Fang's Bites

A Saturday Sports Media Notebook

Fridays are becoming way too busy for me. I need to find a way to stop it. Anyway, I have some links and thoughts for you in this latest edition of the notebook.

ESPN’s Sean McDonough hopes to return to the broadcast booth after undergoing surgery to correct a rare inner ear condition that caused him to hear things unusually loud. McDonough talked with Chad Finn of the Boston Globe and Michael Hiestand of USA Today about his condition and how it’s prevented him from going back to work.

Fox Sports’ Jason Whitlock has this takedown of ESPN’s First Take and Rob Parker.

So ESPN is dialing back the Tebowmania? Apparently not as Awful Announcing discovered.

Ben Koo of AA found out that NFL Films is producing an edition of “A Football Life” devoted to Steve Sabol. I’m looking forward to seeing this when the documentary is finished. To be honest, just one hour on Sabol’s career will not do justice to his impact on sports television.

As the future of The Big East is still being determined, the Catholic 7 all-basketball schools that have broken away from the conference appear to be talking to both Fox and NBC Sports Network to place their games on one or the other or both. Pete Thamel of Sports Illustrated has an extensive article on the Big East’s future. I would think Fox would be the favorite or perhaps, ESPN might jump in to get a package of games.

If you want to know why NBC’s Sunday Night Football is the number one show in primetime television, you have to go back to its genesis when producer Fred Gaudelli worked for ESPN and was producing Sunday night games for the Alleged Worldwide Leader. Deadspin’s John Koblin has a great article on the teamwork between Gaudelli, analyst Cris Collinsworth and director Drew Esocoff.

Another good article from Deadspin on how NFL RedZone is cannibalizing the Sunday afternoon game broadcasts.

Former US Olympian Suzy Favor Hamilton admits to the Wisconsin State Journal that she was a high-priced Las Vegas escort.

While Dan Patrick is on vacation for the holidays, Fang’s Bites fave Bonnie Bernstein will sub for him on Christmas Eve, next Friday and on New Year’s Eve.

In the latest edition of the Sports Media Weekly podcast, you heard former 98.5 The Sports Hub nighttime host Damon Amendolara talking about his new gig as the overnight host for CBS Sports Radio. The Boston sports radio station has named his replacement and it’s a familiar voice to sports radio listeners in the New England area.

For the next Sports Media Weekly podcast on Wednesday, December 26, it’s going to include several sports media observers providing their stories of 2012 and predictions for 2013. I’ve been gathering the stories and predictions from previous guests of the podcast. I hope you’ll enjoy them.

Awful Announcing has Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch talking about his year-end sports media awards.

Jim Williams in the Washington Examiner says college sports are all about the money.

And Eric Deggans of the Tampa Bay Times provides his top sports media stories of 2012 in the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center.

That will do it.

Looking at the Next Generation of Olympic Announcers

As we go into the second week of the 2012 London Olympics or the Games of the XXX Summer Olympiad, I thought I would take the opportunity on this middle Sunday to look ahead for the next set of Games on television.

We know that NBCUniversal will carry the Olympics through 2020, that’s two Winter and two Summer Games in that timespan. While the network has been served well by its current crop of announcers, some of whom date back as far back as 1988, it’s time to replace them with a new generation of hosts, play-by-play callers and analysts who can carry the network through 2020 and possibly beyond.

I’ll focus this post on the Summer Games since that’s what we’ve been watching for the last 8 days. I’ll do a Winter Olympics announcing post at a later date. I’ll start with hosts, then go by the glamor sports.

HOSTS

Bob Costas — Bob is 60 this year and while his youthful look betrays his age, he’ll be 64 in 2016 for Rio and 68 in 2020 at a site yet to be determined. ABC’s Jim McKay hosted his last Olympics in 1988 at age 65. Costas remains the best interviewer on sports television and should be allowed to host the Olympics on NBC for as long as he wants. I don’t think he’s going anywhere.

Dan Patrick — Dan is just four years younger than Bob, but if Costas decides to leave, DP could step into his shoes as Primetime host.

Liam McHugh — For 2016, I would think this is where NBC could tap Liam McHugh and put him in Al Michaels’ place on Daytime. Al would be 71 in Rio and while he would still be very good at calling Sunday Night Football in four years, I would not put him in the host’s chair in Rio. McHugh has proven he can be very versatile hosting the NHL Postseason, the Stanley Cup Final, the Tour de France and the Olympics over a four month span. That is not easy, but Liam has made it look easy and that’s the sign of a very good host.

