FoxNet Transfer in the Angels Announcer Works?
by Rev Halofan on Feb 23, 2010 11:00 PM PST
in Angels News
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PrintTo fill the shoes of Rory Markas, the Angels are going to need a competent, reliable announcer. As the intrigue winds closer to the dawn of the new season, it would seem that the Angels are not auditioning a new, untried voice. They don't seem, at this late date, to be pulling in any grizzled veterans for a one or two season stint. They most definitely are not bringing back Steve Physioc despite the LA Times poochy Diane Pucin writing a suckup puff piece on the virtues of rehiring that pathetic motormouth ninny himself. For you sentimentalists, Rex Hudler is not a play-by-play announcer and won't be back either.
Could the answer then be found at the Fox Sports Newtork regional branches? There are four Fox regional network baseball play by play announcers who would seem, for various reasons, to be the obvious frontrunners, at this juncture, to team with color commentator Mark Gubicza for the Angels television play by play announcer. They are:
CHIP CARAY: He was recently dumped by TBS as the Braves announcer but picked up for 105 games by Fox Sports South. He has the "national" profile that the Angels front office craves for their public profile. After the ignomious dumping by TBS, is he hungry to be the voice of a perennial playoff contender even if it means a move to the suburbs of LaLaLand?
MARIO IMPEMBA: The television voice of the Detroit Tigers for Fox Sports Detroit, Mario left broadcasting for the Angels after the 2001 season to cover his boyhood team. He is one of the best announcers in the game and could transfer to the higher profile West Coast as well as add a smidgen of continuity, at least for those of us who are not on the post-'02 bandwagon.
JOSH LEWIN: The Texas Rangers announcer on Fox Sports Southwest, Lewin is a preppy type who stinks of corporate suckup and seeing him on a few nationally televised Fox weekend games last season reminds Angels fans that the west coast is where the ladder-climbing backstabbers go to before they go to New York, so here his name is in the hat.
DARREN SUTTON: The son of former Angel Don Sutton also left the Angels after 2001. He went to the Milwaukee Brewers and is currently slated to be the straight man to Mark Grace on Fox Sports Arizona covering the Diamondbacks. In addition to continuity within the franchise's history, Sutton would likely be the least expensive of these four Fox Sports employees.
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if Chip Caray is the new announcer you can count on me using the mute button during games
Listening so him on TBS during the playoffs was horrible he screwed up many times. the one i remember most was in the 1 game playoff between the Twins and Tigers when he emphatically yelled " line drive base hit" on what he thought was gonna be his epic call of a walk off hit that was caught easily. here is a link to the call http://waxpaperbeercup.com/2009/10/07/the-failure-that-is-chip-caray/
NOT Chip Caray
I don’t think there could be a worse selection than him. Talk about boring.
OK, I'm finally over losing Tex. Thanks Kendry.
Daron Sutton
Has got to be my favorite all-time Angels broadcaster. I loved listening to Mario and Daron do games. Thankfully, Rory and Terry have proven to be worthy replacements, but those guys were awesome. Between Mario and Daron, I would choose Daron just because of his enthusiasm and color.
I still remember the game when Darin Erstad made a phenomenal diving catch against the Yankees to save a walkoff hit (in 2000 or 2001?)…Sutton’s call made the speakers literally shake in the car. It’s one of the greatest calls I’ve ever heard. In general though, just a great announcer and would love to have him back.
I agree they were both outstanding
either one would be a great addition—good call Rev
I wonder if they could be lured away from their current assignments. Doesn’t Mario really dig Detroit?
Agree, and yes
I think Mario grew up a Tigers fan, so he’s been in his dream job for a while. Perhaps he wouldn’t mind a move back to warmer climes? I loved Mario and Daron, but of the two I think I’d prefer Mario.
Ummmm...
“…Sutton’s call made the speakers literally shake in the car…”
You don’t happen to drive a Toyota do you? Manufactured between 2006 and…
Did Toyota make time machine cars in 2006?
THIS… IS… ANAHEIM!!
by opiejeanne on Feb 24, 2010 8:58 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I remember a call Sutton made in 2000....
after Erstad had just gone 5 for 5 and was standing on first base.
