Former players in talks to join NESN booth

[Mueller's Twin Grannies]

Part of Remy's charm for all those years was not only that he was a former Sox player but also a local kid done good. I know there are plenty of former players from MA, and some that have even played in Boston. I don't know what the Venn diagram looks like in terms of who would be available that fits both criteria (and you could easily expand the region to all of New England, though I'm not sure how many more people that would give you), but that short list might be where I start looking.

Not that he fits that criteria, but I wonder if Nomar would be interested in doing it? He was beloved by the fans before the acrimonious end; it would be a nice coda on his Boston career. I know he did some stuff for ESPN or MLBN, but I don't know what he does now or if he'd even be any good at it.

Edit: Mark Bellhorn was born in Boston? Not sure I knew that.

 

[mikeford]

Lars Anderson also has (had?) a Sox related podcast on The Athletic with Tim McMaster called Olde Towne or something like that.

 

[Red(s)HawksFan]

Part of Remy's charm for all those years was not only that he was a former Sox player but also a local kid done good. I know there are plenty of former players from MA, and some that have even played in Boston. I don't know what the Venn diagram looks like in terms of who would be available that fits both criteria (and you could easily expand the region to all of New England, though I'm not sure how many more people that would give you), but that short list might be where I start looking.

Not that he fits that criteria, but I wonder if Nomar would be interested in doing it? He was beloved by the fans before the acrimonious end; it would be a nice coda on his Boston career. I know he did some stuff for ESPN or MLBN, but I don't know what he does now or if he'd even be any good at it.

Edit: Mark Bellhorn was born in Boston? Not sure I knew that.

Nomar works part-time on Dodgers broadcasts and is a full time SoCal resident. It would probably take more than NESN wants to pay to get him to relocate to Boston six months out of the year.

 

[YTF]

Nomar works part-time on Dodgers broadcasts and is a full time SoCal resident. It would probably take more than NESN wants to pay to get him to relocate to Boston six months out of the year.

I've a sinking feeling that this is going to be the biggest factor in this hiring. A revolving door of guys on the cheap. It really sucks that NESN wasn't at least semi prepared for this. Not to be morbid, but Jerry's missed a fair amount of games over the past few years. NESN should have had a few contingency plans with this day in mind, but we're on the eve of when spring training should be starting and they're interviewing Youk? I see a mix and match of whoever is available to fill in when Eck's not available which leaves me to ask what's the over/under on how many games Ellis gets?

 

[Bergs]

I've a sinking feeling that this is going to be the biggest factor in this hiring. A revolving door of guys on the cheap. It really sucks that NESN wasn't at least semi prepared for this. Not to be morbid, but Jerry's missed a fair amount of games over the past few years. NESN should have had a few contingency plans with this day in mind, but we're on the eve of when spring training should be starting and they're interviewing Youk? I see a mix and match of whoever is available to fill in when Eck's not available which leaves me to ask what's the over/under on how many games Ellis gets?

I think it is entirely possible they thought Burks would be the answer, but even the dumbfuck parade at NESN can see (and hear) he is not.

 

[YTF]

I think it is entirely possible they thought Burks would be the answer, but even the dumbfuck parade at NESN can see (and hear) he is not.

Agreed, Burks was definitely given a good look at by NESN, but it's how long now since the last game that he's called? We're now on the cusp (hopefully) of a new season and the fact that they're not better prepared concerns me as a consumer of NESN's product.

 

[IpswichSox]

The Red Sox broadcasts are NESN's flagship content -- the sole reason NESN exists. I get it's a business decision, but come on don't nickel and dime over an announcer for your flagship content. Look what happened the last time they did that.

 

[Red(s)HawksFan]

I've a sinking feeling that this is going to be the biggest factor in this hiring. A revolving door of guys on the cheap. It really sucks that NESN wasn't at least semi prepared for this. Not to be morbid, but Jerry's missed a fair amount of games over the past few years. NESN should have had a few contingency plans with this day in mind, but we're on the eve of when spring training should be starting and they're interviewing Youk? I see a mix and match of whoever is available to fill in when Eck's not available which leaves me to ask what's the over/under on how many games Ellis gets?