Bonnie Bernstein — ESPN’s Bonnie Bernstein is the best personality not to have an Olympic gig. This is like saying she’s the Best Golfer Not To Win A Major. She has proven as a substitute host for Dan Patrick and on Twitter that she can discuss multiple sports. And Bonnie’s also a former gymnast. Watching BBC’s coverage of the London Games, the network utilizes both studio and venue hosts. Making Bonnie a venue host at Gymnastics with Nastia Liukin as her analyst would work to one of her strengths. She was a five-time host of the NCAA Gymnastics Championship when she was at CBS. I would love to see her work an Olympic Games.

Ryan Burr — Ryan will be coming to the NBCUniversal family to work at Golf Channel and at NBC Sports Network. We could see him host on either MSNBC or NBCSN.

Michelle Beadle — Michelle’s done a great job thus far in London. She has shown she can talk Olympic sports and bring some humor as well.

Kelly Tilghman — I’ve liked her work on MSNBC. I can see her on future Olympics as well.

ANNOUNCERS

Let’s do this by sport.

BASKETBALL — If the NBA continues sending players to the Olympics, then NBC could continue utilizing Bob Fitzgerald from Comcast SportsNet Bay Area and Chris Carrino. This is where NBC should tap Turner Sports for a Steve Kerr or even Reggie Miller for analysts.

If basketball becomes an Under 23 tournament as speculated, NBC may have to hire college basketball announcers. Borrowing Ian Eagle from CBS and YES to call games would be a good move. Jay Bilas from ESPN would forge a strong team with Ian throughout the Games. And NBC should still utilize Craig Sager as the reporter although he looks muted with a regular wardrobe.

On the women’s side, if NBC could get Doris Burke on loan from ESPN, that would be ideal. She could work men’s games too as she’s proven over the past few years. If NBC can’t get Doris Burke, why not former ESPN’er Stacey Dales or Fox Sports Net’s Debbie Antonelli?

BOXING — Bob Papa and Teddy Atlas are a very good team and should remain, but I’d love for NBC to bring in its old friend Jim Lampley with Larry Merchant and Emmanuel Steward from HBO to call one or two bouts a day. What could be better than that? And bring in Harold Lederman for judging analysis while we’re at it.

Host Fred Roggin should be replaced with boxing fan Brian Kenny of MLB Network.

CYCLING — If it’s not Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen, NBC should go announcer-less.

DIVING — Can you believe Cynthia Potter has worked every Summer Olympics on network television since 1984? She’s been solid, but it’s time to bring in some new blood. 2000 gold medalist Laura Wilkinson who worked the Diving Trials for NBC Sports Network in June is a potential candidate.

GYMNASTICS — Utilizing a favorite word of Tim Daggett’s, the announcing on this sport over the last two Olympiads has been catastrophic. Normally, I like Al Trautwig, but his calls of gymnastics in 2008 in Beijing and this year in London is reaching John Tesh disastrous proportions in 1996. Al makes everything seems at life or death levels. In addition, his penchant to focus on crying gymnasts borders on creepy.

Tim Daggett’s constant talking and use of the word “catastrophic” is annoying. Elfi Schlegel has been reduced to short sentences. NBC needs to replace this team for 2016.

This is where NBC can utilize a venue host (see Bonnie Bernstein above) with an analyst. Nastia Liukin could fill that role very nicely. Bela Karolyi has proven to be Must See TV and should be one of the studio analysts. And if his wife, Marta retires, imagine the fireworks on the set between those two.

NBC is using Terry Gannon this year to call rowing. Why not have Terry call Olympic Gymnastics in 2016? He has called the sport for ABC and did it well. And having watched the World Feed this year through NBC’s Olympics Live Extra app, I’m very impressed with Shannon Miller from 1996′s Magnificent Seven Team. She’s been the sole analyst for Olympic Broadcasting Services and has done very well in explaining certain moves, the scoring system and their implications without sounding overdramatic. Terry Gannon and Shannon Miller would make an excellent team.

