That's why I don't like DA actually. It's not a good thing when a host fills his radio show through mindless repetition and dead air doing an imitation of a thoughtful pause. It's not interesting to listen to someone so obviously try to kill air time by rambling. He usually doesn't have much of an interesting opinion either. He desperately needs a co-host, whether it's the update guy doing double-duty or someone permanent. I think the guy subbing for DA at night this week is better (Rich Keefe I think), even if he isn't as well spoken. He at least seems to know a bit more about hockey talking about Bruins trade deadline acquisition prospects (i.e., which teams are likely to be selling and which are not).
Felger and Mazz - Creating False Naratives one day at a time
- Thread starter HomeBrew1901
- Start date
See, I actually think that's what you need for a late-night host. Call volume is probably down, call quality certainly is, you need a guy who can essentially argue against himself, which DA does, he just hasn't transitioned to the flow of an afternoon drive show
I typically only get to listen to DA when I'm commuting home and even then it is generally between 6-7 and only for 30 minutes or so and I've always liked him when he is on his own show. He has been absolutely brutal this week, not just because he has Bertrand who seems to know a shit ton more than he does, but also because he can't coherently debate his points when a co-host asks him a direct question or disagrees with him.
He's been horrible at having an actual conversation with Bertrand, sure he can banter with some of his late night lackeys, but he doesn't seem to know how to actually discuss sports with a co-host.
I like DA when he is on his own but he is definitely out of his element here.
I tuned in yesterday to hear a ten minute rambling rant about why ESPN sucks. And then DA says, "Marc, what do you think?" And god bless the Beetle - "I don't know why you're watching. It's called the internet. Find the info you are interested in on your own. You don't need ESPN."
DA does argue with himself, effectively, because the later it gets in his show, the less coherent the callers are. So he has to extract the "Rick Nash" from the caller and then guess at what direction the drunken moron was going and then argue the other side - because there's no other drunken moron on hold. But he's out of his element during the day and awful with a co-host.
I fucking love The Beetle. I don't know who at TSH hired him or decided to make him Felger's "flash guy" but that person should get a raise. Bertrand is one of the top 5 radio hosts in the market right now, and he doesn't even have a show of his own. Dude knows his stuff, is funny, understands timing, sets up his co-host beautifully, argues effectively and generally turns in a very good-to-great performance even with limited PT. He's the Matthew Slater of Boston sports talk.
DA does argue with himself, effectively, because the later it gets in his show, the less coherent the callers are. So he has to extract the "Rick Nash" from the caller and then guess at what direction the drunken moron was going and then argue the other side - because there's no other drunken moron on hold. But he's out of his element during the day and awful with a co-host.
I fucking love The Beetle. I don't know who at TSH hired him or decided to make him Felger's "flash guy" but that person should get a raise. Bertrand is one of the top 5 radio hosts in the market right now, and he doesn't even have a show of his own. Dude knows his stuff, is funny, understands timing, sets up his co-host beautifully, argues effectively and generally turns in a very good-to-great performance even with limited PT. He's the Matthew Slater of Boston sports talk.
I like Bertrand and Gasper a lot, I actually get to listen to more of their show running around on Saturday mornings than I do DA's and they do a great job. I'm kind of surprised that Gasper wasn't the full time fill in this week to give their show more publicity.
To add to the recent praise lauded to the beetle, he's absolutely CRUSHING IT with his take on Ryan Braun and the "steroids era." His opinion on this was an era in the game and it's time to accept that is something I've been saying for years, but something few media members seem to grasp.
Plus, his reading from a Shaughnessy column from 1998, in which CHB criticized an AP reporter for exposing Mark McGwire's use of andro, exposes the hypocrisy that many have on this issue. Well done.
Plus, his reading from a Shaughnessy column from 1998, in which CHB criticized an AP reporter for exposing Mark McGwire's use of andro, exposes the hypocrisy that many have on this issue. Well done.
The sooner they replace Mazz with Beetle, the better. I would have no reason to flip to the Big Show if Mazz weren't on with Felger.
IMO it's the best show overall on Boston sports radio. Glad to see Bertrand getting noticed, he's more competent and logical than pretty much any other personality in the market.
Another Mazz vacation day! Hopefully Mazz takes a few more vacations while Felger is there and 98.5 wonders why they keep paying Mazz.
