In the "bigger disaster than Barry Zito" department, this guy has to be pretty close to the top (although, insured or not, until such time as the Orioles manage to have a winning season, Albert Belle probably remains the leader).
8 years, $121 million. Since signing that deal – which ends after this season – he has gone 53-48 with a 4.80 ERA. He hasn't pitched in an MLB game since 2005, when he managed to make 12 starts.
And yet, I'm reading a non-story about John Smoltz being willing to go back to the Atlanta bullpen when he comes off the DL if that's where he's needed most (it's not, or at least that seems to be the verdict at this point)...and what's the little note at the end of the story?
Mike Hampton made a rehab start in AAA. I had no idea.
The big shock (or not)? He left the game with an injury in the 4th inning!
Is he just playing out the string to earn the last few dollars on that contract? Or is he legitimately making a comeback? He's not young, but he's not as old as you might think. 35 this season. If he could actually regain something resembling health, he could very well hang around for another 4 or 5 years anyway.
Good luck? Good riddance? Or who cares?