“Darin Erstad is super-human!”
That was awesome.
Wasn't Sutton only with the Angels broadcast crew...
…for a year? What hap?
2 years, IIRC
He replaced the mediocre Brian Barnhart. Daron requested to be let out of his contract early in order to take a TV gig with Milwaukee (again IIRC).
I greatly enjoyed the Mario and Daron show while it lasted, but within a week I was much happier with Rory and Terry. I would be happiest if they simply simulcasted Terry and Guby this year.
Rev, I know you have an in with the team, and you have good news instincts. But I am praying that this post is entirely speculative, and reflects no actual reality.
Loved that call
That catch and call are two of my all time favorite Angel memories. The call, in fact, elevates the catch to Edmonds like status.
This is the best Angels can do?
Must say I am completely underwhelmed by all of these choices. Considering the magnitude of the job, Angels should be able to do much better than this.
Don’t know his contract situation at MLB Net, but Matt Vasgersian wouldn’t be a bad choice. Local guy with ties to SC & San Diego, bit of a wild card, but couldn’t be worse than these other choices. It’s a shame that we could have had Emberg back, but obviously the job wasn’t available at that time. Sucks to lose Rory. : (
by TMBTRUMPET on Feb 23, 2010 11:29 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Why is there not a choice for none of the above?
Ok, I know it’s because of your assumption on the FoxNet aspect, and also would make sense with Arte wanting a nationally ‘recognized’ aspect to the announcers, if you believe the whispers.
But ugh, I don’t want ANY of them. I rather Guby just do it alone then.
More silence > Above choices
I'd be quite excited to have Mario back
I’d be satisfied by Daron.
Don’t know Josh Lewin.
But Chip Caray would have me wishing Phys was back.
Cast my vote for Mario.
I wouldn’t mind having Darren back.
Lewin is/was the ranger’s play-by-play announcer, no thanks.
And Carey both sucks and blows simultaneously.
YOU DON'T KNOW THE POWER OF THE DARKSIDE.....
So Caray is Mega-Maid?
Angels baseball. We do what we must, because we can -- HaloDutch
by red floyd on Feb 24, 2010 8:40 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
im still waiting for the big drum lead in music
IT COULD HAPPEN
by BigBangRobbDawgg on Feb 24, 2010 10:07 PM PST up reply actions
voted heartily for Mario--
One of my fave Halo announcers. I like DS too.
I may be alone in this, but I like Chip a lot better than his dad…I used to listen to Skip on TBS back in the day, and pop’s voice was (is?) coma-inducing.
To this day, the words glen hubbard and steve bedrosian send me into a verbally triggered blackout…
I bleed Angel red
by squarefootnatlpark on Feb 24, 2010 1:41 AM PST reply actions
never liked mario
loved darren cause he was funny
felt bad for him cause he left just before the world series victory
i thought he went to detroit for one of their 100 loss seasons
always hated mario’s low-key delivery
never liked his home-run call “it’s gone for good”
guess i vote for darren, i thought he was a color-man
and besides i got to use rob wilfong’s tix
when darren’s dad won number three-hundred
sat right behind papa jack
Who goofed? I've got to know.
Is Curtis Granderson available?
But for those who want to dwell on the good ’ol days:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7e9YJNN_aI
"That ball went where he threw it!" - Rex Hudler
by Zoe Necrosis on Feb 24, 2010 6:31 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Ah, memories.
Rest in peace, Rory. When I think of some of the greatest moments in my Angels fandom, I hear your voice describing them. Thanks for everything you gave us.
ABC
Anyone.
But.
Caray.
I hate that guy.
http://inplaynoouts.blogspot.com/ - A blog about teams I like, written by me.
#34
by Carl Johnson on Feb 24, 2010 7:01 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Mario
is a pro. Easily the best of the 4 listed.
Sutton has some wit but I don’t think his style fits Arte’s vision for the team.
NOT impressed
by any of these names. In fact, I am repulsed by Caray and hope that these names are nothing more than speculation…
www.13stoploss.com
Josh Lewin is a fantastic announcer
I’ve seen a few Rangers broadcasts and I love the job he does. I’d like to see him in here, even though I think it’s unlikely.
