Punishment Is Swift. Ryan Braun Suspended For Remainder Of Year On Steroids

After all the discussion and debate, Major League Baseball has finally gotten a form of justice. The announcement came down yesterday that Ryan Braun has been suspended for the remainder of the regular season and all of the playoffs for use of performance enhancing drugs. Braun will not contest the suspension, which was meted out for "violations of the Basic Agreement and its Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program," according to a statement released by MLB. This suspension will cover the last 65 games of the regular season, and will cost Braun $3.25 million for the rest of the year. According to an Associated Press source, 50 games of the penalty were connected to Biogenesis. The additional 15 games stemmed from Braun's actions during the grievance that overturned his positive test from October 2011. The suspension will count as a first violation of the drug program, the source told the AP.

Now there are a couple of points related to this we can make here. First things first it proves to me and a lot of other people that baseball players accused of drug use lied outright. the first known case of outright lying, at least that has been proven to this point, was Rafael Palmeiro. In 2005 Palmeiro said he had never used steriods, then it was revealed a few months later that he in fact had used steroids. So there is no way that players are not lying about using performance enhancing drugs. In the case of Braun, he was found positive for using steroids in 2011, the year he won MVP, only to have the decision overturned on account of a technicality. So when it comes to players lying about performance enhancers, I don't trust most of them as far as I can throw them.

In this instance, I will give Ryan Braun a lot of credit. He admitted he made a mistake and is willing to accept the consequences for his actions. i respect Braun for going on record and saying he made a mistake. The official statement from Braun is as follows:

"As I have acknowledged in the past, I am not perfect. I realize now that I have made some mistakes. I am willing to accept the consequences of those actions. This situation has taken a toll on me and my entire family, and it ... has been a distraction to my teammates and the Brewers organization. "I am very grateful for the support I have received from players, ownership and the fans in Milwaukee and around the country. Finally, I wish to apologize to anyone I may have disappointed -- all of the baseball fans especially those in Milwaukee, the great Brewers organization, and my teammates. I am glad to have this matter behind me once and for all, and I cannot wait to get back to the game I love."

Braun has been among the more than one dozen players under investigation for ties to Biogenesis, a closed anti-aging clinic in Florida linked with the distribution of performance-enhancing drugs. MLB officials have been interviewing players, who have been represented by the union and their own lawyers.

So I fully commend Ryan Braun for coming clean about the whole situation and I fully commend Major League Baseball for how they are going about this whole thing.

This then leads to another big question. Will Yankees 3rd baseman Alex Rodriguez be the next big leaguer to be suspended? I know the MLBPA says that suspensions won't start till next year. But that doesn't mean they are going to be stopped from being handed out. Braun at least had the courage to admit to what he did. With Rodriguez, he hasn't said a word about it. i know he admitted to using steroids when he was playing with the Texas Rangers, but that doesn't mean he hasn't used the drugs since then. I know baseball is going to push hard to get all this done and prove players guilty. For A-Rod, it would be a wise idea to just do what Braun did and admit to his wrong doings. I'm not saying that there won't be punishment, because trust me there will be. All I'm saying is that when Rodriguez does possibly go down for steroids use, it won't be as demoralizing if he just admits to it instead of having it proven through the investigation.

There is still a lot of work to be done to clear all of baseball of steroid use. This event may be a step in the right direction.

(Some Information for this story provided by ESPN.com)

Home Field to the Junior Circut. AL Beats NL

The losing streak for the American League at the midsummer classic had been three years. The last win was in 2009, at the time it was a seven game win streak for the AL. This year, with the game being played in Queens, the National League found no offense, only mustering three hist as the AL won home field advantage in the playoffs with a 3-0 win. This game had a little bit of everything, good pitching good hitting and even a fan running onto the field. Things didn't start that great for the AL though as Robinson Cano hobbled off early after getting hit by a pitch from crosstown rival Matt Harvey of the host Mets. X-rays were negative, and Cano said he shouldn't miss any games for the Yankees. Thankfully Cano will still be able to play and won't miss any time.

