Summary of the Day: July 3, 2006

Steve Yzerman retired from the Detroit Red Wings and National Hockey League. He spent his whole career in Detroit, and served as the team's captain for all but three of those 22 seasons. Very few athletes in the past couple of decades have been so closely defined with one team, but Stevie Y was one of them. The Red Wings went where he took them. His presence made them a good team, his sacrifices made them a champion. He finishes his career as the sixth leading scorer in NHL history and a three-time champion, but those that know his career know he could have ranked higher on the scoring list but it would have come at the expense of winning. I know Detroit fans wish him well, but they also mourn a great career that has come to an end.

More bad news for Detroit. Ben Wallace has agreed to sign with division rival Chicago, leaving for a reported 4-year, $60 million contract. This signing bumps Chicago into the upper echelon of teams in the Eastern Conference and leaves Detroit grasping for straws. After making trades over the course of last season to have the room under the luxury tax threshold to sign Wallace, they now have to focus on a different future. It may, however, be a blessing in disguise. Big Ben seemed to be slowing down over the course of the season and playoffs. Joe Dumars had a number in mind that he was willing to pay for Wallace's services, and Ben knew that, so he took the better offer. Expect Detroit to bounce back with a sound acquisition of their own.

Roger Clemens finally won his first game of the season. You have to wonder if he has a gentleman's agreement to be traded if the Astros fall out of contention. At least they finally showed they can score runs for him.

Not much else to report today, so Happy Fourth of July.