Mike Hampton: what if he's for real?

[chem]

Through 3 starts, Mike Hampton (Astros) has an ERA of 3.12, WHIP of 1.27, K/9 of 9.35 and FIP of 2.34. All great stats. No doubt the K/9 and FIP have to regress; he was never that big of a strikeout guy.

But what if the ERA and WHIP only mildly regress? I mean, he's a past ace and may actually be fully healthy. Comeback player of the year? If you think he has a reasonable chance at this route, what is his value? Hampton over Kuroda? Hampton over Blanton? Hampton over Jordan Zimmermann? Hampton over Sean Marshall?

The most notable thing about his stats so far is that his BABIP is .341 -- in other words, (mildly) unluckily high. That suggests his WHIP and ERA are not total flukes.

He faces an interesting test against a slugging-loaded Brewers lineup tomorrow. Post here with your thoughts

[Ender]

Nothing really changed in his velocity which is down compared to his prime if anything. I'm gonna guess it is just a 3 game fluke but if you already picked him up might as well see what he does in the next few games.

[smoovethug]

I really can't take him seriously until he proves to me that he's capable of staying healthy.

[Neato Torpedo]

Nothing really changed in his velocity which is down compared to his prime if anything. I'm gonna guess it is just a 3 game fluke but if you already picked him up might as well see what he does in the next few games.

His velocity is down but he's only using his fastball 33.4% of the time according to fangraphs. Probably not a good idea in terms of long term health.

[ayebatter]

Probably not a good idea in terms of long term health.

Ha !! Hampton and 'long term Health' used in the same sentence. I say go out there and throw that breaking stuff Hampton, your name is back in the news, and it's all good.

[J35J]

Any pitcher who is at least decent and throwing well and in the NL gets a look from me. I picked him up before his last start and will continue to play matchups with him until he falls off....which is likely. But he's pitching decent and in the NL so I'll ride it a few more starts.

[Padres Fan]

Mike Hampton is not a figment of your imagination, I met him one when he played for Colorado, so I can state that he is a real live human being, he is also a decent baseball player but fantasy wise probably good as a daily pick up or injury plug in.

[Ender]

He only gave up 4 ER tonight but it was a bit deceiving, the Brewers were hitting rockets all over the field tonight including one that hit Hart to save a run. This could have easily been a 6 or 7 ER game for him.

[silverZ]

There isn't any way you could convince me to pick up Hampton in any league. I would rather have an empty SP slot.

[chem]

He was also left in a little longer than probably wise, because the pitcher was coming up 4th in the order in the bottom of the sixth. 3 of his ER came in that top of the sixth, when his pitch count was up. Not a stellar outing, but really, not horrible either. I think he has value in NL Only leagues.