The NL didn't manage a baserunner until Carlos Beltran's one-out single in the fourth, and managed just three hits total on the night, one of the lowest outputs in the history of the midsummer classic. Miguel Cabrera had himself a pretty good night at the plate. Cabrera's best swing came against loser Patrick Corbin and produced a leadoff double in the fourth. Jose Bautista's sacrifice fly knocked in Cabrera, and it snapped a 17-inning scoreless streak for the AL that dated to Adrian Gonzalez's homer off Cliff Lee two years ago in Arizona. Baltimore's Adam Jones, wearing bright orange high-tops, doubled against Lee to start the fifth and scored while J.J. Hardy beat out a potential double play. Jason Kipnis doubled home a run in the eighth off Atlanta closer Craig Kimbrel. That would be all the run support that American League pitching would need in this game.

When Mariano Rivera came out to pitch the bottom of the 8th, he walked to the mound, as he always has when playing in New York, to Enter Sandman by Metallica. It was fitting for the greatest closer in the history of baseball, who was the only player on the field at that moment and greeted to a standing ovation that lasted about a minute and a half. Mo pitched a perfect 8th and Twins closer Joe Nathan shut the door in the ninth to seal the victory. Nathan gave Rivera the game ball, and a representative from the Hall of Fame took Rivera's cap to display in Cooperstown.

It came as no surprise that Mariano Rivera was named the MVP of the all star game. With the MVP nod, it marks the 7th time in the history of the all star game that a pitcher has won MVP. The other pitchers to win MVP are: Pedro Martinez of the Red Sox (1999), Roger Clemens of the Red Sox (1986),  LaMarr Hoyt of the Padres (1985), Don Sutton of the Dodgers (1977) Jon Matlack of the Mets (1975 co-MVP with Bill Madlock) and Juan Marichal of the Giants (1965).

So now with the all star game in the books, it means that the American League will once again get home field advantage in the World Series. Now teams can get back together and get set for the 2nd half of the season and a push for the playoffs. If the first half of this year has been any indication, this could be a very exciting race to October!

Yoenis Cespedes Shines In 2013 Home Run Derby

Every so often, a guy will come out of nowhere and surprise people in a home run hitting contest. This year's home run derby had some heavy hitters with the likes of David Wright, Pedro Alverez, Prince Fielder and Chris Davis. However none of those guys were a factor. The winner of this years derby was Yoenis Cespedes. It came down to him and Bryce Harper in the finals and with one swing Cespedes put his name in the record books beating Harper 9-8 in the final showdown. The final homer by Cespedes to win him the event looked a little something like this:



Cespedes became the first player ever to win the home run derby that wasn't a participant in the all-star game the next night. Turns out Robinson Cano knew what he was doing when he plucked Cespedes to participate in this years derby. During the first round, Cano, Wright, Alverez, and Fielder all failed to make the cut and move on. Cespedes took off, clubbing 17 home runs in the round. Cespedes hit about a half-dozen balls into the upper deck in left, never reached by anyone in a game, and banged another couple of shots off the restaurant windows in the corner just below. To say he was in a hitters groove would be an understatement. Those 17 homers from Cespedes in the first round are the 3rd most homers hit in the opening round ever. The two totals ahead of him are the 24 Bobby Abreau hit in 2005 at Comerica Park in  Detroit, and the record of 28 hit by Josh Hamilton in 2008 at the old Yankee Stadium.

