Mike Hampton woke up the morning after the 2003 season and ended and hoped it was all a nightmare. It wasn't. It was Denver that was the nightmare, and it was very real. Hampton had in two years gone from one of the premier pitchers in the National League to one of the worst.

After being traded from the Houston Astros to the New York Mets in 2000, Hampton put together yet another quality year, winning 15 games with an ERA just over 3.00. This was his free agent year, and he was considered to be THE free agent pitcher that fall. He was told, "Go anywhere you want but Denver. You'll never survive there." Of course, it was the Rockies that offered the most money, and Hampton believed his sinker would keep him safe at Coors Field. Hampton took the money and ran.

At first, things went well. He was 6-2 with an ERA under 4.00, and even hit a couple of home runs. But by June, things fell apart. After June 15th, Hampton ran up a record of 8-11 with an ERA over 7.00. 2002 was worse, as Hampton lost what little confidence he had left. He won 7 games and saw his ERA climb to 6.15. By the end of the season, he was an overpriced commodity that no one wanted. He couldn't pitch anymore, and he was getting paid buckets of money to pitch poorly. One team wanted him, but couldn't come up with the right combination of players to trade for him. Enter the Marlins.

The Rockies, happy to rid themselves of their big mistake, traded Hampton and Juan Pierre to the Marlins for Preston Wilson and Charles Johnson, The next day, Hampton was dealt to the Braves for Tim Spooneybarger. The Marlins & Rockies ate the majority of Hampton's contract. It wasn't much of a gamble for a team with a track record of resurrecting arms.

Hampton's first few starts with the Braves were eerily similar to those with the Rockies. Slowly though, his confidence and his ability returned. With Atlanta, Hampton has amassed a record of 31-18 with an ERA of just under 4.00. Sure, he at times reverts to the Rockies pitcher that couldn't get anyone out, but those types of games are fewer and farther between each year.

Mike Hampton is just 32, and has learned his lesson about big free agent dollars. He has seen what has happened just this year to Jaret Wright and Paul Byrd when they left the proven system of the Atlanta Braves. No, he'll hang his hat with the Braves for the rest of his career, providing Atlanta a quality number two pitcher for sometime to come.

Why Seattle, Houston and New York gave up on him is beyond me. Sure, he walks too many batters, but he always seems to come back and shut the opposition down. Hampton's way of pitching isn't beautiful, but it gets the job done.

Good for you Mike Hampton. I wish you well. Just not tonight.