Thread: Rich Hammond leaves Lakings.com, LakingsInsider for OC Register

Too bad Rich is leaving. I liked his stuff.

But the OC Register? USC? I despise both....oh well.

jom

Rich did overall a fantastic job. Everytime I visit his page and wish there was something to see, I realize how far Kings coverage has come.

As far as a replacement, ideally the person who does this job has the professionalism and integrity of a journalist, combined with a fan's eye for what stories to pursue. I never needed Rich to "be a fan." But I did think on occasion he could have dug a little deeper or come across a little less dispassionate. If I had to pick one or the other - a journalist or a fan, I'd pick a journalist. Having said that, I hope the next official blogger makes an effort to get the story not only right, but first. And that they develop more of a relationship with sources like Mark Morris or the scouts because even after a Cup win I believe many fans still love the process, I know I do.

Most of the names I see being mentioned so far are blogger/fans. These folks would have to start at square one to earn the respect of players and management, not to mention write sentences in English. I would think the people interviewing for this would be more like Jill Painter, JP Hoornstra, Lisa Dillman, etc.

Lockout
Kings for sale
Hammond quits

Originally Posted by taz42

Lockout
Kings for sale
Hammond quits

Yeah, and winning the Cup was a real bummer.

jom

mmmmmmmmmmmm Ok I guess.

I liked Rich. He was good. But its not like the Kings cant find someone else to replace him, assuming they do want to replace him.

I really dont get the move though... OC Register? MEH.

But if thats what he wants, good for him.

I can see why he would make the move all things considered. It's not just USC football (which I despise), but athletics. So he's got a variety of sports to cover with very little off-season. You really have to consider travel as well if you've got a family at home. It's one thing to travel like a pro athlete when you make a ton of money, but during college football season, he'd travel maybe 6 times a season, max. Then a bowl game. College basketball season and you're talking about maybe 15 road trips and March Madness (don't worry, USC won't qualify ). Compare that to the 41 road games in an NHL season and the Kings 11 road games in the playoffs and that's a lot of time spent away from home. It's no contest in terms of travel between the two gigs.

Damn. It started raining on my Cloud 9.

John (The Mayor) is being "considered" but I would be surprised if he got the gig - I love him dearly but imagine him with Bob Miller?

I think its too chummy, and a "fan" getting the gig? Granted, he's been absolutely brilliant at what he's done but from a corporate standpoint it probably winds up someone more hawkish like J.P. Hoonstra who is (gulp) a "reporter", has had long term ties to the club and is... pansy like.

Originally Posted by rajuabju

mmmmmmmmmmmm Ok I guess.

I liked Rich. He was good. But its not like the Kings cant find someone else to replace him, assuming they do want to replace him.

I really dont get the move though... OC Register? MEH. But if thats what he wants, good for him.

Well, I look at it this way: The OC Register just got better.

Thank you and good luck, Rich.