.

They’re two different players, to be sure. Used to be a time, though, when a lot of folks thought Hampton was a sure thing.

Come to think of it, Hampton still is a sure thing. It’s just not the kind of thing you want to be known for if you’re a professional ballplayer…

Post from: Knuckle Curve

Hey if it wasn’t for bad luck y’all
Oh! I wouldn’t have no luck at all

I doubt the late, great Ray Charles was singing about Atlanta Braves left-hander Mike Hampton, but the sentiment applies. Hampton, who missed all of 2006 while recovering from “Tommy John” surgery, hurt himself Wednesday during batting practice:

While taking his third and final round of batting practice at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex on Wednesday afternoon, Hampton took a swing and fell to the ground in pain. It’s still unknown whether he suffered a strained left oblique or broken rib.

Depending on the severity of the injury, Hampton is expected to be out until at least the end of April. Tough break for Hampton. Here’s hoping he can heal quickly and resume his career.

Post from: Knuckle Curve