Indeed. Listening to him talk baseball if painful. They've been re-running this clip of him in the promo talking about Adrian Gonzalez. I think the exact quote is "I think he's Wade Boggs with power. I hope to God I'm wrong, but I think that's what he is". I'm still trying to figure out why that's a bad thing.
"Look, Mike...you're absolutely right! Gonzalez scares me a little bit. I don't know where this guy's head is! He played in San Diego and I just don't know how competitive he is. Mike, he's Wade Boggs with power! I hope I'm wrong, but he's Wade Boggs, Mike! He needs to be a leader! This team sucked down the stretch. They sucked last year. Gonzalez didn't suck, but his attitude sucks! A lot of things sucked last year! Not Gonzalez, but Mike the attitude sucked last year! It all sucked!
I just worry, looking at Gonzalez, that he's Wade Boggs with power. That's all." - Mazz on Adrian Gonzalez.
Now what part of that isn't clear?
(Beetle is crushing it again today. I love actually having debate on a talk radio show.)
I hate to keep beating a horse to death but Beetle is so good with Felger. As much as I enjoy Felger, he often throws out shit with no facts and Bertrand calls him on it every time. And numerous caller keep pointing it out, which is great. One even said "It's not easy not having your Yes Man next to you, is it Mike?"
I wonder who Felger would rather co-host with at this point? Mazz who is his doormat or Beetle who he can have an intelligent conversation with. I can see both sides, him being able to spew out nonsense must be appealing but so is having a real conversation.
As I type this, Beetle taking Felger to task about the "unfairness" of the playoffs.
Edit: Whoever just called in and said that Beetle should take over for Mazz was awesome. Every call should start like that until they can't take calls anymore.
As I type this, Beetle taking Felger to task about the "unfairness" of the playoffs.
Edit: Whoever just called in and said that Beetle should take over for Mazz was awesome. Every call should start like that until they can't take calls anymore.
I turned over from Ordway and Holley midway and almost every caller was railing on Mazz and telling Beetle he should take his spot
Felger going nuts over Cedric Maxwell tonight about Rondo and waning dominance of PGs in today's NBA
today's show sounds like a disaster...what is going on?
edit: Felger just compared Mazz to his wife, Sara Underwood, calling him a woman for turning up and down the temperature
edit: Felger just compared Mazz to his wife, Sara Underwood, calling him a woman for turning up and down the temperature
It is at the point where I cannot listen to the show at all anymore when I hear Mazz. By all accounts a super nice guy, he splits his time between having a 'schtick' for radio or being over his head. I've liked Felger everywhere he's been (even if I dislike his 'radio controvery' rountine), but I can't stomach it anymore.
Maybe it's just timing (Bruins in a slump, don't care about basketball, Red Sox haven't started yet, Patriots heading into the draft) but I've gotten a little bored with them over the last few days. They haven't said anything offensive or overly dumb, but I just have very little patience for the showwhen I get in the car now. This doesn't just go for F&M but the same with T&R and D&C, I've found myself turning on the IPod quicker than usual.
My question at this point is what is TSH going to do with Bertrand, Gasper and Flynn. I think each of them is too good to keep at their current spot for another year or so. A flash-boy, a weekend host / weekday guest and a weekend co-host. If WEEI went to some sort of blend of Bertrand, Gasper and Flynn at 10-2 I'd never listen to GRESH!! again. I don't think Flynn is to as good as Bertrand or Gasper but he's too good IMO for his shitty weekend shift.
No idea what any of their contract status is.
My guess is they'll shit can his high-pitched ass once his contract expires. Anyone know when that will be?
The correct call would be to shift him permanently to the baseball show, run that the whole year round and eat the difference on his contract. Sure, he's then wildly overpaid but given the presence of cheap (not to mention, better) replacement in Bertrand, it's the best thing for the station (team).
It cannot be said enough - the Felger Show is better without Mazz; any co-host (Bertrand, Gasper, Flynn - take your pick) makes the show markedly better. Fact, not opinion.
It cannot be said enough - the Felger Show is better without Mazz; any co-host (Bertrand, Gasper, Flynn - take your pick) makes the show markedly better. Fact, not opinion.
The other factor is what does Felger want? I mentioned this previously, but would he rather pal around with Mazz, make shit up and talk nonsense and get great ratings or be a much better radio show. I think its up in the air.