Cespedes' crushed a total of 32 round trippers, which tied him for the 3rd most in a derby all time. The other two guys to hit 32 in a single derby are David Ortiz (2010) and Robinson Cano (2011). The totals trail only two guys in derby history:  Bobby Abreu (41 in 2005) and Josh Hamilton (35 in 2008). The longest home run hit of the night went ti Chris Davis, who hammered a 502 foot bomb. Oakland third-base coach Mike Gallego pitched to Cespedes, who averaged 405 feet on his home runs. He became the first A's player to participate in the Derby since Jason Giambi in 2001 and joined Mark McGwire (1992) as the team's only winners.  The AL topped the NL 53-50 on total homers. By hitting 103 home runs in all, the sluggers raised $529,000 for charity.

Ilya Kovalchuk Retires From NHL, Signs With KHL

In what has to be one of the slightly strangest stories to come from the NHL this offseason, Devils scoring star Ilya Kovalchuk has decided to retire from the NHL. Last week, Kovalchuk walked away from $77 million left on his 15-year contract with the New Jersey Devils. Kovy was 30 years old when he decided to call it a career in the NHL. Kovalchuk scored 417 goals and added 399 assists in 816 NHL games. His best seasons were in 2005-06 and 2007-08 when he scored a career-high 52 goals. He had three other 40-goal seasons. Kovalchuk has represented Russia at three Winter Olympics, nine world championships, one world junior championship and the 2004 World Cup. He played with SKA St. Petersburg during the recent lockout. The contract is reportedly worth $11.3 million for the upcoming 2013-14 season.

That time spent playing in Russia during the last lockout was the big factor that lead to this decision to go play back home in Russia for Kovalchuk. He went on record to say that he wanted to spend more time with his family, and have them closer to him. Going to play back home in Russia was the best way he felt he could do that. Also there are reports floating around that there could be a desire, by Kovalchuk, to come back and play again in the NHL. The possible return could happen as soon as the 2018 NHL season. As it stands, if Kovalchuk decided he wanted to return to the NHL, he would have to get unanimous approval from all 30 clubs. In a year's time, if Kovalchuk wanted to return, he'd have to get approval from the Devils. By the time he would possibly come back, Kovalchuk would be about 35 years old, and at that time he could still have some jump in his legs and still be able to play.

The big question that remains here is that if Kovy does indeed decide to return to the NHL, will he be welcomed back? I'm not really sure to be honest with you. I can understand wanting to go back home to play and be closer to his family. That's human nature. But it was a little surprising to see him walk out on the remainder of his big contract, especially leaving $77 million sitting on the table. It does indeed leave you sitting there scratching your head.

Tim Lincecum Tosses No-Hitter, 2nd In Majors This Season

After going the first three months of this season without a no-hitter, Major League Baseball has seen two within less than two weeks. First was Homer Bailey throwing the no hitter against the Giants on July 2nd, and now we have a Giants pitcher toss one, as Tim Lincecum no-hit the Padres Saturday in a 9-0 Giants win. Lincecum had seemed to struggle a little bit over the last year and a half, but this past Saturday night he was on his game. Lincecum (5-9) struck out 13. He walked four and hit a batter, all while throwing a career-high 148 pitches. The 13 strikeouts were the second-most by a Giant in pitching a no-hitter, after the 14 in Matt Cain's perfect game a year earlier. Lincecum tossed the 15th no-hitter in franchise history and seventh since the Giants moved to San Francisco after the 1957 season. Cain was perfect last June.

In throwing his no-hitter, Tim Lincecum absolutely baffled batters. The 29 swings and misses he induced tied for the most in a no-hitter since 2000. Here's the full list, thanks to the Elias Sports Bureau:

Tim Lincecum (Sat. vs. Padres) 29 misses
Randy Johnson (2004 vs. Braves) 29 misses
Felix Hernandez (2012 vs. Rays) 26 misses
Justin Verlander (2007 vs. Brewers) 22 misses.

Not only was this the first no-hitter thrown in Tim's career, but it was also the first one tossed at Petco Park in San Diego. Lincecum's 148 pitches were the second most thrown in a no-hitter since at least 1988, according to ESPN. Edwin Jackson needed 149 pitches for his no-no for Arizona in 2010.The Padres remain the only team left in the league that have never ever thrown a no-hitter. This was the 8th time in franchise history that the Padres have been no-hit, the last time being was July 10th, 2009 by Jonathan Sanchez of the Giants in an 8-0 San Francisco win. For the Giants this was the 7th no-hitter thrown in franchise history, and the first one since Matt Cain threw the perfect game last season.

Of interesting note, last year there were seven no-hitters thrown in the Majors, as compared to only two through the halfway point this season.  This time last year, baseball had five no-hitters thrown.

Now that we have hit the all-star break, the Giants sit at 43-51 and are in 4th place in the NL West, six and a half games back of division leading Arizona. The win brought Lincecum's record up to 5-9 with a 4.26 ERA and 125 strikeouts. These numbers are well below average for a guy like Lincecum, who has won two Cy Young Awards and two World Series rings to his credit. The guy is a much better pitcher than what he has shown over the last year and a half. One of two things will come out of him throwing this no-hitter. Either it is going to turn his season around, and the dominating Tim Lincecum will come back. Or he will still be in a funk and won't be the same the rest of his career. For the Giants to come back and make a serious run at the division title and getting into the playoffs, they need to get healthy and they need guys like Lincecum coming back to form on the hill.

Congratulations to Tim Lincecum on throwing the 2nd no-hitter in the big leagues this year.

2013 Hockey Hall of Fame Class Announced

The announcement was made earlier this week that the Hockey Hall of Fame will be getting some new members come November 11th. Scott Niedermayer, Chris Chelios, Brendan Shanahan, Fred Shero and Geraldine Heaney were voted into the Hall of Fame on Tuesday. Niedermayer and Chelios were in their first year of eligibility following their retirement after the 2009-10 season. Shanahan was in his second year of eligibility after being passed over last year, when Joe Sakic, Mats Sundin, Adam Oates and Pavel Bure were inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Chelios, 51, was the oldest first-time eligible candidate the selection committee ever had to consider. He played until he was 48 years old, compiling 948 points in 1,651 games (fifth all-time, most among defensemen and most among American-born players) suiting up for the Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and Atlanta Thrashers. Chelios, who was chosen by the Canadiens with the No. 40 pick in the 1981 NHL Draft, won the Stanley Cup three times (1986 with Montreal, 2002 and 2008 with Detroit). He also won the Norris Trophy three times (1989 with the Canadiens and 1993 and 1996 with the Blackhawks).

Niedermayer is the only player in history to win every major North American and international championship. He won the Stanley Cup four times (1995, 2000, 2003, 2007) and a gold medal at the Olympics (2002, 2010), the World Championship (2004), the World Cup of Hockey (2004), and the World Junior Championship (1991). He also won the Memorial Cup with the Kamloops Blazers in 1992. He was known as one of the greatest skaters of his generation, and perhaps of all time. Niedermayer was chosen by the New Jersey Devils with the No. 3 pick in the 1991 NHL Draft. He played with the Devils until 2004 and signed to play for the Anaheim Ducks coming out of the lockout-cancelled 2004-05 season. Niedermayer played 1,263 games over 18 seasons (1992-2010) and compiled 740 points. He had 98 points in 202 career Stanley Cup Playoff games.

Shanahan, who like Niedermayer was drafted by the Devils (No. 2 in 1987), won the Stanley Cup three times with the Red Wings (1997, 1998, 2002), Olympic gold with Canada in 2002, and World Championship gold in 1994. Shanahan is one of 18 members of the NHL's 600-goal club; he is 13th all-time with 656. He's 13th all-time in games played with 1,524 and 25th in points with 1,354. Shanahan played for the Devils, St. Louis Blues, Hartford Whalers, Red Wings and New York Rangers.

Shero coached the Flyers to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 1974 and 1975. He was the first coach to win the Stanley Cup with an expansion team. He also brought the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Final in 1976 and the New York Rangers to the Stanley Cup Final in 1979. Shero, who passed away in 1990, coached for 10 seasons from 1971-81 and went 390-225-119. He is 11th all-time in winning percentage (.612) and was the first winner of the Jack Adams Award (1974). Shero was considered an innovator because he was one of the first coaches to put his team through morning skates, and he went to the Soviet Union to study the hockey philosophies there in order to incorporate them into his coaching style. He was the first coach to hire a full-time assistant, to make sure his players used in-season strength training, and among the first to study film. His son, Ray Shero, is general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Heaney, a long-time defenseman, won the gold medal with Canada at the World Women's Championship seven times (1990, 1992, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001). She also won gold at the 2002 Olympics and silver at the 1998 Games. Heaney, Granato and James were inducted into the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame in 2008.

(Story provided by nhl.com)

2013 MLB All Star Rosters Announced

With just about a week to go before the 2013 Major League Baseball All Star Game at Citi Field, the rosters for both leagues for the game have been announced. As always the starting lineup has been picked by the fans, while the rest of the rosters have been picked by the coaching staff. Of course there were a few guys who have been snubbed form the game that should be playing, but we will touch on that a little later on.

First things first. Here's a look at the rosters for the 2013 MLB All Star Game. First up the National League Roster.

Starters:
C Yadier Molina Cardinals (5th ASG)
1B Joey Votto Reds (4th ASG)
2B Brandon Phillips Reds (3rd ASG)
3B David Wright Mets (7th ASG)
SS Troy Tulowitzki Rockies (3rd ASG)
OF Carlos Beltrán Cardinals (8th ASG)
OF Carlos González Rockies (2nd ASG)
OF Bryce Harper Nationals (2nd ASG)

Reserves:
C Buster Posey Giants (2nd ASG)
1B Paul Goldschmidt Diamondbacks (1st ASG)
1B Allen Craig Cardinals (1st ASG)
2B Matt Carpenter Cardinals (1st ASG)
2B Marco Scutaro Giants (1st ASG)
3B Pedro Álvarez Pirates (1st ASG)
SS Everth Cabrera Padres (1st ASG)
SS Jean Segura Brewers (1st ASG)
OF Domonic Brown Phillies (1st ASG)
OF Michael Cuddyer Rockies (2nd ASG)
OF Carlos Gómez Brewers (2nd ASG)
OF Andrew McCutchen Pirates (3rd ASG)

Finally Pitchers:
Madison Bumgarner Giants (1st ASG)
Aroldis Chapman Reds (2nd ASG)
Patrick Corbin Diamondbacks (1st ASG)
José Fernández Marlins (1st ASG)
Jason Grilli Pirates (1st ASG)
Matt Harvey Mets (1st ASG)
Clayton Kershaw Dodgers (3rd ASG)
Craig Kimbrel Braves (3rd ASG)
Cliff Lee Phillies (4th ASG)
Jeff Locke Pirates (1st ASG)
Adam Wainwright Cardinals (2nd ASG)
Travis Wood Cubs (1st ASG)
Jordan Zimmermann Nationals (1st ASG)

So that's what the National League roster looks like for the mid-summer classic. Here is what the American League roster looks like.

Starters:
C Joe Mauer Twins (6th ASG)
1B Chris Davis Orioles (1st ASG)
2B Robinson Canó Yankees (5th ASG)
3B Miguel Cabrera Tigers (8th ASG)
SS J. J. Hardy Orioles (2nd ASG)
OF Mike Trout Angels (2nd ASG)
OF Adam Jones Orioles (3rd ASG)
OF José Bautista Blue Jays (4th ASG)
DH David Ortiz Red Sox (9th ASG)

Reserves:
C Jason Castro Astros (1st ASG)
C Salvador Pérez Royals (1st ASG)
1B Prince Fielder Tigers (5th ASG)
2B Jason Kipnis Indians (1st ASG)
2B Dustin Pedroia Red Sox (4th ASG)
2B Ben Zobrist Rays (2nd ASG)
3B Manny Machado Orioles (1st ASG)
SS Jhonny Peralta Tigers (2nd ASG)
OF Nelson Cruz Rangers (2nd ASG)
OF Alex Gordon Royals (1st ASG)
OF Torii Hunter Tigers (5th ASG)
DH Edwin Encarnación Blue Jays (1st ASG)

Finally Pitchers:
Clay Buchholz Red Sox (2nd ASG)
Brett Cecil Blue Jays (1st ASG)
Bartolo Colón Athletics (3rd ASG)
Félix Hernández Mariners (4th ASG)
Hisashi Iwakuma Mariners (1st ASG)
Justin Masterson Indians (1st ASG)
Yu Darvish Rangers (2nd ASG)
Max Scherzer Tigers (1st ASG)
Justin Verlander Tigers (6th ASG)
Mariano Rivera Yankees (13th ASG)
Jesse Crain White Sox (1st ASG)
Joe Nathan Rangers (6th ASG)
Chris Sale White Sox (2nd ASG)
Glen Perkins Twins (1st ASG)

And there you have it, you're starters, reserves and pitchers for the 2013 All Star Game. The vote for the final roster spot for the game is taking place as we speak, and will be announced on Thursday.  Of course there are going to be some guys who get snubbed from the all star game, and that has to do with the amount of spots available on the rosters. What I can't figure out is why there was a need to select a Designated Hitter spot for the American League, when the game is being played in a National League park, where the DH rule won't be coming into effect.

As far as snubs go there were a few guys I feel got left out for the American League. Again this has to do with the argument over roster size but I think two guys should have gotten stronger consideration. One is Josh Donaldson of the Oakland Athletics, and the other is Jed Lowrie of the A's. Both guys are putting up good numbers for Oakland but they were both left off not only the roster, but the choice for final voting as well. Was a little surprised Matt Moore of the Tampa Bay Rays was left off the roster.

The National League, for the most part got the roster right. Of course there is going to be a lot of hot debate over whether or not Yasiel Puig of the Los Angeles Dodgers should be in the game. As of now he is one of the nominees for the final vote at the game, but I don't think it should have gotten that far. With how well this kid has played in the short time he has been in the big leagues, Puig should be in the game already without having to rely on this vote.

All Star weekend kicks off with the fan fest at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC this weekend, with the Home Run Derby taking place next Monday, with the Game itself taking place next Tuesday July 16th at 8PM.

Homer Bailey Tosses No Hitter

For the 280th time in the history of Major League Baseball, a no-hitter has been thrown. It happened on July 2nd, 2013 and it was tossed by Homer Bailey of the Cincinnati Reds, in a 3-0 win over the San Francisco Giants. It was the first no-hitter of the 2013 season, and the 2nd of Bailey's career. Ironically enough, Bailey was also the last pitcher in the Majors to throw a no-hitter, as he threw the last one in the big leagues on September 28th, 2012 in a 1-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Bailey's official stat line for his latest no-hitter was as follows: 9 IP 0 R 0 H 1 BB 6 K'S. Bailey (5-6) dominated the defending champs, who are going through quite a slump. It was so tidy that there weren't many close calls.

He was able to get a little help in this one from a very smart, heads up play made by Joey Votto. Buster Posey hit a soft one-hopper that pulled Votto away from first base. Bailey got a slow break off the mound to cover the bag, setting up what would have been a close play. Maybe Posey beats Bailey to the base for an infield hit. Instead, Votto saw Blanco break for third and threw him out. the play was ruled a fielders choice, keeping Bailey's no-hitter in tact.

Bailey threw the last of the majors' seven no-hitters last season, and now the first of 2013. The last pitcher to throw one no-hitter and then another before anyone else in the majors accomplished the feat was Nolan Ryan, according to STATS. Baseball's career strikeout king did it for the California Angels on Sept. 28, 1974, against Minnesota, and June 1, 1975, vs. Baltimore.It was the 16th no-hitter in Cincinnati history. No Reds pitcher had thrown a no-no at home since Tom Browning's 1-0 perfect game against the Dodgers at Riverfront Stadium on Sept. 16, 1988. Bailey became the third pitcher in the history of baseball's first professional franchise to get more than one. Johnny Vander Meer threw the only back-to-back no-hitters in major league history in 1938, beating the Boston Braves and Brooklyn Dodgers. Jim Maloney had a no-hitter at Wrigley Field in 1965 and one at home against Houston in 1969.

Bailey isn't the only active pitcher with more than one no hitter under his belt. Justin Verlander, Mark Buehrle and Roy Halladay are the only other active pitchers with a pair of no-hitters. Halladay, of course, threw one of his in the postseason against the Reds in 2010. After Tuesday's no-hitter, Homer Bailey now has a 4.36 career ERA -- the worst career ERA for any pitcher in history with multiple career no-hitters. Thanks to the Elias Sports Bureau, here is the top five worst career ERA's for pitchers with multiple career no hitters:

1. Homer Bailey 4.36 ERA 2 No-Hitters
2. Hideo Nomo 4.24 ERA  2 No-Hitters
3. Bill Stoneman 4.07 ERA  2 No-Hitters
4. Carl Erskine 3.99 ERA 2 No-Hitters
5. Mark Buehrle 3.86 ERA 2 No-Hitters

The win pulls the Reds record to 48-36, which is good for 3rd place in the NL Central, four and a half games back of the division leading Pittsburgh Pirates.

Congratulations once again to Homer Bailey on throwing his 2nd career no-hitter!

Islanders To Buy Out DiPietro's Contract

Well this has been a long time coming. As was announced by Arthur Staple of Newsday, the New York Islanders will use a compliance buyout on goalie Rick DiPietro. The Islanders placed DiPietro on unconditional waivers Tuesday, a day after Newsday's Arthur Staple reported the team will use a compliance buyout on DiPietro's contract, which has eight years remaining at $4.5 million annually. By using a compliance buyout, the Islanders would pay DiPietro $1.5 million annually for the next 16 years. That money would not count against the salary cap. The first-overall selection at the 2000 NHL Draft, DiPietro appeared in 319 games for New York, going 130-136-36 with a 2.87 GAA and .902 save percentage.

I'm sorry but this should have been done over a year ago. First things first. The problem I had with the whole situation was that the team even signed him to the deal in the first place. DiPietro was a good goalie I'm not going to deny that. He wasn't an elite netminder, but he wasn't horrible either. He was good to borderline great when he was really on his game. He won 30+ games twice for the team, and could have been a star, possibly, in this league. Then the injuries started to take their toll and Ricky wasn't the same after that. Mentally and physically his game started to go downhill after the first rash of injuries. So I feel this should have been done over a year ago, both for his sake and the sake of the hockey team.

Now the problem I had originally was I don't think it should have been a 15 year deal to begin with. The contract should have been a total of 5-8 years at the absolute most. I'm sorry but there is no way he was worth a 15 year deal. No goalie has ever been worth a contract of that length. Martin Brodeur and Patrick Roy are the two greatest goalies of all time, and I don't think they should ever get contracts that long. There are only three people in the history of hockey that should even be considered for getting a 15 year deal: Mario Lemieux, Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr. That is it!

Contracts of that length can be dangerous for a team, and with the injuries DiPietro suffered during his career, its easy to see why. Every hockey player is subject to injuries, its the nature of the game. Goalies are more prone to it because of the physical demands on the position. Not only are injuries a factor, performance is as well. There was no guarantee that Ricky would have been able to produce for 15 years. Goalies have a tendency to be very streaky, in that they can have a good year one year and a bad one the next. Its a huge risk to sign goalies to long term contracts and this deal proved it.