Defending maligned chants since 2009
Mario is the only one I see as OK
…although I’m not excited about any of the choices.
I heard Daron in 2001 way back when I had dial-up internet and the PC was always buffering, and as I remember he was joking around and not taking things seriously, so I don’t see the polished announcer some of you with broadband evidently remembered.
Lewin and Caray are definite no-nos for me.
The quality Rory had was that he sounded from the start like he had always been there and belonged. That’s what I’d like to have although it may be asking too much on short notice.
by California Cajun on Feb 24, 2010 8:21 AM PST reply actions
Darren kept things interesting in those 11-2 blowout losses with things like the fib-o-meter
But he was a very good at explaining and analyzing the game from a pitcher’s point of view, at least to someone who was only really finding his love of baseball on the radio.
Rest in peace, Rory. When I think of some of the greatest moments in my Angels fandom, I hear your voice describing them. Thanks for everything you gave us.
He's from Detroit
I don’t see why he’d bail on the Tigers gig, being able to work at home. I imagine it’s his dream job.
Here's the guys they were considering before when Rory and Terry were hired
by California Cajun on Feb 24, 2010 8:25 AM PST reply actions
Thanks for that illuminating link
It reminds me that my great hope at the time, not even having considered Rory, was that the team would pick Gary Miller. He was around a lot on the shows I watched, and I liked him because a) he was professional; b) he conducted intelligent interviews; c) he seemed to be a genuinely nice, unpretentious, no BS guy. But, he was still a bit green, and Rory was indeed a better choice.
Now, however, he strikes me as a likely choice. He has had more play-by-play experience, and as with Rory back in ’02, he is well-known in the local sports media. To me, he seems a better candidate than the reasonable possibilities discussed hereto in light of the qualities that the Angels say they have been seeking. The only obvious potential problem I can see is his present association with the Dodgers.
I voted for Caray, but I don't really care.
I don’t remember Impemba or Sutton and I don’t think I’ve ever heard Lewin to be honest. For me, growing up in the mid-90’s to early 00’s, I only really remember Phys and Rex on TV.
Some of that could be because I took a step back from baseball going into high school for various other concerns and…distractions.
Like I said one of the other threads here, the choice of announcer will have no effect on whether I watch the Angels or not, and I doubt it will for the vast majority of others.
"You gotta have nuts." - Torii Hunter / Part-Time Nemesis of the HH Reply Function
I loved, LOVED Mario and Darren.
Though I do wonder what it would be like to listen to them cover a winning team.
Rest in peace, Rory. When I think of some of the greatest moments in my Angels fandom, I hear your voice describing them. Thanks for everything you gave us.
Oh, hell no
All of these choices are varying levels of awful. What’s the point in firing Steve Physioc just to replace him with another loudmouth jabberjaw like Josh Lewin? And supposing they do hire him, will he still cheer for the Rangers from the booth, or will he become just as annoying as an Angels homer?
My vote is for just promoting Terry Smith to the TV booth and leaving it at that, for next season at least.
Mario Impemba is the only real choice
…and he’s tied up with the Tigers, apparently as happy as can be. With Ernie Harwell most likely passing away in 2010, I don’t think the Tigers will do anything to ruin the continuity of the broadcasting teams.
I have watched Daron Sutton (note spelling) on Dbacks games and he calls the game as if the team was the Margaritaville Parrots. Maybe that’s the only route one can take with a season such as the Dbacks had in 2009, but it was too loose even by Harry Caray’s standards.
Pass on Josh and Chip.
I’ll second the suggestion of Matt Vasgersian, but I think his commitments to MLB Network would preclude doing play-by-play.
And a hearty “hell, no” to the suggestion of leaving Gubicza to his own devices and work solo. He’s bad enough when he’s sharing the mike.
"I can't tell people what to think or not to think. Their perceptions are their perceptions. We just feel we've taken a step forward. At the end of the day, we have to play 162 games. Once that happens then we'll be able to evaluate the offseason moves."~Tony Reagins, on the Angels' offseason
How 'bout a former Angel great?
