RICH HAMMOND

Rich Hammond has covered the Kings, on a full-time or part-time basis, since the 2000-01 season. He was the beat writer for the entire John Torchetti era and has witnessed Bob Miller singing country music in a Nashville honky-tonk bar. A native of Los Angeles, Rich has worked at the Daily News since 1999 and also serves as the paper's deputy sports editor.
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« Cammalleri update | Main | History's Longest Arbitration »

No news today

Since we're rapidly approaching 7 p.m. Eastern time, it's safe to assume that we won't hear anything today about Cammalleri's arbitration award. The assumption, from the Kings, is that the decision will come down tomorrow, rather than putting it off until the next business day, but nobody is 100 percent certain on that. And let me take this opportunity to thank the arbitrator for the extra work on Saturday. It's SO appreciated!

14 Comments

Vahe said:

Wow, is it normal for the process to take so long. Seems like other cases are being resolved in a day or 2. Wish I could be a fly on the wall in these hearings.

Dan said:

". . . what a difference a day makes . . ."

Anyway, 48 hours is still 48 hours.

I'm not very optimistic that the Kings are going to walk away with a reasonable award. 60 goals in two years and the Kings' top scorer? Can you say "Ka ching." (And that's spelled "Ka Ching" even though the Kings were one of the worse teams in the league.)

If you read Dean's quotes, you'll notice that the Kings apparently did not bash Mike much, but focused on the state of the NHL and the effect that giving young, relatively unproven players huge contracts is going to have. As such, it's clear that Dean wanted to be sure that the relationship with Mike wasn't ruined as a result of the arbitration.

The problem is that the arbitrator isn't likely to take into consideration what impact paying Mike big money is going to have on the NHL. He's got to come up with a number that makes sense considering only the PLAYER and TEAM involved.

Considering Mike's accomplishments, he's gonna get paid. Now, he shouldn't make $7 mil a year because he hasn't proven THAT much, but somewhere above $5 mil shouldn't be unexpected.

It's a funny thing because there were so many fans who, just a year ago, were chanting "Cammy and a pick" because Mike wasn't projected to be an elite player.

Let's face it, Mike THINKS he's an elite player and Dean does not - at least not yet. Now, whether he gets paid like one is in the arbitrator's hands.

My own opinion is that Mike hasn't proved enough yet to be in the "elite" category. Sure, he's a good sniper, but he doesn't carry this team.

It's also funny because most fans would probably be happy if Mike got $9.8 mil over the next 2 years, when he's probably going to get above $5 mil each. "Cammy and a pick" huh? Funny.

Boozehound said:

Rich, thanks for all your work it is very much appreciated.

Mark said:

While we're waiting...Anyone got a prediction on what Cammalleri's salary end up at?

Taking into consideration that the salary and performance of a player who signed a contract as an UNrestricted free agent IS NOT admisable in arbitration arguments, I think $3.65 mil. would be fair for both sides.
Thoughts?...

Ron said:

Rich,

Thanks for all the updates. I have just one question, I think I already know the answer to this question but I am looking for a little reassurance. Is DL interested in Raycroft at all? I heard something on XM and they said DL might be willing to take a chance with him..it may have been a fan calling in I'm not sure. Please let me know your thoughts on this. Thanks for the info on Cammi. Well done Rich

MattGeorge said:


I Knew IT!

This goes to PROVE that the raycroft trade is going to happen!!

(just kidding!!!!!!!)

hehehe (e3)

: )

Aaron said:

After this award is announced, I think we can appreciate Dave Taylor even more for the deal he gave to Frolov.

Mark said:

? Had to check to see if I stumbled into the LGK forum ? Let the non sense go already.
The Kings will go into camp having 3 net minders with a lot to prove. If non pan out by Thanksgiving, they deal a player, prospect and/or draft pick for a capable, mid level $ vet who can help them into the first round.
Why let Garon go, then pick up Raycroft who's had comparable stats over the last 2 NHL seasons? 6 of one 1/2 dz of another.

Goon Squad said:

Come on guys, let's not be too lazy to read what Rich posted YESTERDAY!!!!!!!


Posted by Rich Hammond at 05:42 PM

"And please stop with the Raycroft stuff. I'm thinking of banning the term ``E3'' unless we're talking about an error committed by Dodgers first baseman James Loney."

Sounds to me like it was enough already at that point.

Chazz Loeks said:

My guess is 4.5 mill per year,
my wife is guessing 3.5.
I based my guess on what Avery's getting (1.9) Cammy's stats are about 2 and half times better then Avery's.

Galen Senogles said:

7.5 mill 2years.

BobMillersHair said:

tick tick tick......
no news as of 2:30 PM Eastern Time. My guess is we are not getting our answer today.

Sucks. The anticipation is killing me....

mattgeorge said:

sorry guys...was just kidding bout the raycroft stuff... I agree it would be dumb to bring him here

Len-Det said:

AAAAAHHHRRRG! Rich, at least lie to us and tell us no news is good news and that a decision will not officially be made until Monday. I hate this waiting. I need to leave the computer and get some things done.

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