152 replies to this topic

[trekfan55]

I figured this was the place to discuss this.

I don't live in the States, but do have access to most NESN broadcasts via either MLBTV or my cable company.

Like most here during the gamethreads, I have found that lately the broadcasts have been insufferable. It has gotten to the point where I was either looking for the other team's feed (Harrelson excluded) or simply muted the TV. It is not about Don and Jerry not being knowledgeable or being homers, it's about the fact that they spend the entire broadcast discussing stuff like "what's in my bag", "who likes fish?", "let's read some tweets", or "forget about the baseball game, let's see this beautiful hallway and a glimpse of the urinals in this beautiful stadium".

Is there anything that can be done? I have no idea, but by expressing ourselves here maybe someone will read iot and do something?

Just for more (less really) fun, this was on twitter:

The Red Sox broadcasters spent about a minute last night debating whether mittens have fingers: http://atmlb.com/JKaq1k

MLB Twitter

Edited by trekfan55, 27 April 2012 - 11:36 AM.

[AimingForYoko]

I figured this was the place to discuss this.

I don't live in the States, but do have access to most NESN broadcasts via either MLBTV or my cable company.

Like most here during the gamethreads, I have found that lately the broadcasts have been insufferable. It has gotten to the point where I was either looking for the other team's feed (Harrelson excluded) or simply muted the TV. It is not about Don and Jerry not being knowledgeable or being homers, it's about the fact that they spend the entire broadcast discussing stuff like "what's in my bag", "who likes fish?", "let's read some tweets", or "forget about the baseball game, let's see this beautiful hallway and a glimpse of the urinals in this beautiful stadium".

Is there anything that can be done? I have no idea, but by expressing ourselves here maybe someone will read iot and do something?

Just for more (less really) fun, this was on twitter:



MLB Twitter

Those twitter people though...

The team was winning. Which is why most of us were pissed off.

As for what we can do, perhaps we should tweet into Ask Remy and tell them to cover the damn game.

Edited by AimingForYoko, 27 April 2012 - 11:41 AM.

[Average Reds]

Are you telling me that you were not riveted by the discussion of Jerry trying to figure out whether the time he "hugged it out" with Don was the only time he's ever done so with another man?

Hater...

[JimBoSox9]

I don't mind them going off-topic as much as many do, but NESN is doing a fucking horrific job with this clubhouse bullshit. Nice idea on paper, but if you can't do it without missing pitches of action, then you can't do it at all.

[drtooth]

I have to wonder how much of the other stuff is pushed by executives at NESN (see Tom Werner). I have heard a few of TB's games along with other team's broadcasts. Don and Jerry (though annoying at times) are not even close to the worst. The best to me is Marty Brennanman. He is only a mild homer, but has no qualms about ripping the manager, players (in the Schott days) the owner.

[trekfan55]

I have to wonder how much of the other stuff is pushed by executives at NESN (see Tom Werner). I have heard a few of TB's games along with other team's broadcasts. Don and Jerry (though annoying at times) are not even close to the worst. The best to me is Marty Brennanman. He is only a mild homer, but has no qualms about ripping the manager, players (in the Schott days) the owner.

The style of broadcasting a game has never been an issue. I believe they are very good when they do that.

What is bothering me (and others from what I see in the gamethreads) is the fact that the game is not being covered any more. Whole outs are wasted with discussions of inane subjects, and of course, the clubhouse tour.

[the1andonly3003]

Perhaps Jenny Dell is that weak that they need Don and Jery to do her job too?

[timlinin8th]

I have to wonder how much of the other stuff is pushed by executives at NESN (see Tom Werner).

A lot of it. Anything production related (like reading tweets on-air, exploring away ballparks during action, Heidi's take on ballpark food last season, anything Jenny this season...) all comes from above. I bet if you were to get inside Jerry's brain, I'm sure he loathes answering the inane tweet questions, like whether he's shared a manhug before.

Here's the kicker- somebody took the time to ASK that question. The execs at NESN already KNOW we (the ones annoyed by this stuff) will watch regardless. They have to market to the mindless drips that would ask such stupid questions and get off on 'omg im involved in the broadcast lmfao <3) and get them tuning in rather than watching Jersey Shore reruns.

[Corsi]

Perhaps Jenny Dell is that weak that they need Don and Jery to do her job too?

You take that back!

[Doctor G]

I would love to tune in and see Sean Mc Donough and Dennis Eckersley. When they start missing plays, they have lost their way.

I don't mind occasional humor. i just don't go for the un spontaneous Jerry and Don's personality quirks based schtick that seems like their primary option.Both guys can be witty at times and have been in the past. maybe Werner doesn't trust them to go off script.
The real question is does ownership really blame ratings slumps on the on air talent more than on the on field talent.