GOLF — Remember, golf makes its return to the Olympics in Rio in 2016, having made its last appearance in 1904. NBC/Golf Channel has an established team with Dan Hicks, Johnny Miller, Nick Faldo, Roger Maltbie, Brandell Chamblee, Frank Nobilo, Rich Lerner, the aforementioned Kelly Tilghman, David Feherty, the incoming Ryan Burr and so many others who could work this event.

Some people have asked me on Twitter if Dan would stop calling swimming to do golf. I think Dan could do both especially if the IOC (with the help of NBC) decides to schedule golf in the second week of the Olympics, so that it doesn’t interfere with swimming, tennis, gymnastics and other sports in the first week. This is where a venue host would come in handy, perhaps Kelly or Ryan with one or two of the many Golf Channel analysts. And we could expect Golf Channel to have a role in picking up the first two rounds of Olympic Golf with NBC coming in for the last two rounds.

SOCCER — NBC used its MLS crew, Arlo White and Kyle Martino on the men’s games along with JP Dellacamera, Glenn Davis, Steve Cangialosi and Allen Hopkins. I’d love to see English Premier League announcers Martin Tyler and Ian Darke on US TV calling some Olympic action.

Brandi Chastain despite Hope Solo’s complaints last week is doing well on women’s games and I would keep her in the booth.

SWIMMING — Dan Hicks has made this one of his signature sports along with golf throughout his career at NBC. I can’t see him leaving the sport unless golf is scheduled in the first week, but I don’t think that would happen. Rowdy Gaines has been a good salesman for swimming and he’s doing yeoman’s work to raise money for the sport to establish a training center. However, I’ve grown tired of his screaming and his voice raising over 50 octaves. This is where NBC could bring in a plethora of gold medalists to replace Gaines. This is also a sport that could utilize a venue host and it’s where Liam McHugh could go if NBC decides to keep Al Michaels in Daytime.

While Phelps has said he’s retiring, NBC would like to see him in Rio either as a swimmer or perhaps an analyst. If the network uses him on TV, I’d prefer to see him in the studio. At first thought, I felt putting Phelps on camera would be a bad move, but this was based on his interviews in Beijing where he looked uncomfortable. During his NBC interviews in London, Michael has looked more at ease, but that does not necessarily make for a good analyst. If he wants to go the TV route, putting him in the studio for short spurts might be best for 2016.

As for the races, I’d go with Amy Van Dyken to replace Rowdy. For the past year, Amy has been co-hosting Fox Sports Tonight with Rob Dibble on Fox Sports Radio and she’s been in London analyzing the Olympic swimming for FoxSports.com. Amy is not only funny, but she speaks her mind. She knows the mind of an Olympic athlete and I think she’d be perfect with Dan in calling the races.

TENNIS — This sport finally received some glamor treatment from NBC this year. However, it was treated badly with Pat O’Brien as the venue host. Not only did Pat demonstrate a huge lack of knowledge, he conducted awkward interviews as well. Brett Haber and Andrew Catalon did very well on the play-by-play and I liked Rennae Stubbs to want her to return in Rio. Justin Gimelstob was a weak link in the crew. I’d replace him with ESPN’s Darren Cahill or have John McEnroe call more matches.

TRACK & FIELD — There’s not much I would replace here. Tom Hammond is about as classy an announcer as you will find. Ato Boldon has become a very strong analyst. And NBC has brought back Craig Masback, long a staple of track coverage in the 1980′s and 1990′s. But for 2016, I think Lolo Jones would make for a good studio analyst. And Michael Johnson who has been on the last few Olympics for the BBC would work well too. Having Bob host Primetime from the Athletics venue would be a nice change of pace from being in the studio. And he could mix it up with Lolo and Michael.

Those are my suggestions. If you have some of your own, put them in the comments below.

Some Quick Monday Sports Media Thoughts

Time for some quick sports media thoughts. As always, they come in bullet form.

• The free agent frenzy at ESPN is over. Overall, ESPN lost two out of three major free agents, Erin Andrews and Michelle Beadle while keeping Scott Van Pelt. Beadle and Van Pelt were not surprises, but Andrews’ departure can be classified as a mild one. The fact that Erin decided to leave and part ways after ESPN aggressively tried to keep her shows me that the network still valued her, however, Fox stepped up wupith a role she felt comfortable with.

  As Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch reported on Sunday, one of Erin’s goals was to work on the NFL, an opportunity that she was passed over at ESPN. She’ll now have that chance at Fox plus some postseason MLB work as well.