I can't help but think they've pinned their hopes to Eck coming around to a full time schedule, and you'd think after a decade of his insisting on being a part-timer they'd get the picture. Remy first missed significant time in 2009. He started missing time due to his cancer diagnosis in 2013. So basically, NESN has had close to 15 years to consider Remy's replacement and all they've come up with is part-time Eck and failed experiments with others (Lyons, Burks, etc).

Seems like they need to expand the search beyond former players with Sox ties or think about casting a bigger net (read: bigger paycheck).

 

[JohnnyTheBone]

I'd be up for some full-time Jonny Gomes action. He keeps it interesting.

 

[YTF]

The Red Sox broadcasts are NESN's flagship content -- the sole reason NESN exists. I get it's a business decision, but come on don't nickel and dime over an announcer for your flagship content. Look what happened the last time they did that.

Orsillo?

I can't help but think they've pinned their hopes to Eck coming around to a full time schedule, and you'd think after a decade of his insisting on being a part-timer they'd get the picture. Remy first missed significant time in 2009. He started missing time due to his cancer diagnosis in 2013. So basically, NESN has had close to 15 years to consider Remy's replacement and all they've come up with is part-time Eck and failed experiments with others (Lyons, Burks, etc).

Seems like they need to expand the search beyond former players with Sox ties or think about casting a bigger net (read: bigger paycheck).

Or they have some sense of security knowing that they have Eck for half the games and thinking that they only have to cover eighty games so it's not as big a concern as it would be if they hand no color guy at all.

 

[YTF]

I'd be up for some full-time Jonny Gomes action. He keeps it interesting.

Full time, no thanks. I thought he was OK in small doses.

 

[Bergs]

Or they have some sense of security knowing that they have Eck for half the games and thinking that they only have to cover eighty games so it's not as big a concern as it would be if they hand no color guy at all.

And/or they know that hyper-critical assholes like me and others on SoSH represent an impossibly small proportion of their viewers, and they honestly believe quality doesn't matter to the unwashed masses. That has been my assumption since the Orsillo debacle.

 

[YTF]

And/or they know that hyper-critical assholes like me and others on SoSH represent an impossibly small proportion of their viewers, and they honestly believe quality doesn't matter to the unwashed masses. That has been my assumption since the Orsillo debacle.

Oh I'm sure that when it comes to the viewership there is a certain "Where else are they going to go?" attitude. Or at the very least there isn't a whole lot of concern because when there's no direct competitor for your product you take your consumers for granted. They can also fall back on "Well no one's going to step right in and fill Remy's shoes.

 

[Yo La Tengo]

Improving the broadcast booth and game presentation is the most direct thing baseball can do to improve the game. Better commentary paired with more interesting graphics/stats and camera angles/replays is the best investment a team can make to improve the fan experience. In fact, I'd be fine with Eck doing games remotely if he was willing to do so because he is so much better than all the other options.

I really hope NESN makes it work.

 

[GlucoDoc]

Sounds like what we call a monopoly. But if you think of the audience, some watch all the time no matter what. Some watch rarely when they have nothing better to do. Neither of these are likely to change much. But there are likely some in a middle group who have variable allegiances to the TV product and watch if they find that the broadcast is entertaining in its own right, beyond what is going on with the game. I am not sure what those numbers represent. But that last group represent eyeballs that translate into ratings that translate into advertising revenue. So I would think that they would have an interest in putting on an entertaining program.

 

[Mugsy's Jock]

wasn’t the (very) grudging sentiment of the board that AJ Pyrzynski did a pretty good job?

 

[JCizzle]

wasn’t the (very) grudging sentiment of the board that AJ Pyrzynski did a pretty good job?

He calls games for the national FOX broadcasts now and I think he's awful in the role. My 2 cents anyways.

 

[Mugsy's Jock]

Curious what the dollar figure difference is between their top choice (let’s say Youk or Middlebrooks) and just bringing back Burks. Is it 50k? 200k?

Even at the latter (which sounds very very high) that is such small potatoes. I doubt think of the Sox as cheap, but NESN undeniably is.

 

[YTF]

You would think that there must be some decent AAA talent out there that might be ready for a bump. Guys with plenty of audio/video available.

 

[InsideTheParker]

I'd be up for some full-time Jonny Gomes action. He keeps it interesting.

That would send me back to radio. Hey, I could stop paying for Directv! It's a win.