What’s the availability of Finley, Langston, Percival, Salmon, etc?
Percival and Salmon probably have younger kids they want to spend time with, but I would think Finely and Langston might have more time available to do some announcing given how long they’ve been away from the game.
"You gotta have nuts." - Torii Hunter / Part-Time Nemesis of the HH Reply Function
by Commander_Nate on Feb 24, 2010 10:18 AM PST reply actions
I think they'd have to have some broadcasting talent first
The Angels are too big to be part of someone’s learning curve.
Finley and Salmon were both in the booth over the last season or two
Granted, those were for interviews, but they each stayed several innings and seemed comfortable and articulate in front of the camera. That would translate well into play by play if they took a whack at it I would think.
Buck, Morgan, and McCarver have basically no talent and look where they are. This should be a slam dunk.
"You gotta have nuts." - Torii Hunter / Part-Time Nemesis of the HH Reply Function
by Commander_Nate on Feb 24, 2010 10:33 AM PST up reply actions
Play-by-play is a difficult job requiring years of practice
That’s why relatively few are competent at it.
I would absolutely love to have Fin or Langley doing color, but what the Angels are looking for is a play-by-play guy.
And BTW, Langston was asked to do FSW work in the wake of the 2002 postseason, but he declined in favor of his family and his coaching work with kids.
Langston is awful
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I saw Langston do some pregame work with the Angels last season once or twice, and he quickly irritated me. No thank you. I would like to see Finley again, but of course this is all irrelevant as they would be color guys and we need a play by play guy.
"Baseball Is Life, Life Is Baseball!" -Tim Salmon
The man works in Detroit...
dream job? he’s clearly a masochist.
just HAVING A JOB in Detroit is a dream unattainable for many...
I love this team.
by Downing Rules on Feb 24, 2010 1:38 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Justin Speier?
But he’d be better as a color guy, instead of a play-by-play.
Angels baseball. We do what we must, because we can -- HaloDutch
Or
We could go with Mario then bring Speier in for the 7th to give up a home run.
"I know Lackey...let's have a spelling contest."
by autry's cowboys on Feb 24, 2010 9:20 PM PST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Seriously,
Speier seems like a funny guy. He just forgot how to pitch.
Plus he’s a Marine.
Angels baseball. We do what we must, because we can -- HaloDutch
haha I actually agree...I just couldn't help myself.
"I know Lackey...let's have a spelling contest."
by autry's cowboys on Feb 25, 2010 9:14 AM PST up reply actions
I'm with you....
Sorry to disagree Rev, but I happen to like Phys and would love to see him back. Not the best in the game, certainly, but he’s our guy and I would like to keep it that way.
"Baseball Is Life, Life Is Baseball!" -Tim Salmon
I’d rather have the ghost of Bob Starr than get Physioc again (and Starr was horrible). Maybe Al Wisk is available.
Of the four listed, Impemba is the only decent choice (IMO)
I'm sorry but
what exactly made Starr horrible? And I’m not saying this out of any reverence for the dead, either. I have yet to meet any Angel (or Rams) fan that did not like Mr. Starr.
Bob Starr
Maybe “horrible” was a bit too harsh. I think he did a good job with the Rams, but I never liked his work with the Angels, and he did it for what seemed like decades….i’m still yawning thinking about it.
Starr seemed like a nice guy, just a little boring, and a big let down after growing up with Dick Enberg. I dont think he was atrocious though, like Physioc is.
Billy Mac gets my vote
He’s done virtually every sport as a play by play guy and he’s a huge halos fan
by thejd on Feb 24, 2010 11:10 AM PST via mobile reply actions
He'd do it only if Gubicza was replaced with the cast of "Gossip Girl"
And the Angels were sponsored by “Barely Legal” magazine.
"I can't tell people what to think or not to think. Their perceptions are their perceptions. We just feel we've taken a step forward. At the end of the day, we have to play 162 games. Once that happens then we'll be able to evaluate the offseason moves."~Tony Reagins, on the Angels' offseason
by George Kaplan on Feb 24, 2010 4:07 PM PST up reply actions
Yuck
He’s the worst. Worse than Phyzzard even.
"Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of His Saints." - Psalm 116:15 Rest In Peace, Nick.
Jose Mota
I enjoyed the postgame on-field interviews Jose Mota conducted during the 2009 ALDS and ALCS. I do not mind a few sentences of Spanish during the beisbol broadcast to go with my cerveza.
When I went to Montreal to see the Expos play four games in 1989 I picked up a few French baseball words. “Lanceur” is pitcher, “estradas populares” are bleachers, and “prime butt” (pronounced “boo”) is first base.
estradas...
Is Erik Estrada Spanish for “cheap seats?”
I love this team.
by Downing Rules on Feb 24, 2010 1:39 PM PST up reply actions
Johnny Estrada
I recall a Darin Erstad collision with Johnny Estrada that left Johnny not knowing what day of the week it was. Erstad hit catcher Estrada so hard he knocked an A off of Estrada’s uniform. A happier note for Johnny Estrada was an 8/19/04 Atlanta Braves @ Los Angeles Dodgers game in which he went 4-for-4 with a double, home run and three rbis in a 6-5 Braves win to offset two home run games by Adrian Beltre AND Shawn Green.
There was a Chuck Estrada who was on the Baltimore Orioles “Baby Birds” pitching staff in the early ’60’s. Steve Barber and Milt Pappas were also Baby Birds. Estrada’s heyday was 1960 and 1961.
Shawn Green!
Pardon the “aside”, but did anyone ever fall off the map faster than Shawn Green? Sure seems like he may have been part of the Dodgers Roid crew. Sad, if so. I went to high school with Shawn Green. He took his little league team to the Little League World Series. He was a stud in high school, at the time becoming the all time hits leader for Orange County. Took our team to the CIF Final, in Angel Stadium. (They lost when the game ended on a suicide squeeze with Green as the tying run was running from 3rd….out at the plate.) Then he got drafted by Toronto, but alternated semesters between Stanford and the minor leagues for a while. Bashed in Toronto and LA for a while, then just faded away. Strange. Thought he was going to be a huge star. May have been for a little while…..but fame is fleeting I guess.
"Baseball Is Life, Life Is Baseball!" -Tim Salmon
Are you familiar with the baseball field at Foothill High?
"God watches over drunks and third baseman." - the Immortal Leo Durocher, predicting the coming of Brandon Wood...
Not really....
Sorry for the late reply….no, I never made it over to Foothill much. I have a vague memory of their field kind of sunken along that back road there by Hewes. That’s about it though. Did you go to Foothill? I think I had to go there to take an SAT test or something, but that’s it.
"Baseball Is Life, Life Is Baseball!" -Tim Salmon
You need to remember for the story to make sense.
No, I did not go there. My youngest son did. Green was there doing a charity gig, taking batting practice. He was launching HR’s that were incredible, but you have to know the field to understand how far it was when I would tell you where tehy were landing.
"God watches over drunks and third baseman." - the Immortal Leo Durocher, predicting the coming of Brandon Wood...
Well job done!
I am fan various years ago.
by Fred Fredrix on Feb 25, 2010 6:56 AM PST up reply actions
Here's a thought...
Since we’re Los Angeles, claim imminent domain, and take Vin away from the Dodgers.
He’s probably fed-up with the McCourts by now anyways. : )
if that happens i will eat all of my angel hats...
just polish em all off…. well except for my newest one, because its like, my newest one
IT COULD HAPPEN
by BigBangRobbDawgg on Feb 24, 2010 6:36 PM PST up reply actions
I'll bet Vin's fed up with all the post-O'Malley owners
…and maybe even Peter O’Malley toward the end.
by California Cajun on Feb 28, 2010 4:24 PM PST up reply actions
i might be missing something...
i realize the title has a question mark, but is there even reported talk of a broadcaster transfer or is it just wishful thinking?
fair enough.
i don’t mind posts that keep people commenting… but the title felt a bit misleading so i wanted to ask.
That's a relief!
But I don’t fully understand your deductions. The only one on your list that seems to be available is (ugh) Caray. The others would require their team’s consent, and if they did relinquish someone at this late date they would then be in the same bind as the Angels have been with much less time to react.