  ESPN tome co-author James Andrew Miller tweeted that one could consider that both Erin and Micelle came out winners.

• Nice to see that NBC pulled tape delayed shenanigans for the U.S. Olympic Trials. The West Coast had to wait three hours to watch the gymnastics, swimming, and track & field trials over the last week. NBC will argue that the trials were available live across the country online, but that’s not good enough in this age.
• Great job by ESPN’s soccer unit on EURO 2012. Great coverage. World Cup 2014 in Rio is next.
• Starting today and going through Wednesday, ESPN and ESPN2 will have simultaneous coverage of Wimbledon with the Mothership focusing on Centre Court and the Deuce airing outer court action. It will be a tennis smorgasbord.
• Is there a more overblown event than The ESPY’s? Who votes on the awards? Does anyone think they make any sense?
• A couple of non-sports media thoughts: Ann Curry got screwed by NBC over the Today show and I like “The Newsroom” on HBO.
• Lastly, can we get Bonnie Bernstein a role on the Olympics? Or at least have her host a major network NFL studio show? Please?

Enjoy your Monday or least try to enjoy it.

A Couple of Early Thursday Sports Media Thoughts

I’m writing this past midnight on a Thursday. I want to sleep, but I’ll pound this out to get these off my chest. This will be in bullet form as always.

• It seems every sports media writer and blogger has offered thoughts and potential landing spots for ESPN’s Big Three Free Agents, Michelle Beadle, Erin Andrews and Scott Van Pelt. All are coveted within ESPN circles and while the Alleged Worldwide Leader has in the past stepped up to keep their free agents from flying the coop, the network may be hard pressed to keep all in the Bristol nest this time around. Let’s handicap all three and give a prediction on where each could possibly sign.

  Starting with Michelle Beadle, the co-host of ESPN2′s SportsNation, she has made it no secret that she’d like to branch out from sports. While she has enjoyed co-hosting with SportsNation with Colin Cowherd, he has said he wants to leave that show by next year. Could that influence Michelle’s thinking? Absolutely. Michelle is not the typical ESPN’er. She speaks her mind. She’s not afraid to mention or talk to ESPN’s arch-enemy, Deadspin. Michelle has a block of ESPN higher up’s solidly in her corner, but even with that said, I think she leaves Bristol and heads to New York or LA to host an entertainment show or become a panelist on a talk show.

  Erin Andrews has become a rock star at the Alleged Worldwide Leader and to be honest, I was a little surprised when she signed a contract to return to ESPN back in 2010. I don’t think she’ll stay this time around. I think she could go to NBC which can give her a combination package of Access Hollywood, the Today Show, the Olympics, other major sporting events like the Super Bowl and maybe a special or two every year on NBC Sports Network. Erin’s days as a sideline reporter are over.

  Scott Van Pelt was lured to ESPN from Golf Channel and while NBC can offer him a role on his old home and on the PGA Tour, a possible hosting job on the Olympics, a regular show on NBCSN and even more if The Group gets more inventory, I think he stays in Bristol. Van Pelt likes hosting his radio show and I predict he’ll get an expanded role on SportsCenter plus host ESPN’s big events.

• Can we get Bonnie Bernstein a major radio or TV gig soon? She deserves it.
• Lastly, I want to do a mailbag soon so if you have a sports media question, send it to kzf1@fangsbites.com. One e-mailer at random will get the first season DVD of VH1′s Mob Wives courtesy of Klout. I’ll be happy to answer your questions.

I’m done.

Bonnie Bernstein Almost Burns Down Dan Patrick’s Mancave

Former CBS and ESPN reporter Bonnie Bernstein guest hosted for Dan Patrick on his nationally syndicated radio and TV show today. It was her third time hosting for DP and as she did in her two previous stints as sub, she did a bang up job. Bonnie has been a great listen and the reaction to her on Twitter and on DanPatrick.com has been mostly positive.

One thing that Dan does when he’s in the studio is to burn incense to keep the area smelling fresh. Today, Bonnie brought in a candle and allowed it to burn next to the console. As she was going through some papers, she put one next to her, not realizing that she covered the burning candle. The next part is high comedy. There is no audio with this video, but you really don’t need it. And Bonnie mouths an “S” bomb when she realizes what happens next. You’ll see DP Show Operations Manager Seton O’Connor come into the picture afterwards.