[OnWisc]

A lot of it. Anything production related (like reading tweets on-air, exploring away ballparks during action, Heidi's take on ballpark food last season, anything Jenny this season...) all comes from above. I bet if you were to get inside Jerry's brain, I'm sure he loathes answering the inane tweet questions, like whether he's shared a manhug before.

Here's the kicker- somebody took the time to ASK that question. The execs at NESN already KNOW we (the ones annoyed by this stuff) will watch regardless. They have to market to the mindless drips that would ask such stupid questions and get off on 'omg im involved in the broadcast lmfao <3) and get them tuning in rather than watching Jersey Shore reruns.

I'm not too sure about that. Even if he does dislike the tweets, it's not like he ever seems in a hurry to turn the conversation back to baseball. He was almost cutting Don's occasional calls off in the 8th last night to get back to discussing allergies.

[the1andonly3003]

I'm not too sure about that. Even if he does dislike the tweets, it's not like he ever seems in a hurry to turn the conversation back to baseball. He was almost cutting Don's occasional calls off in the 8th last night to get back to discussing allergies.

Also remember producers are in their ears...perhaps they were spurring them on to continue that topic, just like how they used to make the two giggle non-stop

[Scriblerus]

With the 100 year anniversary horse and pony show, they should really try and get more former Red Sox players to stop in. Hell, when they're on the road, bring in players from other teams to talk about the game. While Roy Smalley got a little annoying for the whole game, it was interesting to hear him talk about playing the Red Sox and the game in general.

The interview with Pedro was awesome, and while not everyone is going to be as interesting, it would at least get things focused on baseball and maybe help to educate some of the pink hats about the history of the team and the game.

[RGREELEY33]

I'm not too sure about that. Even if he does dislike the tweets, it's not like he ever seems in a hurry to turn the conversation back to baseball. He was almost cutting Don's occasional calls off in the 8th last night to get back to discussing allergies.

Remy likes nothing more than talking about Remy. He'll probably have a "Huggable RemDawg" on his website by May 1st.

[timlinin8th]

Also remember producers are in their ears...perhaps they were spurring them on to continue that topic, just like how they used to make the two giggle non-stop

This. I'm sure they have corporate meetings to promote how 'banter gets ratings! More banter!'... Its been widely noted that Jerry Remy's personality in real life is, uh, 'different' from his on-air persona (mildly speaking). From everything I've heard of him, manhugs don't seem to be his forte.

Remy likes nothing more than talking about Remy. He'll probably have a "Huggable RemDawg" on his website by May 1st.

Well thats Remy's calculating business sense. I don't disagree with this in the slightest. Its not because he cares that people know about his manhugs, but that it drives people to his avenues of income. In his brain he's probably laughing at the sheep, all the way to the bank, just like the producers are.

Edited by timlinin8th, 27 April 2012 - 12:35 PM.

[americantrotter]

It's gone overboard though. I feel like I can't listen to it anymore. I used to think they had an okay balance and that it kept irregular viewers entertained. Now, it just grates it feels like 75% of the broadcast is drivel. My wife however still likes the schtick, so it must have it's place amongst the casual viewers.

Plus it's hard to define if it helps ratings, these past few years have seen less likable teams and less winning. That reflects in the ratings as well one would assume.

[LESDL]

Even though it's certainly a bit much at times, I'll take it over Remy's spouting off about the Remy report, giving away free t-shirts, and otherwise hawking himself openly every chance he got like they allowed him to do a few years ago.

[David Laurila]

With the 100 year anniversary horse and pony show, they should really try and get more former Red Sox players to stop in.

During the 100th-anniversary game, they had a loud, boorish comedian in the broadcast booth with Don and Jerry for an inning. There were over 200 former Red Sox players in the building at the time.

[TheShynessClinic]

During the 100th-anniversary game, they had a loud, boorish comedian in the broadcast booth with Don and Jerry for an inning. There were over 200 former Red Sox players in the building at the time.

I had to watch the MLB network feed, but I can guess that you're talking about Lenny Clarke. He's terribly unfunny, and incredibly grating to listen to. Naturally, he's on the broadcast at least 4 times a year.

[OttoC]

I have listened to the radio broadcast a couple of times recently when Bruins games confkicted with Red Sox games and I found those announcers starting to emulate the Ask Jerry schtick. I switched to the opponent's radio feed.

[InsideTheParker]

The trouble is that the Red Sox ownership doesn't really know how many people are listening to the radio with Remsillo muted, and probably wouldn't care if they did. People like that probably mute their commercials also. I do know a couple of casual fans that can't believe Remsillo are allowed to broadcast, who like baseball but prefer to listen to the radio rather than the silliness in the booth and the specialties dreamed up by the broadcast producer. But neither of them lives in Boston. Somebody likes that stuff, but who they are exactly, I don't know.

[Curll]

'bout a decade ago, they had the "Inane Banter" graphic. Why not work an #InaneBanter hashtag-graphic system that could allow the audience to steer Don and Jerry back to the game?

[Jed Zeppelin]

There are certainly worse broadcast teams out there but when I routinely find myself muting my Sox feed and flipping on SNY to listen to Darling and the Mets it's clear that things could be better on NESN.

Edited by Jed Zeppelin, 27 April 2012 - 05:25 PM.

[timlinin8th]

I had to watch the MLB network feed, but I can guess that you're talking about Lenny Clarke. He's terribly unfunny, and incredibly grating to listen to. Naturally, he's on the broadcast at least 4 times a year.

[Brianish]

I realize I'm in the minority, here, but I've always liked Don and Jerry's piddling bullshit. I'd much rather hear them arguing about the difference between mittens and gloves than listen to some eighty-two year old talk about how important wins are, or how clutch/gritty player X is. There are announcers out there who would make Harold Reynolds wince. At least Don and Remy aren't passing their crap off as homespun wisdom. I don't mind rolling my eyes at their discussions about the drive home half as much as that crap.

Edit - Obviously, the best choice would be 'None of the Above,' but that doesn't appear to be an option yet.

Edited by Brianish, 28 April 2012 - 06:58 AM.

[minischwab]

Obviously, the best choice would be 'None of the Above,' but that doesn't appear to be an option yet.

Some networks have worked on using the SAP option as a way to drop announcer sound and just allow the viewers to listen to NAT sound. I'm not sure if this will eventually be an choice for all games across most major networks, but I would love to see it. Putting the TV on mute takes the feel out of the game, but listening to the crowd, players, and general sounds of the game without an announce team would be a great option.

[Tim Naehrings Girl]

I live in Florida but they have all the Yankee games on a local station. I have been listening to Sterling and Waldman quite a bit, and trust me Don and Jerry are wonderful compared to that brain trust.

[dbn]

For years now I've felt that Don and Jerry are great when they are doing their job (i.e., play by play and color commentary of the baseball game.) I guess I'm better than most at tuning out the rest, which I agree is insufferable.

Before I ponied up for the more expensive version of MLB.tv (I live out of market) I would have to listen to the home feed for away games. Through that experience I came to the conclusion that Don and Jerry are much more knowledgable about other ball clubs than most broadcast teams. Other announcers would often display ignorance of the Red Sox and their players, sometimes saying things that were factually incorrect. Maybe Don and Jerry do this too, and I just don't catch it, but they seem to me to generally know what they are talking about.

On a related (and potentially more serious) note, any word about Remy's "illness"? Considering his cancer surgery and ensuing fatigue/depression, I hope he just has the sniffles.

[cromulence]

I live in Florida but they have all the Yankee games on a local station. I have been listening to Sterling and Waldman quite a bit, and trust me Don and Jerry are wonderful compared to that brain trust.

Absolutely true, but not a direct comparison (TV vs. radio). Michael Kay sucks, but the YES color guys outside of Singleton are really good IMO. Leiter in particular is great at taking what's going on in the game and relating it to his own career and knowledge of baseball/pitching. Flaherty is a bit boring but offers similar stuff for catching. Regardless, it always strikes me when I watch NESN how much the focus strays from the game - the same stuff just doesn't happen on other broadcasts.

[OttoC]

It strikes me that Remy gets bored broadcasting the game and starts in on all the other stuff. I also feel that he is insecure and he tries to make himself the center of attention. When he sticks to doing baseball, he's not bad, but there is way too much time spent on not doing the game. NESN's (at least I think it is NESN responsible) penchant for parading people to the booth and giving their "hottie" of the moment sometningto so just makes things worse.

Not that I am wishing bad for Remy but more of people like Smalley and Abraham/Cafardo doing broadcasts would please me. Bring on Eckersley. I will say that I'm glad I don't have Hawk Harrelson to put up with.

[pedros hairstylist]

You thought PeteAbe and Cafardo were good?

[Tim Naehrings Girl]

I would love to have Leiter, he has always been great in the booth going back to 04.

[OttoC]

You thought PeteAbe and Cafardo were good?

I preferred them to Remy by a lot.

[Van Everyman]

I just want Eck back.

[budcrew08]

I'm not a big fan of Cafardo in the booth: he's a print guy and print guys by nature aren't as good in the booth (I should know, I AM a print guy!)

I love when Remy is there, obviously, even if they do get off track, but my favorite color guy is Eckersley. The things like "stinky cheese" and all that is definitely humorous.

[Lose Remerswaal]

I just want Eck back.

This.

No Remy last night, no Remy today. Eck is better, but Remy is better than Abraham and Cafardo.

I enjoyed Roy Smalley the other night. Hope they have a good sub today

[Red(s)HawksFan]

On a related (and potentially more serious) note, any word about Remy's "illness"? Considering his cancer surgery and ensuing fatigue/depression, I hope he just has the sniffles.