I’ve complained about Phys as much as anyone here, but I’ve always stipulated that he is at least a competent professional. Caray isn’t, and he makes Jerry Doggett seem charismatic in retrospect. If it does turn out to be Caray, he won’t just be making me miss Phys, he’ll be making me miss Joe Buttitta.
If Chip Carey becomes the new announcer, I won't be listening to a lot of games
Does anybody remember the playoffs? OH HELL NO!
Al Michaels
Would be an ideal choice. He’s a little busy in the fall, but the Angels can work around that. Make him an offer he can’t refuse, Arte.
Only if you believe in miracles.... YES!!!!
Angels baseball. We do what we must, because we can -- HaloDutch
That's an inspired idea!
But bear in mind that NBC/Universal traded the rights to Oswald the Rabbit to ABC/Disney for Michaels. So even if he were available, there is no way Arte would pony up for him.
Hey, what about Brent Musburger? As I recall he was a great baseball play-by-play guy, as odd as that may sound to those who remember him doing other things.
It would be nice, as a tribute to Rory
If you spelled his name right.
M-A-R-K-A-S
# Halo Heaven Fantasy Champ 2008 #
good catch!
thanks for the copy-editing.
by Rev Halofan on Feb 25, 2010 12:51 AM PST up reply actions
He's a total drip
I’ll never forgive him for his crepe-hanging in the final innings of ALCS Game 5 in 2002, after the Angels’ 10-run eruption put the game and the series away. He kept dwelling on the Donnie Moore situation in a tone that reminded me of David Brinkley during the JFK funeral. It was in bad taste and poor spirit.
Plus, he totally left Steve Lyons out to dry regarding the incident that got Lyons fired from Fox Network games.
He’s a competent play-by-play guy, but he’s also a worm.
No female options?
"God watches over drunks and third baseman." - the Immortal Leo Durocher, predicting the coming of Brandon Wood...
Do you know of any eligible candidates?
That’s an honest question, by the way. I imagine there must be a few female play-by-play announcers at the minor league level, but I gather the Angels want someone with MLB experience.
Absolutely
Andrea Kramer
Leslie Visser
Suzy Kolber
Those are seriously qualified and accomplished sports announcers who have, long ago, earned a shot at play-by-play. All female. Inexcusable that they have not been tracked for play-by-play duties yet.
California being a community property state, pretty much half the money spent on the team belongs to women. That is a formidable market share that is not being discussed. If Mota is to there to serve the Latino community, Kremer/Visser/Kolber should be condidered to serve the female fans just as well. And, they all are credible and knowledgable sports voices that warrant respect from all of us. Plus, as a bonus to one of Rev’s main themes, they are NATIONAL personalities. The NATIONAL play for being the first media outlet to grant Kremer/Visser/Kolber her due respect would be huge – NATIONAL – news.
But, for sheer testosterone effect, I guess we could always toss out the name of Erin Andrews.
"God watches over drunks and third baseman." - the Immortal Leo Durocher, predicting the coming of Brandon Wood...
I'll agree that Lesley Visser is a seasoned sports reporter
And at least she has some connection to baseball in her resumé, having appeared on baseball telecasts in the past. But are the other two anything more than football sideline reporters? I’m no expert, but I’m unaware that any of these women have any experience at baseball play-by-play, and I’m fairly certain none of them have a great deal of it in any event.
I can see the positive PR aspects of selecting a woman to do the TV play-by-play, but none of these women seem to fit the Angels’ expressed search criteria.
You are falling into the trap that keeps them on the sidelines.
Insisting on experience, yet not granting any of it.
Andrea Kremer has been in sports broadcasting for about 25 years. Writer, editor, producer, investigative journalist, reporter, sideline reporter, moderator, host. Shes done TV and radio. She has been LA based. Most notable for pro football, she has covered baseball, basketball, football, hockey, March Madness, the Olympics, college football, and PGA golf. She would immediately be one of the top 5 most honored and distinguished broadcasters doing baseball play-by-play.
Now, it is certainly true that after one or two seasons there is a significant possibility that we find out that she cannot do play-by-play well. It IS a special skill and making the transition may be impossible for her. Well, OK, lesson learned for one. But, two, more time available to the team to slot another play-by-play person!