Great stuff. Quick thinking by Bonnie to stomp out the burning paper to prevent the fire from taking out the entire mancave.

Bonnie’s back in the big chair tomorrow as Dan recovers from knee surgery this week. The Dan Patrick Show airs nationally on Fox Sports Radio, DirecTV and Fox Sports Net from 9 a.m. to noon ET.

Some Late Saturday Night Sports Media Thoughts

As we are in the middle of an NFL Divisional Playoff weekend, time for a few sports media thoughts. As usual, they come in bullet form.

• I listened to and also watched Bonnie Bernstein subbing for Dan Patrick on Thursday and Friday. If it was an audition for her to host her own radio show, she passed with flying colors. She was very good as host, interacted well with the Dannettes and was very engaging with the callers and guests. Plus, she managed to get some news out of CBS NFL analyst Bill Cowher with him revealing that he had three recent coaching offers which were refused, and got former Secretary of State Condeleeza Rice to break down Andrew Luck and the NFL playoff games like an expert. Very impressive guest spot by Ms. Bernstein. Bonnie has hosted her own radio show for ESPN Radio New York and here’s hoping she’ll be heard from again soon.
• Watching the nutty ending of the New Orleans-San Francisco NFL Divisional Playoff Game was quite fun. Kenny Albert did a very good job in calling the four lead changes in the last four minutes. However, Fox Sports had a couple of glitches having the transmission from San Francisco cut out twice. Also, camera work was off on a few plays. Fox can be inconsistent with its announcing and production teams and for Saints-49ers, the production did not step up to the quality of game. I wish it had.
• Good post from Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch and James Andrew Miller, co-author of the ESPN tome, “Those Guys Have All the Fun: Inside the World of ESPN” on the most indispensable NFL talents. I agree with most of their picks, however, I disagree with Miller’s contention about Chris Berman. I also would not have selected Pam Oliver for sideline reporter, but it’s Miller who was asked to make the list. I will do my own list so you can compare and either agree or disagree. Overall, good picks by Deitsch and Miller.
• On Twitter on Friday, I gave my viewership predictions for this weekend’s NFL playoff games. Here’s what I tweeted:

  [blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/#!/fangsbites/statuses/157944620607746048"]

  I’m going to revise them to reflect today’s games: New Orleans-San Francisco: 31 million and Denver-New England, 25.3 million. Sunday’s predictions remain the same.

• Now with Tim Tebow out of the NFL playoffs, ESPN needs someone else to put on its icon pedestal. Will it be LeBron James? Kobe Bryant? And on whom will Skip Bayless of ESPN First Take hang his contrived hero worship now?

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Some Quick Wednesday Links

I’m at work, but that could very easily change on this very messy Wednesday in the Northeast. The storm that’s hitting us now started with snow, then changed to sleet, then freezing rain, now all rain, but will change back to snow later. This is the big joke Mother Nature is handing us this winter. She has a sense of humor, but as we know, it’s not nice to fool with her, so that’s as far as I’ll go to to complain.

A few links here then a full set later.

First, Newsday’s Neil Best breaks news that the always lovely Bonnie Bernstein (and a Fang’s Bites fave) is out at ESPN Radio in New York. Yesterday, ESPN brought back Steven A. Smith to the fold and he’ll host a show in Ms. Bernstein’s former timeslot of 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. As Neil points out, Bonnie is still under contract to ESPN.

Bob’s Blitz suggests that WFAN quickly swoop in and hire Bonnie which I think would be a great idea.

Paul Farhi of the Washington Post notes that DC NFL Team and idiot Dan Snyder is demanding a newspaper reporter be fired after reading what he perceived was an unflattering profile.

Gary Mihoces at USA Today’s The Huddle blog catches up with Ines Sainz who was back at Super Bowl Media Day on Tuesday.

And SportsbyBrooks discusses Homeland Security knocking down a bunch of websites that provided network sports broadcasts over the web. The way SportsbyBrooks is describing them, you would think they’re part of al-Qaeda. For the record, Channelsurfing.net and Atdhe.net were two of the sites sites taken down by Homeland Security and have moved to other servers. I’m not linking to them, but you can find them if you really try hard. I’m not encouraging you, but I’m saying you can find them if you wish.

That’s it for now. Back later with more.

