MLB

3 DOWN: Hampton, Dead Arms and Monster Seasons

1. It took all the way until the second inning of his second start for Mike Hampton to get hurt again, this time his groin. I know a lot of folks like the Braves. But I think they are a bit of a house of cards. There is a lot of age/injury concerns with three starters in Hampton, John Smoltz and Tom Glavine. And their new closer, Rafael Soriano, might be hurt, as well.

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2. You know how everyone reported in the best shape of their life, we are now up the next phase of spring training: The dead-arm period. This is when every bad pitching performance is blamed on this mystical occurrence.

3. As I promised, there will be times when I will ask – beg, implore – the removal of certain words or terms from the English language. Recently, I asked as nicely as possible for the elimination of the phrase “throw under the bus.” Today, I come to you humbly and request the disappearance of “monster season.” As in, I have seen what great shape (fill in player’s name) is in and he is going to have a monster season.” If you are going to disturb me with predictions can I beseech you to at least offer some descriptions of what you expect and not compare what you expect to King Kong or Godzilla.