If I was the hiring manager, and she was willing to take the meeting, I would make damned sure I was prepared to sell the opportunity like hell in order to land her. I see absolutely zero downside to being the person who first put a broadcaster like Kremer in the driver seat.
"God watches over drunks and third baseman." - the Immortal Leo Durocher, predicting the coming of Brandon Wood...
Don't get me wrong
I do respect Andrea Kremer. She’s got a reporter’s chops, no doubt. But from all I have heard the Angels are looking for someone with actual play-by-play experience, and as far as I know, this she does not have.
Moreover, if you presented her resumé to me anonymously, with no reference to her identity or gender, I would reject her for the same reason. Baseball play-by-play is a highly specialized craft, and it is quite evident to any fan that even extensive experience does not guarantee competence at it. Just as superlative athletic ability is no guarantee of success at baseball (e.g., Michael Jordan), superlative ability at sports journalism is no guarantee of success at baseball play-by-play. Both endeavors require special, rare abilities, to say nothing of a great deal of practice.
I would love to see a woman enter the ranks of successful MLB play-by-play broadcasters, and I see no practical reason why this cannot happen. Nevertheless, it is extremely unlikely to happen without said woman coming up as anyone would, paying hard dues at the minor-league or college level, and I can practically guarantee that it won’t happen in the second-largest media market without such experience in hand.
Take a guess as to how much baseball play-by-play experience Vin Scully had before he joined the Dodgers.
"God watches over drunks and third baseman." - the Immortal Leo Durocher, predicting the coming of Brandon Wood...
I believe that his experience level at that time can be characterized in one of two ways
Either slimsky or nonesky (with apologies to Jim Healy).
Look, my own arguments can be turned to support the idea that Vin with zero experience > Chip Caray (for example) with oodles of it. If Andrea Kremer has that ineffable quality that would make her a good play-by-play announcer, then a lack of specific experience is not a disqualifier. Moreover, she already has enough related experience and proven ability as a broadcaster to indicate that she could do the job acceptably from day one. Moreover, if the Angels were intent upon having a female play-by-play announcer, they could hardly do better than to consider Kremer.
Nevertheless, the parameters the Angels have set forth would eliminate even so august a personage as Ms. Kremer from consideration.
For what it’s worth, I think you make an excellent argument for the hiring of Kremer in lieu of Jose Mota, to be the junior announcer on the radio side. This would be a closer parallel to the hiring of Vin by the Dodgers sixty years ago, and in such a case I would applaud the choice and follow Kremer’s learning curve with interest and a certain pride.
But as one who plans to watch or listen to every Angels game this year that I do not attend, I would prefer someone with significant experience in the lead chair. And unless there is someone available of whom I am not aware, I would prefer that someone to be Terry Smith.
Actually, the point that I wished to make was that
we have all been acting extremely chauvanistic when thinking about our options. It is too easy to make a case for any of the three I listed, and I am not authoratative when it comes to creating any complete list of broadcasting candidates. We should respect the fact that females are qualified and expand our thinking. And so should the Halos.
"God watches over drunks and third baseman." - the Immortal Leo Durocher, predicting the coming of Brandon Wood...
Tony Kornheiser needs a new gig.
I am fan various years ago.
Problem with Tony
…is that he never got to the point. We’d have to wait for the post game show to find out what happened.
by California Cajun on Feb 28, 2010 4:26 PM PST up reply actions
I would love Josh Lewin personally does a great job for the Rangers
but. if they angels ever signed chip Caray to do their brodcasts I would never watch another game on tv period the guy is that bad. Cannnot bear to listen to him
Now that Lackey has turned to the enemy lets kick his ass
by Angelsrthebest101 on Feb 25, 2010 8:33 PM PST reply actions
Interesting post, Rev
Haven’t been by as often as usual this offseason.
I recognize I am in the minority in liking Chip Caray’s voice; maybe it’s because I listen to the Cubs broadcasters, and the post-Caray South Side booth has been even worse.
I imagine you could get any of the above and they’d be fine. Haven’t personally listened to the other three, so I really don’t know their styles.
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