Follow Friday V

This is another edition of Follow Friday, originally started on Twitter. If you’re a regular reader, you know how it works. If not, you can find out how it began at Mashable.

Anyway, I don’t feel like explaining it right now so I’m just going to go into the feature. Here are several blogs and sites you should visit more than once.

He has become a giant on Twitter and he’s already a giant in blogging. Robert Littal’s Black Sports Online is a very fascinating site and he has a very good take on hoops, boxing and all things sports business. And when the BET Awards were on the air, his take on the entire affair was laugh out loud funny.

I’ve linked to Wrap Around Curl when she’s written a post for Steve Lepore’s NHL-centric Puck The Media site. Wrap has her own blog which is naturally called Wrap Around Curl. Wrap follows hockey, hockey fashion and she’s quite snarky. I find her blog quite funny and her Tweets are even snarkier, if that’s possible. But she knows her hockey which is more I can say about Carrie Milbank, who is a host for NHL.com.

If you’ve ever watched the daily morning editions of SportsCenter, you’ll know of a feature called “BlogBuzz” which measures what are the hot topics on sports blogs. The company that provides the information for ESPN is Sports Media Challenge which is a consulting firm for athletes, coaches and executives. Among their clients are Shaquille O’Neal, Derek Jeter, Geno Auriemma as well as various college programs, professional sports teams and sports leagues. According to its website, the firm helps its clients “maximize public exposure while minimizing its risks”. It was one of the first firms to suggest to its clients to use Twitter to reach a new audience and it’s working.

Ian Bethune runs Sox & Dawgs, a New England sports blog. Not only does it follow the Red Sox, but also UConn sports, the Patriots and the Celtics. Ian was one of the first blogs to follow Fang’s Bites regularly and he was a traveling companion to the Blogs With Balls conference in New York last month. Ian shows that a good New England sports blog doesn’t have to based in Boston to keep track of the area sports teams. Ian does a great job on Sox & Dawgs and I can safely say he’s become a very good friend.

I’ll run the next three sites in quick succession. All are TV reporters and all are Fang’s Bites faves. First, is former NESN Red Sox on-field reporter Tina Cervasio, currently of MSG Network in New York. She also Tweets as well.

Next is ESPN’s Bonnie Bernstein who made an appearance on IFC’s Z Rock series last month.

Last but not least is Charissa Thompson who is a rising star on Fox Sports and was a co-host on Best Damn Sports Show Period.

Bonnie and Charissa both have blogs at their sites.

As usual, two non-sports sites. For the latest and greatest in TV and Entertainment news, there’s The Ausiello Files headed by Entertainment Weekly’s Michael Ausiello.

And to keep up with the latest on Reality TV including Survivor, The Amazing Race and Big Brother, head on over to Reality Fan Forum. Headed up by Rob and my sweetheart, puddin, this is the best site to find out the latest on the above mentioned shows. Plus, the site also discusses other reality shows. The site has the best information on The Amazing Race and over the last three seasons, has been able to determine the actual route of the show. The TAR Detectives as they’re known are a very smart bunch and nothing get past them. So if you’re a fan of The Amazing Race, head on over to RFF and sign up.

That is it for this edition of Follow Friday.

Bonnie Bernstein Checks Kid Over the Boards

I had no idea that Fang’s Bites fav Bonnie Bernstein could skate or act, but she was in an episode of Z Rock on IFC earlier this month. I guess with her ESPN contract expiring, Bonnie is looking to expand her capabilities from sideline reporting. Check this clip out. Thanks to the great Sharapova’s Thigh for the link.

Classic.

Some Saturday Linkage

I was out earlier today so it’s time to give some links on this Saturday night.

Ken Schott of the Schenectady Gazette writes that a local sports anchor is very deserving of a recent promotion.

Alan Pergament of the Buffalo News says fans are hoping the news about the NFL Network games moving to ESPN Classic is true.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes that a local sports radio host has won a seat in the World Series of Poker.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News writes about properly using the term “legendary” for certain sports broadcasters.

From the San Antonio Express-News, Jerry Garcia reports that a local Sporting News Radio affiliate is giving way to country music.

Neil Best of Newsday writes that the Mike & the Mad Dog saga turned up to be a topic of conservation on SNY. And Neil reports that the producer of a minor league baseball show has pulled the series from SNY.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says Chicago Cubs owner Sam Zell has a dilemma whether to sell now or later. And Darren writes that the Arena Football League’s Philadelphia Soul may have pulled off the best sports promotion ever.

