Rob Neyer Jumps On The Phyzz-Haters Bandwagon

by WiHaloFan on Jul 21, 2009 9:42 PM PDT in Angels News

I just saw this on Rob Neyer's ESPN blog "The Sweet Spot":

Lest anyone think that Dayton Moore is the Only Man on Earth foolish enough to believe that Yuniesky Betancourt is a good baseball player, witness this exchange overheard just moments ago on my home picture machine:

Steve Physioc: Betancourt, the young man who was acquired from the Seattle Mariners just a week ago. And there was a lot of criticism in the Kansas City area about the acquisition of Betancourt, but you and I felt that he was one of the top three defensive shortstops in the American League, and Kansas City is not deep at that position in their entire system.
Rex Hudler: I don't know what would be wrong with that move. You got him a nice fielder, young guy, already signed for a couple more years.

What's odd about this particular moment is that many of today's fans have moved ahead of the mainstream discussion. Much of that is generational, as broadcasters like Physioc and Hudler -- frankly, most broadcasters -- learned their baseball in the 1960s and '70s and simply haven't bothered to keep up with everything that's happened since then.

What's also interesting about the blog post is some of the comments:

As an Angels fan, that conversation is probably one of the most intelligent things that dynamic duo will discuss all season (that's not a compliment). They ascribe to all the normal broadcaster lingo:

Young = been in the league less than 8 years
Top defensive = he's made at least two diving plays against the Angels

Although in Physioc's defense, he did say that he "was" one of the better fielders in the AL, not that he still is...okay, never mind, I got nothing. Those two are awful.

And:

...I'm a lifelong die-hard Angels fan, but "Fizz & Hud" are by far the worst local announcers I have ever heard. I cringe when I tune in & hear them calling the game. What makes matter worse is that the Angels have some quality announcers in Rory Markus, Terry Smith & to a lesser extent Mark Gubicza who often do the radio broadcast for them & have frequently done the TV broadcast as well. I'll never understand the loyalty that Mr. Moreno has shown to the two clowns who so frequently embarass themselves & the organization.

I don't mean to beat a dead horse and continue this topic, but I found it interesting that the Angels announcers are starting to get some national "attention".

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Comments

I'd prefer my man Jose "Mumbles" Mota

I agree that the dailogue from Pyz is pretty mundane and banal, however I enjoy Rex’s “shennanigans” and catch-phrases, it’s a matter of comic relief personally.

Let the Halo power flow!

by HALO N BRIMSTONE on Jul 21, 2009 9:52 PM PDT reply actions

In Rob Neyer's case, I'm partial to thinking that it's just another part of his hatred of all things Angels.

~Till the Halo burns out...

by Zu Long on Jul 21, 2009 10:15 PM PDT reply actions

thinking the same

But for Phyzz to talk like that is quite an improvement. Most of the time he’ll get off topic from baseball itself, much less the game and teams right before his eyes.

by eyespy on Jul 21, 2009 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Phyzz is horrible, ergo

Rob Neyer would like to pat himself on the back for bringing sabremetric intelligence to the great unwashed masses. Whatever.

Neyer never ceases to amaze me with what an incredible putz he actually is.

by Zaius on Jul 21, 2009 10:32 PM PDT reply actions

Rory and Gubi 100% of time on TV

I cant stand listening to either Phyz or Rex – they drive me crazy. Thankfully – the EI package allows you to listen in to the opposing teams announcers as options (not saying every team has great announcers but they just dont drive me up the wall like Phyz and Rex). Lots of bitching about the announcers lately (and well deserved) – for those that have EI, just change the broadcast channel.

Free Brandon Wood!

by gorams77 on Jul 21, 2009 10:33 PM PDT reply actions

Neyer shoots the messengers because they preach something he philosophically doesn't agree with.

Or at worst, an opinion that maybe asinine or patently false.

Still, Neyer should go take a chill pill instead of overreacting to watch someone says.

He isn’t going to change baseball by taking potshots with everything he disagrees with, no matter what he believes.

Or is Kendry perhaps the one who needs to sit?

by BBFan1 on Jul 21, 2009 10:39 PM PDT reply actions

Hmmm

Sometimes ya gotta wonder where one’s influence reaches to in this universe…

by Rev Halofan on Jul 21, 2009 11:05 PM PDT reply actions

keep wondering...

because your head is the only place it exists.

R.I.P.N.A.

by TheAngelsAngels on Jul 21, 2009 11:26 PM PDT up reply actions

huh?

I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer.

by Moondoggy on Jul 22, 2009 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions

I don't think he likes our Rev.

.... as sexy as socks on a rooster.

by opiejeanne on Jul 22, 2009 9:44 PM PDT up reply actions

"Rob Neyer Jumps on the Phyzz-Haters Bandwagon"?

