Spring notebook: Rain spoils Braves' practice; Hampton says he feels '100 percent'

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Braves pitcher Mike Hampton said he feels 100 percent and isn't ready to retire anytime soon despite having started only 12 games in the majors in 2005 and missing all of 2006 and 2007 while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.

Hampton has made eight trips to the disabled list since he was traded to Atlanta in 2002 with injuries to his left elbow, his back, his left forearm and his right calf.

His last effective season was in 2004 when he went 13-and-nine for the Braves with a 4.28 ERA, but he hasn't been the same since.

If Hampton makes it into the Braves rotation, that would give Atlanta four starting pitchers who have had 20-win seasons: Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Tim Hudson and Hampton.

Hampton seemed confident that the worst of his arm problems are over.

He says his arms, back and leg feels good.

Hampton said that, at 35, and the third-youngest pitcher in the Braves rotation behind Smoltz and Glavine, he isn't ready to quit even if he has another setback.

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