Joe Favorito says the Soul’s move is a bit risky, but a good idea nonetheless.

Jim Williams of the DC/Baltimore Examiner reports that Baltimore TV sports anchor Scott Garceau will no longer report five nights a week. Ray Frager of the Baltimore Sun spoke with Garceau about his decision.

William Houston of the Toronto Globe and Mail says Canadians have been watching the Euro 2008 soccer tournament.

The Sports Media Watch has its weekend ratings predictions. The SMW says the ratings for the College World Series were up for ESPN. And Euro 2008 has been a hit for the Alleged Worldwide Leader.

Jeff Hash of the EPL Talk blog says Spain-Italy was the highest rated match for ESPN’s Euro 2008 coverage.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News writes ESPN and ESPN2 scored their best ratings ever for the College World Series.

Scotty Thompson of the Dublin (GA) Courier-Herald feels ESPN’s Mike Patrick did not do a good job during the College World Series.

From the “I’m Permanntly Scarred for Life” Department, the Sox & Dawgs blog has the video of three guys streaking at a recent Cape Cod League Summer League game. From the “This is Much Better” Department, Sox & Dawgs has the farewell video NESN put together for Hazel Mae’s last sportscast.

The 38 Cliches blog keeps track of former Red Sox announcer Jerry Trupiano’s trip to Houston this weekend.

Michael David Smith of the AOL Fanhouse blog has the transcript of Bonnie Bernstein’s apology for statements she made on ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike show. Awful Announcing has the actual video of Bonnie saying Palestinian kids want to grow up to be suicide bombers. Bonnie was actually making a good point before she brought suicide bombers into the equation.

Mike DiMauro of the Bleacher Report says ESPN needs to showcase all MLB teams, not just a selected few. And in part 2 of his column, Mike writes that ESPN does not need to schedule games months in advance.

Bob Sassone of the TV Squad blog hates ESPN’s Wimbledon scoreboard graphic and I totally agree. It’s very confusing.

Craig Dolch of the Palm Beach Post says NBC did not show the U.S. Women’s Open much respect by not cutting away from Wimbledon coverage this afternoon and cutting into golf coverage. And what Dolch did not write is that NBC then cut away from the golf again at 6 p.m. ET, jettisoning the Open to ESPN2.

Paul Christian of the Rochester (MN) Post-Bulletin says NBC would love to have another U.S. Open playoff this Monday.

David Bauder of the Associated Press writes that NBC Sports is diving in head first into online streaming and live blogging for the Summer Olympics in Communist China.

Speaking of which, I’m watching the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials live on NBC Olympics.com while the Red Sox are on my TV. The picture quality through Microsoft Silverlight is excellent. If this is how the Olympics are going to look on my computer, then I have seen the future of sports television.

That will do it for now. I’m back tomorrow.

The 1st Annual Fang’s Bites College Football TV Awards

Every year, sports media columnist Rudy Martzke of USA Today would hand out his silly “Rudys” to announcers and sports show he felt were the most deserving. I will not call my awards the “Fangies” or something stupid like that. I’m just going to say “Best”, “Worst” or create a category and that’s it. I forgot to do them for MLB after this past season, but I’ll have to remember to do them after next season. I’ll also do this for NFL, NHL and College Basketball, the other sports I follow closely. NBA? I don’t care, but you can do one on your own.

Let’s get started.

The College Gameday Best Pregame Show Award goes to: College Gameday – ESPN. Who else? This has set the standard for pregame shows, both college and pro. I’m a critic of ESPN, but I’m also willing to give it praise when the network does something right and College Gameday is done right. Chris Fowler, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit are a well oiled machine. I like the addition of Desmond Howard in small doses and of course, the atmosphere from the college campuses is a bonus. Fox NFL Sunday tried to copy the formula last season when it took its show on the road, but it was a dismal failure. College Gameday basically wins this until it goes off the air. Honorable mention: College Football Today – CBS. Tim Brando and Spencer Tillman do a bang-up job on their show and aren’t afraid to be critical of the BCS.

