Hampton to Nationals?

Mike Hampton, 36, is putting together a pretty good season despite missing two full seasons due to injury. I tend to agree with the Boston Globe when they call the his eight year, 121 million dollar deal the biggest bust ever. In his last four outings, Hampton is 1-1 with a 3.81 ERA in his last four starts, all quality starts. Hampton will not return to Atlanta next season but will get a one year deal somewhere. He is a lefty who has playoff experience and if healthy, could make for a good bottom end of the rotation starter.

The Nationals plan to look for a cheap veteran pitcher in the off season and could offer Hampton a one year deal to turn his career around. He is familiar with Nationals President Stan Kasten and will be staying in the same division, making the move ideal. Other possibilities include the Orioles, Astros, and Rangers.

An interesting side note: Hampton is 55-50 with a 4.80 ERA in 143 starts over the course of eight years. If he were to make thirty-starts every year for eight years, he should have racked up at least 240 starts.