More like “I’ll stretch Whatever I Can To Support This Random Vendetta Against Something That Has Zero Bearing On The Team’s Performance”…

It’s honestly pathetic at this point.

Back to OCRegister.com for me.

R.I.P.N.A.

by TheAngelsAngels on Jul 21, 2009 11:25 PM PDT reply actions

Steve, don't take it personally.

I love this team.

by Downing Rules on Jul 21, 2009 11:54 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

I would actually argue that the quality of the announcers has a direct bearing on the team's performance.

They are the advertising for the product on the field. Better advertising equals more fans equals more money equals an ever greater product on the field. I’d say they’re correlated at the very least.

But hey, internets ftw

RIP #34

by linkbruin on Jul 22, 2009 12:43 AM PDT up reply actions

Good place for you.

.... as sexy as socks on a rooster.

by opiejeanne on Jul 21, 2009 11:32 PM PDT reply actions

How is this topic still open for discussion??

Phys and Hud are horrible. Not decent, not okay, not tolerable. They are two shit stains on clean pair of underwear. Anyone who disagrees either hasn’t been watching baseball for long or hasn’t been watching baseball long. F U PHYS AND HUD.

You are what you type.

by rjcicc on Jul 22, 2009 12:22 AM PDT reply actions

I’m really just about done with these two. I’ve taken to either watching with the sound muted or listening to the other team’s announcers. Rex sounds like my little league coach, and Physioc is amazed by the most inconsequential things. It’s not just that they’re old-timey baseball folk who have never heard of WAR or WPA—there are plenty of good annoucers who haven’t either—but they just sound plain bad doing what they do.

by Suboptimal on Jul 22, 2009 12:29 AM PDT reply actions

the talking down to us like little children

is what grates on me the most – and a broadcast discussing f-IP extrapolations versus VORP predictions would be mind-numbingly dull, but can we have something that speaks to us like adults with some knowledge of the game.

ooops here I go again, according to Mark Whicker (OC Register employee) I cannot be allowed to critique anyone I have not met face to face. My bad.

by Rev Halofan on Jul 22, 2009 1:35 AM PDT up reply actions

I don't know. . .

I’ve been pretty harsh on Phys and Hud myself, but when I see Rob Neyer criticizing them, I must admit that my reaction is something like, “They may be schnooks, but they’re our schnooks.”

I think Phys is our worst play-by-play guy, and I’d love to see him gone, but there are far worse and even more annoying announcers out there. I’d much rather have Phys and Hud call a game than Joe Buck and Tim McCarver, for example.

But don’t despair: with the coming home stand, Rory and Guby will be back on TV for the next three weeks or so.

by rspencer on Jul 22, 2009 1:15 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs

For those who watch MLB.tv, I'll say it again

Watch the opposing team’s announcers. Just let go. It has increased my enjoyment considerably.

by mattwelch on Jul 22, 2009 5:19 AM PDT reply actions

but I hate the M's announers even more.

I need more Terry Smith.

"Yeah, well…if fuckin’ Gandhi threw up a 5.70ERA, it doesn’t make him a great pitcher. " CKOD

by HaloDutch on Jul 22, 2009 6:02 AM PDT up reply actions

The Texas announcers are'nt bad, very laid back.

I am happy to introduce All Star Third Baseman, Chone Figgins.

by 44FAN on Jul 22, 2009 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions

For those of us inside the Angels' media fiefdom, I'll say it for the first time

we can’t.

by rspencer on Jul 22, 2009 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions

I know I can't.

There’s a delay between the radio announcers and what you see on the tv, so you hear what happens and then you see it. Sometimes it’s amusing, especially when the alternative includes being forced to listen to Joe Morgan.

.... as sexy as socks on a rooster.

by opiejeanne on Jul 22, 2009 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions

Jesus, Phyzz must reallllysuck if even Rob Neyer noticed

must be hard to hear, what with his head jammed so far up his ass

"Yeah, well…if fuckin’ Gandhi threw up a 5.70ERA, it doesn’t make him a great pitcher. " CKOD

by HaloDutch on Jul 22, 2009 6:03 AM PDT reply actions

I don't get the hate...

I like Rex and Phys. We hate it when they put Rory and Gubi on the TV feed. I really can’t stand Rory. That guy just needs to go.

Actually, now that I think about it. Give me Gubi and Rex on the telecasts. I don’t really need Phys or Rory. Let them do radio.

by thetooth on Jul 22, 2009 8:37 AM PDT reply actions

Hmmm. I like Rory and Gubi on tv.