 

[InsideTheParker]

You would think that there must be some decent AAA talent out there that might be ready for a bump. Guys with plenty of audio/video available.

Yeah, Mike Monaco was really good last year. I think everyone liked him.

 

[Red(s)HawksFan]

You would think that there must be some decent AAA talent out there that might be ready for a bump.

Play by play guys, sure. I don't think there are a ton of minor league broadcasts featuring color analysts, primarily because I think most minor league teams have regular radio coverage which often doesn't have a color analyst and little to no TV coverage. Even when they do have TV, they often simulcast the radio call rather than employ a separate broadcast team.

 

[YTF]

Yeah, Mike Monaco was really good last year. I think everyone liked him.

I liked him as well, but IIRC he's primarily a play by play. Not sure what experience he has as a color analyst or if he would have the interest.

 

[Mueller's Twin Grannies]

Carlos Peña might be an option, in terms of local players. I seem to recall him doing well in on-camera spots before, albeit in studio.

It might be nice to have someone that can connect to the other cultures in New England.

 

[Lose Remerswaal]

You would think that there must be some decent AAA talent out there that might be ready for a bump. Guys with plenty of audio/video available.

Pawtucket and now Worcester have sent well over a half dozen TV and radio guys to MLB jobs. Just not here.

 

[YTF]

Carlos Peña might be an option, in terms of local players. I seem to recall him doing well in on-camera spots before, albeit in studio.

It might be nice to have someone that can connect to the other cultures in New England.

Pretty sure he's filled in a few times for Eck and/or Jerry, but no real recollection of how he did. I'm not sure what his commitment to the MLB Network is or if he has any other gigs. Couldn't really find much current info on him.

 

[YTF]

Pawtucket and now Worcester have sent well over a half dozen TV and radio guys to MLB jobs. Just not here.

Do you know if Monaco has done any color work. I know he's quite versatile when it comes to the different sports that he announces.

 

[Van Everyman]

Orsillo?

Or they have some sense of security knowing that they have Eck for half the games and thinking that they only have to cover eighty games so it's not as big a concern as it would be if they hand no color guy at all.

This is where I’m at. Eck is legitimately as good a color guy as exists. And we have him for half the games.

Also this whole “How could NESN be so unprepared?“ stuff is kind of nonsense. They’ve been trying out alternative color guys for like a decade. I know we’re all still mourning the St. Don’s Day Massacre, but the fact is, Boston sports fans are a pretty picky group and have high standards and expectations. All of which is to say, they’ve def. been looking, but they just haven’t found anybody.

 

[YTF]

This is where I’m at. Eck is legitimately as good a color guy as exists. And we have him for half the games.

Also this whole “How could NESN be so unprepared?“ stuff is kind of nonsense. They’ve been trying out alternative color guys for like a decade. I know we’re all still mourning the St. Don’s Day Massacre, but the fact is, Boston sports fans are a pretty picky group and have high standards and expectations. All of which is to say, they’ve def. been looking, but they just haven’t found anybody.

Isn't that sort of the point?

 

[Granite Sox]

I always thought Derek Lowe was pretty good when he got a few chances in the booth. He doesn’t live in New England AFAIK, but maybe he could fill in during a road trip near his home here and there…

 

[soxhop411]

Do you know if Monaco has done any color work. I know he's quite versatile when it comes to the different sports that he announces.

We had a thread here during his “stint” on. NESN last year
http://sonsofsamhorn.net/index.php?threads/what-are-your-thoughts-on-the-monaco-and-dinardo-pairing-on-nesn.34473/

 

[YTF]

We had a thread here during his “stint” on. NESN last year
http://sonsofsamhorn.net/index.php?threads/what-are-your-thoughts-on-the-monaco-and-dinardo-pairing-on-nesn.34473/

Yeah I have a couple of posts there. Lotta love for Monaco, but no mention of any color work. SSS, but I forgot how well Monaco and DiNardo worked together.

 

[MuzzyField]

DOB being a stiff doesn't help this process.

When Jerry first when down with cancer and Don had to square dance with a revolving door of partners is when I realized how good we had it. He made everyone better and covered their weaknesses and played to their strengths. Total pro.