This post and the one about WEEI stealing TSH on air talent are clutch. If Felgey thinks Mazz is his binky and doesn't want to be consistently challenged, he would fight to keep Mazz. Furthermore it's hard to see TSH worrying about WEEI stealing talent until they attempt to.
If I remember correctly, Massarotti's contract was extended in conjunction with Felger's last year.
It's a difficult decision to make, because like GRESH in the midday, it would be tough to justify firing somebody as long as show ratings continue to blast the competition's. However, Felger and Mazz actually accumulated the lowest ratings out of any of 98.5's weekday shows in the latest book. Some of that could be attributed to the simulcast, but if we see that trend continue through the end of the year, there's a chance Bertrand could move permanently next to Felger. Or, at least that's what I would whisper in Bertrand's ear, because he's clearly outgrown his role as an update guy.
"The Sports Hub" has to consider keeping younger talent like Bertrand satisfied, because a guy like that is a tremendous asset to the station. WEEI never developed new personalities for well over a decade, and look where they are now...
I may be giving him too much credit but I think Felger wants yesterday's show. Gasper made several really smart points and each time Felger acknowledged them and used them to guide the conversation. He didn't have to do ALL the heavy lifting or ALL the show prep and he didn't have to rein in giggly Mazz. Incorporating 4th string flash guy Rich Keefe, "NBA expert", was also helpful. When Bertrand moves up (or is out), they've used Big Jim Murray as the flash guy but promoting Keefe on NBA deadline day was smart, by someone over there.
Yesterday was the most basketball talk Felger has ever attempted and it was, overall, pretty good because Felger could be Felger and Gasper carried half the show. They clearly have chemistry and being from different generations/backgrounds is helpful. Felger, Bertrand AND Gasper on the same show would be too many talkers, but Felger with either one is much, much better than with Mazz. Fact, not opinion.
Yesterday was the most basketball talk Felger has ever attempted and it was, overall, pretty good because Felger could be Felger and Gasper carried half the show. They clearly have chemistry and being from different generations/backgrounds is helpful. Felger, Bertrand AND Gasper on the same show would be too many talkers, but Felger with either one is much, much better than with Mazz. Fact, not opinion.
I was listening to a Felger-less Mazz and DA show yesterday and I have to admit, it wasn't too bad. That's when it hit me, Tony Massarotti is either a number one or number three guy and that's it. He simply isn't comfortable enough being in a two-man booth.
Let me explain:
When he's sitting in the douche chair or he hosts the Baseball Show by himself, I think that he does a pretty good job of stating his opinions strongly without being an asshole and keeping the conversation moving. When he was on the Big Show as one of the guest hosts, again, I think that he did a good job because he wasn't talking as much and he could kind of glom on to another opinion and ride that out. In other words, I think that Mazz either needs to have the strongest voice in the room (when he's alone or with an "underling") or he needs to be able to go along with someone who has a strong opinion.
However when it's a two-man booth, that's when things got muddle up because Massarotti gets lost or just agrees with Felger (who has the stronger voice). That makes for crappy radio because the guys are either agreeing with each other on every point and it's like a double-sermon. Or Mazz feels like he has to "take a stand" about something that he doesn't quite agree with. And we've all heard him a number of times make pointless arguments that sound wishy washy or dull and I contend that's simply because he doesn't fully believe in what he's saying. Or he goes in the other direction and becomes a dick and starts to morph into his "evil Tony" schtick from EEI, which is just as annoying.
I think that if TSH started over, the best thing that they could have done is have it a real three-man show. Maybe Felger, Massarotti and Sean McAdams or Chris Gasper or someone with a bit of cache. It wouldn't work with a less experienced person than Bertrand because I'm not sure that Mazz respects them enough to agree with their points. Thus it could turn into Felger and Mazz vs. Bertrand, which wouldn't be fair to the new guy. (I admit that I may be projecting a bit on this last part about Mazz and who he respects, but the point stands).
Let me explain:
When he's sitting in the douche chair or he hosts the Baseball Show by himself, I think that he does a pretty good job of stating his opinions strongly without being an asshole and keeping the conversation moving. When he was on the Big Show as one of the guest hosts, again, I think that he did a good job because he wasn't talking as much and he could kind of glom on to another opinion and ride that out. In other words, I think that Mazz either needs to have the strongest voice in the room (when he's alone or with an "underling") or he needs to be able to go along with someone who has a strong opinion.
However when it's a two-man booth, that's when things got muddle up because Massarotti gets lost or just agrees with Felger (who has the stronger voice). That makes for crappy radio because the guys are either agreeing with each other on every point and it's like a double-sermon. Or Mazz feels like he has to "take a stand" about something that he doesn't quite agree with. And we've all heard him a number of times make pointless arguments that sound wishy washy or dull and I contend that's simply because he doesn't fully believe in what he's saying. Or he goes in the other direction and becomes a dick and starts to morph into his "evil Tony" schtick from EEI, which is just as annoying.
I think that if TSH started over, the best thing that they could have done is have it a real three-man show. Maybe Felger, Massarotti and Sean McAdams or Chris Gasper or someone with a bit of cache. It wouldn't work with a less experienced person than Bertrand because I'm not sure that Mazz respects them enough to agree with their points. Thus it could turn into Felger and Mazz vs. Bertrand, which wouldn't be fair to the new guy. (I admit that I may be projecting a bit on this last part about Mazz and who he respects, but the point stands).
I was with you 100% up until the last paragraph. I went out to get a coffee around 2 and he was on with DA and I figured I'd be listening to my IPOD on the way home, but when I tuned in it was actually a pretty good show for the 40 minutes I got to listen to it. I also agree that he isn't nearly as annoying on the Baseball Show.
I don't think a Felger, Mazz and McAdams/Gasper show would work because he is still in the #2 chair. It may be splitting hairs, but it either has to be his show or he has to be a guest, a trio set up wouldn't work because he doesn't change when they have guys like that in the studio now.
I don't think a Felger, Mazz and McAdams/Gasper show would work because he is still in the #2 chair. It may be splitting hairs, but it either has to be his show or he has to be a guest, a trio set up wouldn't work because he doesn't change when they have guys like that in the studio now.
I may not have explained this well, but if TSH set it up at the very beginning of their first show as a three-man booth, then there wouldn't be a defined first, second and third chair. Over time the chairs would be defined (as it is now) I suppose, but it wouldn't be as blatant. I don't think that Mazz is a moron, I really don't. I think that he's pretty good at what he does, but he goes through lapses of concentration and boredom (which we all do when we're at work) however we're not on the radio every day.
I also don't think that he's lazy when he has to do the work by himself, he seems to have a habit of letting other people do the work when he can. I bet that he would've sucked to have been his lab partner in high school. With Mazz, it seems that the key is to keep his concentration level and enthusiasm up so that he can contribute.
I agree, he isn't a moron (some of his opinions are moronic but that isn't what we are talking about), I just don't know how he would work as part of a permanent 3 man team. I really think you would get more of the same except that instead of agreeing with only Felger he would go back and forth and glom on to either Felger's or the other co-host's opinion rather than come up with his own take.
I think it needs to be his show with a junior guy or he just comes on as a guest to earn his fee. A Mazz and Bertrand show in the Mid-day would probably be great.
I think it needs to be his show with a junior guy or he just comes on as a guest to earn his fee. A Mazz and Bertrand show in the Mid-day would probably be great.
Interesting takes from both HomeBrew and JMOH and I concur with much of it. I have to admit, I listened to a lot of the show yesterday and I said to myself, "Wow, Mazz doesn't suck today." He's so much better without the whiny, "You're right Mike!" persona that he slips into with Felger.
He is less intolerable in the big chair than he is as a sidekick, but the real problem with Phony Massarotti is that his opinion is fairly meaningless. He watches less sports than most of the people on this board, and he's coasting along on Felger's coattails in a seriously cushy gig. I honestly couldn't possibly care less about his "take" on anything. I'd much rather log onto SoSH and hear from y'all. Phony is an empty vessel at this point, the Hub would be better served hiring somebody hungry that is actually still passionate about sports to be Felger's foil.
The ironic thing about this post is that Bertrand was a "flash boy" for EEI and never allowed him the opportunity to move up the ranks.
I don't remember him, but I would have to guess whatever time he did at WEEI was on the weekends. WEEI had fairly consistent weekday flash guys for a long long time (Meter, Wallach, Sheppard). Weekenders come and go fairly frequently. It's not often that flashboys do much more than read headlines twice or three times an hour, especially weekenders, so it's not as though they get ample opportunities to show their stuff beyond that niche role anyway. If WEEI "missed" him, it shouldn't be a surprise or an indictment of the station. There are probably others they "missed" too.