.... as sexy as socks on a rooster.

by opiejeanne on Jul 22, 2009 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions

Im not Phyzz's biggest fan but enough is enough

just get over it already there are way worse announcers we could have and Rex is great. The mute button works if you are seriously that upset. Im not a fan of Physioc but I enjoy watching the Angels play and having a commentary so I’ll deal with it. Blowing steam off because he just got under your skin is one thing but continually critiquing and targeting him just because you want to feel important is annoying and asinine. If you feel like you can do a better job than change you profession and give it a shot until then …….grow up and get on with your life and stop talking shit just to talk shit. I hate coming to this site just to see negative shit about our team and organization smeared across it if I wanted to see that I’d go to LSB. #1 team in the A.L. West for years and #1 most fan friendly team in all of sports but by listening to some people around here you’d swear our organization the lowest piece of crap around and do a damn thing right. That to me says you’re either 02 bandwagon fans that can’t understand why we haven’t won a WS since then or you’re a half assed longtime fan that got used to a crappy team and need something to complain about. Well im done cause now Im just pissed.

"Boy, did he drop a huge deuce in the stands!" (About a two-run homer)
Rex Hudler

by devildogamp on Jul 22, 2009 9:29 AM PDT reply actions

Geez dude, relax.

The article wasn’t a commentary on Physioc’s ability, it was pointing out that his ability is getting more attention than just here.

Should we not mention the great year Hunter is having because we’ve already mentioned it? How about what a great value the Angels are getting from Abreu…oh wait, we’ve covered that already. Wood should get more…crap, don’t want to bring that up again!

It cracks me up when people read the headline, then read the article, then bitch that the article was written. If you’re tired of reading Physioc articles, then don’t read Physioc articles. Pretty simple.

by WiHaloFan on Jul 22, 2009 9:58 AM PDT up reply actions

true and im sorry got a little out of hand with my comment lol but its is played out

"Boy, did he drop a huge deuce in the stands!" (About a two-run homer)
Rex Hudler

by devildogamp on Jul 22, 2009 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions

The anti-Physs commentary shows up every year.

Here is my fanpost from 2007 on the subject …
http://www.halosheaven.com/2007/3/9/125354/1695

I love this team.

by Downing Rules on Jul 22, 2009 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions

I saw alot of people saying its dumbed down but

they’re told announce that way to keep it understandable (if thats a word) and interesting for kids, thats Arte Moreno’s main focus “the kids”. He believes if you can captivate a child then they’re a lifelong fan and you’ll have an even bigger fan base for years to come.

"Boy, did he drop a huge deuce in the stands!" (About a two-run homer)
Rex Hudler

by devildogamp on Jul 22, 2009 12:18 PM PDT up reply actions

phyz and rex

were like that LONG before Arte showed up.

by Rev Halofan on Jul 22, 2009 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Rex reminds me of a big, silly Golden Retriever, so that works.

.... as sexy as socks on a rooster.

by opiejeanne on Jul 22, 2009 9:48 PM PDT up reply actions

It only irritates me when he talks better of the opposing team

"Boy, did he drop a huge deuce in the stands!" (About a two-run homer)
Rex Hudler

by devildogamp on Jul 22, 2009 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions

No worries.

I think it’s played out too, but I posted this because I thought it was interesting to see someone other than HH talking about it.

And you didn’t get out of hand. Not even close.

by WiHaloFan on Jul 22, 2009 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Best Rex quote

My buddies and I keep a running tab of priceless “Rex-isms.” Still, by far my favorite is one from last year.

“Kids, if you ever wonder what it’s like to get hit in the knee with a 95 MPH fastball, just go into your garage, grab a hammer, and whack it against your knee.”

The more you know.

by UCLAClass82 on Jul 22, 2009 10:03 AM PDT reply actions

The More You Know...

Angels fan since '67

by red floyd on Jul 22, 2009 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions

He uses that one when discussing a foul ball that hits your toes (of course, you drive the hammer into your toes, not your knee!). Ouch!

I love this team.

by Downing Rules on Jul 22, 2009 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions

Acting like it does not hurt like players do seems like the hard part.

I am happy to introduce All Star Third Baseman, Chone Figgins.

by 44FAN on Jul 22, 2009 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions

steve and rex

In a town where Vin Scully is the standard, Steve and Rex are shameful. Try counting the number of mistakes they make by inning. When Scully announces an Angels Dodgers game you get more background on the Angels than you get in a month by the terrible twins. Rex is a cheerleader for himself first, a clown without many tricks, his lack of preparation and background is astounding. Steve has become his comical sidekick. Mota and Markus and Gubie all have fine temperments, respect the game, respect the viewer and do a fine job. Steve and Rex get worse every year. Artie Moreno seems to be a very decent man but perhaps if he listened to more games on television his patience would be tried. As a die hard Angels fan it is painful to be subjected to the terrible two.

by wolfride on Jul 22, 2009 6:43 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs