http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sp...avesnotes.html

The second opinion on Mike Hampton's left arm echoed the first: He needs reconstructive elbow surgery, which would likely sideline the pitcher for most of next season.

"The pain in the forearm is coming from a ligament in the elbow that needs to be reconstructed," Braves general manager John Schuerholz said of the report from Dr. David Altchek, who examined Hampton Thursday in New York.
 "It confirmed the earlier diagnosis of our medical people. It wasn't unexpected, but it's still a disappointing development. He was a real big part of our pitching staff, and pitched sensationally at the start of the season."


Hampton, 32, will meet with Braves officials Friday in New York, then decide if and when he'll have elbow ligament-transplant surgery.

He probably has no option except surgery, assuming he plans to continue his career. He's signed through 2008 and is owed $43 million over the next three seasons — $13.5 million in 2006, $14.5 million in 2007, and $15 million in 2008.

The Braves have insurance that covers a percentage of his salary for any time spent on the disabled list, after a deductible is met.