He mentioned when he returned to the booth in Minnesota that he had annual battles with sinus infections, and that's what knocked him out of Monday's game. Can't imagine the cold weather in Chicago helped him out very much. Probably wise to get himself out of the cold and home early.

Edited by Red(s)HawksFan, 29 April 2012 - 11:28 AM.

[YTF]

I've always liked Don and Jerry. I think they are a pretty good team and have enjoyed them paired with others during some of their national broadcasts. I like SOME of the banter. Some of the spontaneous stuff is great. I still crack up at the "piece of pizzer" episode against the Angels 5 years ago (link below), but it really seems to be getting a bit out of hand. Though it's not their doing, the twitter shit really needs to go. It's annoying at best and even if all of the questions and comments were good, solid and baseball related , I still don't want to listen to the equivalent of a call in talk show while watching the game. The fact that we COULD do worse than Don and Jerry doesn't mean that we should have to settle for the all of the crap that NESN seems to be allowing/encouraging.

[the1andonly3003]

He mentioned when he returned to the booth in Minnesota that he had annual battles with sinus infections, and that's what knocked him out of Monday's game. Can't imagine the cold weather in Chicago helped him out very much. Probably wise to get himself out of the cold and home early.

Not that much warmer here though.

however, would still hope for a 3-man booth of Eck, Remy and Don

[Red(s)HawksFan]

Not that much warmer here though.

however, would still hope for a 3-man booth of Eck, Remy and Don

Fair enough, but he doesn't have to sit in front of an open window exposed to the cold for 3+ hours if he's resting at home.

Per PeteAbe, he's is in the booth for the first four today, followed by a "special" guest in the fifth, then Cafardo for the final four innings.

[YTF]

Not that much warmer here though.

however, would still hope for a 3-man booth of Eck, Remy and Don

My worry here is that Eck might get sucked into the silliness. I like Eck a lot and he's got a great balance of being honest, knowledgable and a little bit goofy. I'm afraid the goofy part will thrive in that atmosphere.

[trekfan55]

The best choice would be Pedro. How much would it take to persuade him?

[BosRedSox5]

I can't believe that NESN, with all their resources, can't do better than two Globe writers splitting time in the booth. I mean, this is their backup plan? I mean either one for the whole game wouldn't be terrible but where's Eck? Where's Bob Montgomery? Get Nomar on loan from ESPN, fly Trot Nixon in... Something!

[pedros hairstylist]

NESN doesn't want to pay anyone. My guess is if Jenny Dell or Wally the Green Monster had any skills whatsoever, they'd have been in the booth.

[Red(s)HawksFan]

Considering the fact that this isn't a planned absence by Remy, and they're on the road (last two games), and it's pretty easy to see why they can't come up with an alternative other than guys who work for them already anyway (both appear often on the pregame show).

Sure NESN is cheap, but on short notice, who knows who's available and wiling to fly to Chicago at the drop of a hat? Easier to patch things together with Abraham and Cafardo for the weekend. If Remy can't return for Monday, his seat is easier to fill being at home...Eck, Stairs, Rice...whatever studio analyst is available.

[YTF]

If memory serves, when Remy missed a bunch of games a couple of years back, Eck normally didn't go on the road with the team. Most if not all of the games he did were at Fenway. Even knowing that Remy would be out for an extended period of time it seems like NESN opted to go with "local" talent when they were on the road.

[the1andonly3003]

so who was the "special guest" for the 5th inning today?

[Red(s)HawksFan]

so who was the "special guest" for the 5th inning today?

May have mistakenly read PeteAbe's tweet. He said he was doing four, Cafardo was doing four, and there was a special guest for an inning. Perhaps the guest is going to come on for the ninth to "close" the game out.

[OttoC]

People, the game is in front of you. Watch it. All that is needed is AN announcer filling in what can't be seen on camera--hit/error, foul/fair, passed ball/wild pitch, whose warming/pinch hitting, and the like.

[InsideTheParker]

People, the game is in front of you. Watch it. All that is needed is AN announcer filling in what can't be seen on camera--hit/error, foul/fair, passed ball/wild pitch, whose warming/pinch hitting, and the like.

I agree with this, but on the other hand, truly talented analysts can enrich one's experience of the game. Smoltz and Darling were great on TBS for Tigers/Yankees on strategy and pitching. But I understand that a regional sports network can't afford them or chooses not to. Vin Scully and Jon Miller do what you described and tell stories. But all of these stories have to do with baseball, with the players on or off the field. (Except in a blowout, I've heard Jon Miller tell hilarious stories that are only marginally about baseball.) It's clear that when our announcers talk about themselves rather than the game that it ticks a lot of us off. But again, some people seem to like it?