Citrus: The Mike Hampton report

LAST OUTING: In Colorado's 10-1 loss to Arizona on Oct. 2, Hampton allowed 9 hits and 8 earned runs in 61/3 innings to receive the defeat. At the plate, he was 0-for-2.

NEXT SCHEDULED APPEARANCE: None.

THE SKINNY: Hampton was suspended for five games and fined $1,500 for plunking Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson and admitting he did so because Johnson tagged Hampton teammate Larry Walker with a pitch earlier in the game. Hampton did not appeal the suspension, ending the left-hander's first season with the Rockies. The fine will be donated to relief funds for the terrorist attacks. After signing a record $121 million, eight-year contract, Hampton started strong for Colorado. He opened with a 9-2 record and was picked to play in the All-Star Game. But during the second half, he struggled. In 1999 and 2000, Hampton allowed a combined 22 homers in more than 450 innings. This season, he gave up a career-worst 31. Hampton's ERA during six starts in May was 2.45. By season's end, it was at 5.41. All wasn't lost. At the plate, Hampton tied the National League record for a pitcher by slugging seven home runs. And in the field, he was was errorless.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Johnson "hit our best player two times in a row," Hampton told the Rocky Mountain News. "That's part of the game. I have to protect my players. If anyone understands that (the Diamondbacks) do. They have a veteran team."

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright