Dominik Hasek Retires

Some have called him a great goalie. Some have called him the best goalie of the 90's. Many have called him the best of all-time. Detroit Red Wings G Dominik Hasek has decided to hang up the skates, after more than 27 years in professional hockey.

Hasek began playing in native country of Czechoslovakia at the age of 16 in 1981, only to be selected in the NHL Entry Draft 2 years later by the Chicago Blackhawks. However, Hasek's first professional start didn't even come until 1990, 7 years after he was selected.

From 1993-2001, Hasek won an unbelievable six Vezina Trophies, which is awarded to the best goaltender in the NHL. Add 2 Hart Trophies (MVP), 5 NHL All-Star Game Selections, One Olympic Gold Medal, and 2 Stanley Cups, and you have who is considered the Greatest Goalie of All-Time. He was also the first ever European to win the Stanley Cup as a starting goalie in NHL history.

Alongside a brief retirement in 2002, Hasek spent time with the Blackhawks, Sabres, Senators, and Red Wings in his 18 seasons in the NHL.

Erik Bedard Trade Rumors

Erik Bedard has not been exactly what Seattle bargained for when they got him from the O's. Except a few quality outings, Bedard has been mediocre, and hasn't been the guy to take charge as Seattle's ace. He's only posted a 4-4 record so far, which definately fails to impress, and has been running out of gas early in games. In his season, he has made 4 starts going 5 innings or less, including a start where he went 2.0, 3.1, 4.1, and 5.0 innings. Although he only got the decision in two of those games, the league-worst Mariners have lost all 4 of them. So Seattle will consider trading him before the July 31 deadline. He would most likely do best in the National League, where you pretty much are ensured an out every ninth batter, and maybe last longer in outings because of that. The team that looks like the top team to land Bedard is Philly. With an ace in Cole Hamels, and then a bunch of no-names, Philadelphia could certainly use a good number 2 pitcher in Erik Bedard. Another team who may be interested is Houston, who's ace, Roy Oswalt, also only has 4 wins on the season. And he leads them in wins. Houston surely could use Bedard, and so could a lot of other NL teams. More info on Bedard later as the deadline approaches.

Ken Griffey Jr. Hits # 600

It seemed like any other at-bat. What began a 1-0 count became a 3-1 count and it was likely Jr. would get a walk. But the next pitch was right in Griffey's hitting alley. He took a swing and blasted it 413 feet-well long enough to be his 600th career Home Run. A standing ovation he recieved from the peanut gallery in Florida, and a standing ovation he deserved. For he is one of only 6 people to accomplish the feat. One of them was on steroids, and one was caught corking his bat. The others are Willie Mays, The Bambino, and Hank Aaron. And now, Ken Griffey Jr., not long after Manny Ramirez ripped his 500th. Truely, he is an amazing player, the only player of this modern era to accomplish the feat without being targeted by George Mitchell. 17 at-bats and 9 days after his 599th, and like his 400th and 500th homers, on the road, Ken Griffey Jr. has made American Baseball History. Appreciate it.

Note From the Editor

This week will be a hectic one for sure for me, and I can't guarantee how many updates I will be able to post. I will attempt to do the best I can, as you can tell I have already missed quite a few stories from today. However, I am looking for a few correspondents to help me keep up with the news. If you are interested in contributing to the site, email me at nyy27in08@yahoo.com.

Breaking News: Bears Waive RB Cedric Benson

The Chicago Bears have just waived Cedric Benson, stemming from two arrest within the last month under alcohol related charges. More information will be released later.

Giants DE Michael Strahan Retires

New York Giants DE Michael Strahan retires after 15 seasons in the NFL. Strahan holds the single season sack record with 22.5. Strahan was for years the centerpiece of the Giants defense, often being reffered to as their face. Strahans play had begun to decrease in recent years, but he was still able to stay strong last season, as the defensive line captain lead the Giants to an improbable win against the Patriots in the Super Bowl. Last year, Strahan had held out of training camp, deciding if he were to retire. It is appearant that he has decided to go out on top, a champion. Strahan played all 15 seasons with the Giants, and is 5th all-time in sacks.