Hampton sidelined through '06

By wire services
Published September 21, 2005

ATLANTA - Braves left-hander Mike Hampton, the former Crystal River standout, is scheduled for major elbow surgery Monday and likely will miss the 2006 season.

Hampton, 33, will have Tommy John surgery in New York, where he was examined last weekend by Dr. Dave Altchek.

"The expected return is 2007," general manager John Schuerholz said. "Recovery from the arm surgery takes about a year. And if you try to do anything short of that, it's not appropriate."

Hampton endured an injury-plagued season that included four stints on the disabled list. The first two times he was sidelined with a strained forearm, and doctors eventually determined the pain was coming from his elbow.

Hampton was sidelined twice more with a sore back, which was diagnosed as a herniated disc.

Also, Atlanta right-hander John Smoltz will skip tonight's scheduled start because of a sore shoulder.

FIXATION PUZZLES BONDS: In the nation's capital on his first road trip of 2005, Barry Bonds questioned why Congress, the media and fans continue to talk about steroids.

"I think we have other issues in this country to worry about that are a lot more serious. I think you guys should direct your efforts into taking care of that," the Giants slugger said before facing the Nationals. "Talk about the athletes that are helping Katrina. Ask yourselves how much money y'all personally donated and have helped."

Asked whether Congress was wasting time by looking into steroid use in sports, Bonds responded: "Pretty much, I think so. Yeah."

CHAPEL LEADER SUSPENDED: The Nationals chapel leader was suspended after a flap over comments about Jews.

Jon Moeller will not be allowed access to the clubhouse while the team investigates. The Nationals have asked the Christian ministry Baseball Chapel, which appoints and oversees the volunteers, to provide a replacement.

O'S LEADER WANTS CHAT: Orioles interim manager Sam Perlozzo said he wants to talk soon with first baseman Rafael Palmeiro, who has not been with the team for most of September. Palmeiro has been in Texas since the Orioles sent him home Sept. 5 to rest his injured knee and ankle.

Meanwhile, Baltimore All-Star second baseman Brian Roberts left the game against the Yankees in the second with a dislocated left elbow.

OBITUARY: Joe Bauman, whose 72 minor-league home runs in 1954 stood as a professional record until Bonds hit 73 in 2001, died in Roswell, N.M., from pneumonia. He was 83. Mr. Bauman set the home run record in 1954 in the Class C Longhorn League, one rung above the lowest minor-league level of the time.

TWINS: Shannon Stewart's left shoulder causes him so much pain that the leftfielder is unlikely to play again this season.

YANKEES: Right-hander Mike Mussina said he plans to pitch Thursday. He has not pitched in September because of inflammation near his elbow.

[Last modified September 21, 2005, 00:25:10]