The fact Mini-Owner Tom of Cosby and Rosanne entertainment fame felt it necessary to nuke him to keep the stiff older radio guy from leaving is all you need to know about NESN and its infinite suck level.

 

[bohous]

Carlos Peña might be an option, in terms of local players. I seem to recall him doing well in on-camera spots before, albeit in studio.

It might be nice to have someone that can connect to the other cultures in New England.

Pretty sure he's filled in a few times for Eck and/or Jerry, but no real recollection of how he did. I'm not sure what his commitment to the MLB Network is or if he has any other gigs. Couldn't really find much current info on him.

I had forgotten he did a few games a couple of years ago and recall he was actually pretty good. I hope they give him another crack at it anyway. He ticks a lot of boxes. Local ties, likeable, knowledgeable, and agree with MTG that his Dominican roots is a nice bonus to help engage with Latinx communities.

 

[YTF]

I had forgotten he did a few games a couple of years ago and recall he was actually pretty good. I hope they give him another crack at it anyway. He ticks a lot of boxes. Local ties, likeable, knowledgeable, and agree with MTG that his Dominican roots is a nice bonus to help engage with Latinx communities.

I know who you meant, but seeing MTG in this context brought a chuckle.

 

[bohous]

I had forgotten he did a few games a couple of years ago and recall he was actually pretty good. I hope they give him another crack at it anyway. He ticks a lot of boxes. Local ties, likeable, knowledgeable, and agree with MTG that his Dominican roots is a nice bonus to help engage with Latinx communities.

Ha! Yes, I thought about it but let it go. Just typing 'I agree with MTG' felt weird and wrong.

 

[Mueller's Twin Grannies]

Ha! Yes, I thought about it but let it go. Just typing 'I agree with MTG' felt weird and wrong.

We can build on this!

 

[Leskanic's Thread]

Part of Remy's charm for all those years was not only that he was a former Sox player but also a local kid done good. I know there are plenty of former players from MA, and some that have even played in Boston. I don't know what the Venn diagram looks like in terms of who would be available that fits both criteria (and you could easily expand the region to all of New England, though I'm not sure how many more people that would give you), but that short list might be where I start looking.

Love the Carlos Peña idea. For a similar narrative, does anyone recall how Manny Delcarmen did when he was in the studio? I remember liking him, but maybe was biased by happy 2007 memories and local-guy connections. But I'd give him some shots if he wanted it.

 

[reggiecleveland]

I have Ellis' comment on the possiility of him being full time color guy: Look it would be great if I did a good job and the fans liked. On the other hand if I did not do a good job, that would hurt the team.Anyway this one time after I signed with Colorado first bp I took I hit the first five out. Another time I took BP in I think i Chicago and hit like maybe six out.

 

[HangingW/ScottCooper]

Ellis Burks didn't know if Andrelton Simmons won a Gold Glove. He paired completely obvious, boring analysis with total ignorance of today's game. He brought zero to the table, unless you wanted stories about the mid-90s Rockies.

Burks spoke in cliches. I just don't think that's the role for him. I love that he's willing to be around, but I'm not really sure he has the right personality for a role like this.

 

[bohous]

Good god, apparently Mazz auditioned for the booth gig. I can’t believe he would even be in consideration. He has zero appeal.

boston.com

 

[Lose Remerswaal]

Good god, apparently Mazz auditioned for the booth gig. I can’t believe he would even be in consideration. He has zero appeal.

boston.com

Lots of analysis and angst in the NESN thread.

 

[strek1]

According to the source he did more than audition. He's IS one of the 3 new guys. This is NOT going to go over well. He sucks.

https://www.boston.com/sports/media/2022/03/02/nesn-jerry-remy-replacements-booth/?p1=recirc_mostpopular

 

[HangingW/ScottCooper]

Mazz is a F%$&ing trainwreck. Might as well throw CHB in there too.

 

[YTF]

According to the source he did more than audition. He's IS one of the 3 new guys. This is NOT going to go over well. He sucks.

https://www.boston.com/sports/media/2022/03/02/nesn-jerry-remy-replacements-booth/?p1=recirc_mostpopular

Did you read the article that you posted?

Massarotti...
“Have we had contact? Yes. Have I done an audition? Yes. Do I think it went well? Yes. Where does it go now? I don’t know.
“It’s complicated. I have a full-time job. I’m not looking to leave my full-time job. I think they know that and I think they’ve been open-minded about that. So we’re going to keep talking and see if we can figure out something that works for everybody.”

“I thought it went pretty well,” Massarotti said. “And we’re still talking. I’d love to tell you that this is a done deal, but I don’t know that yet. I think there’s still some things that have to be figured out. “I’m flattered to even be considered for it. It’s not something that is normally done, to pull someone out of the media to put in — to potentially put in — the booth to do games. “I’m flattered, I’m honored, and I give the Red Sox a lot of credit, because I’ve beaten the crap out of them for about 20 years, if not longer. Hopefully this can work out.”

A NESN spokesperson acknowledged that Millar, who worked briefly for NESN in 2010 before taking higher-profile jobs at Fox Sports and MLB Network, is in the mix, and said, “I can confirm we are in active discussions with booth talent, but our plans have not been finalized.”

 

[Al Zarilla]

Did you read the article that you posted?

Massarotti...
“Have we had contact? Yes. Have I done an audition? Yes. Do I think it went well? Yes. Where does it go now? I don’t know.
“It’s complicated. I have a full-time job. I’m not looking to leave my full-time job. I think they know that and I think they’ve been open-minded about that. So we’re going to keep talking and see if we can figure out something that works for everybody.”

“I thought it went pretty well,” Massarotti said. “And we’re still talking. I’d love to tell you that this is a done deal, but I don’t know that yet. I think there’s still some things that have to be figured out. “I’m flattered to even be considered for it. It’s not something that is normally done, to pull someone out of the media to put in — to potentially put in — the booth to do games. “I’m flattered, I’m honored, and I give the Red Sox a lot of credit, because I’ve beaten the crap out of them for about 20 years, if not longer. Hopefully this can work out.”

A NESN spokesperson acknowledged that Millar, who worked briefly for NESN in 2010 before taking higher-profile jobs at Fox Sports and MLB Network, is in the mix, and said, “I can confirm we are in active discussions with booth talent, but our plans have not been finalized.”

Millar did a Zoom interview with Robert Flores of MLB Network yesterday. First, for some reason, MLBN showed footage of the Sox' 2005 White House visit (George W). Millar had full goatee and mustache. Schilling presented the Red Sox gift jersey to Bush. Back to the present, Millar said he didn't do that well in his first stint as a color guy. For example, the third out would be made in an inning and he'd want to keep talking. Commercials! Whatever, he has a great personality, very smart and seems he could be another Eckersley. Of course, his day job with MLBN...

 

[YTF]

Millar did a Zoom interview with Robert Flores of MLB Network yesterday. First, for some reason, MLBN showed footage of the Sox' 2005 White House visit (George W). Millar had full goatee and mustache. Schilling presented the Red Sox gift jersey to Bush. Back to the present, Millar said he didn't do that well in his first stint as a color guy. For example, the third out would be made in an inning and he'd want to keep talking. Commercials! Whatever, he has a great personality, very smart and seems he could be another Eckersley. Of course, his day job with MLBN...

Generally speaking I like Millar. He can be a bit much at times, but if you can get past some of the IT schtick on MLB he seems like he has the ability to convey the inner workings and thought process behind what we as viewers are seeing.

 

[JOBU]

Generally speaking I like Millar. He can be a bit much at times, but if you can get past some of the IT schtick on MLB he seems like he has the ability to convey the inner workings and thought process behind what we as viewers are seeing.

I agree. Love Millar but I think by June we’d all be sick of him.

 

[YTF]

I agree. Love Millar but I think by June we’d all be sick of him.

I hope to be pleasantly surprised, but IMO he's going to have to dial back the "One Five" persona a bit.

 

[Red(s)HawksFan]

I agree. Love Millar but I think by June we’d all be sick of him.

Yeah, he'd need to tone it down to last a year.

It's important to keep in mind that all these guys are candidates for part-time roles. Eck is still going to be the primary guy.

My guess is that assignments would break down to:

80-100 for Eck (most home games and AL East coast road series)
30-40 for Youk (mostly road series that Eck won't do)
10-15 for Millar (road weekends to minimize conflict with IT)
10-15 for Mazz (home weekends to minimize conflict with 98.5)

Assuming a full season of games, so this might not happen until 2023.