That looks like what I was expecting from Hampton last season, but after two years off, I'm not expecting that much anymore.  I'd be truly surprised if this wasn't his worst season in a Braves uniform (performance-wise) but if he can get close to his 2004 numbers, that'd be gravy.  In my mind, he'll be a solid #4, which is pretty much what we need from him.  

22-4, 2.90

I'm guessing he'll go on the DL at least once.

I'll say 8-5, 3.97

I think he has pitched his last game as a Braves. But thats just me.

0-5 8.75 ERA

130 games spent on DL

he will slip and throw out his back while covering first base on a groundball

I'll go with around 15-20 starts and a 4.75 ERA. I think he has a legitimate shot at being a good #5 starter.

How about Hampton blows out his arm Chet Stedman style in the World Series? haha

I think this is ridiculously optimistic. If he had an ERA under 5, I'll be surprised. I say 4-8, 5.31

First off, the Chet Stedman line was absolutely hysterical!!! As for Hampton, I'm thinking more of the lines if he is ready to pitch the Braves take the division down by over 3 games. Hampton is the key to the Braves success. Without Hampton, a reliable veteran pitcher, pitching in the fourth spot of the rotation who do we have again? Chucky? Lerew? Reyes? Buddy? C'mon. There is no way any of these guys will put up numbers Hampton, with a new elbow, has the potential to do. Additionally, my prediction is 10-8 with a 4.25 era.

We can always resign him next year for around $5 mil which would be a quality sign b/c he will be able to confidently fill the 3 spot when Tommy is retired.

Pitcher's got a big butt

First, let me say that I don't have clue how to predict what Mike Hampton will accomplish in 2008.   In view of the fact that Hampton hasn't pitched in the major leagues in almost two full seasons, I don't think his previous record as a major league pitcher tells us much about his 2008 preformance.  

That being said, I notice that Gondeee's prediction for Hampton's 2008 ERA is 3.98, which also happens to be Hampton's lifetime major league ERA.  

I think the Braves would be pretty darn lucky indeed if Hampton can equal his lifetime ERA in 2008 after missing all of 2007 and almost all of 2006.    They will be even luckier if Hampton can go 9-6, which would be a very positive performance indeed for a #5 starter.  9-6, 3.98 wouldn't be worth $15 million, but it would be substantially better than any #5 starter has performed for the Braves at least since Paul Byrd went 8-7, 3.94 in 2004.  

After being away from the game for this long, I would expect Hampton to require most of April and May just to get his feel back for his three best pitches.  I will be very happy if Hampton can just pitch more than 150 innings in 2008.  If that happens, it will happen because Hampton is able to stay healthy for the most part.  If Hampton pitches more than 150 innings and is able to regain his control, command, and velocity, he will be an asset and a big help to the Braves rotation.  

Hasn't he already tweaked a hamstring in winter ball?