The Keith Jackson Award for Best Play-by-Play Announcer goes to: Sean McDonough -ESPN. Sean has basically been the announcer-in-exile ever since the Boston Red Sox took him off play-by-play for its broadcasts and for some strange reason, ESPN put him on Friday night games. He deserves to be doing the main games for either ESPN or ABC. I know Sean can’t go back to CBS because President of Sports and News, Sean McManus unceremoniously dumped him after the network hired Dick Enberg in 2000, but really, the guy should be on the main announcing team. Honorable mentions: Ron Franklin – ESPN and Verne Lundquist – CBS.

The Frank Broyles Award for Best Color Analyst: Named after Frank Broyles who did a great job for ABC in the 1980′s, we give this to Gary Danielson – CBS. He’s been one of the best college football analysts ever since ESPN teamed him with Brad Nessler in the 1990′s. Then he was pitted with Brent Musberger, but in 2006, he went to CBS to be teamed with Verne Lundquist on SEC games and this team has clicked very well. Gary has done very well on the SEC and has had the opportunity to call some big games this year including LSU-Arkansas and Georgia-Florida. In both instances, he was on top of trends and did a fantastic job. If CBS ever gets the BCS or the NCAA football tournament if it’s ever created, Danielson would be excellent on the lead team. Honorable mentions: Todd Blackledge – ESPN, Pat Haden – NBC and Charles Davis – Big Ten Network.

Best Overall Announcing Team goes to: Thom Brennaman and Charles Davis – Big Ten Network. They worked together for the first time last season on two NFL games, then the Fiesta Bowl featuring the Boise State upset of Oklahoma, then the BCS Championship Game so their chemistry wasn’t down. But they had a chance to really work together this season and have become a very good team. This season, they didn’t have to be saddled with a third wheel in Barry Alvarez, so they’ll work in an easier and more enjoyable two man booth. They did a fantastic job all season long. Now if the Big Ten Network can sign some more agreements for next season, Thom and Charles will get some more exposure. Honorable mention: Verne Lundquist and Gary Danielson – CBS.

The Jim Lampley Award for Best Studio Host goes to: Rece Davis – ESPN. He’s in his element hosting the studio show and handing off to Mark May and Lou Holtz. ESPN does miss Trev Alberts, but Lou isn’t bad. But I digress. Rece also hosts College Football Live for ESPN. He does a tremendous job, especially starting in the morning and being in the Bristol campus sometimes staying until 2 a.m. on College Gameday Final. If Fowler ever leaves College Gameday, Rece could step in quite seamlessly. And for those of you who don’t know, yes, Lamps hosted the College Football studio for ABC in the 1980′s and probably is the best ever. Honorable mentions: Tim Brando – CBS & John Saunders – ESPN/ABC.

Best Studio Analyst: We don’t have anyone to name this after, but we give this award to Mark May of ESPN, by default. Spencer Tillman of CBS isn’t bad and Lou Holtz is ok, but I’ll give this to Mark May.

The Jack Arute Award for Best Sideline Reporter goes to: not Jack this year because he was doing NASCAR duties, but Bonnie Bernstein. Assigned to Brad Nessler, Bob Griese and Paul McGuire, Bonnie has sometimes had to fight for airtime, but whenever she’s on, she has solid information and can banter especially with Paul. Happy Hanukkah, Bonnie. Honorable mentions: Erin Andrews – ESPN & Charissa Thompson – Big Ten Network.

Most Valuable Network Award goes to: CBS for its SEC package. The games got consistent ratings every weekend often beating ABC’s 3:30 p.m. regional coverage. The games were certainly more compelling than the others in the same timeslot. Plus, CBS’ production of the games was top-notch. It’s no wonder why the SEC plans to renew its contract with CBS after next season.

Best Overall Coverage Award goes to: Yes, ESPN. The Worldwide Leader has this sport covered from beginning to end starting with College Gameday in the mornings all the way until College Gameday Final late at night. CBS and NBC sign off when their games are done with hardly any time for a postgame show. ESPN goes from 10 a.m. ET Saturday until 2 a.m. Sunday and it works. And the addition of College Football Live during the week has only solidified its position. If you’re a college football fan, ESPN has it covered.

Best Debut of a Network goes to: The Big Ten Network for having the biggest upset in college football history, Appalachian State over Michigan in the Big House. Unfortunately, its dispute with the major cable providers, Comcast, Time Warner, Mediacom and Charter has prevented many across the Midwest from seeing it. But I give you the final moments of the game here.

And the interview of Appalachian State coach Jerry Moore leads me to the following award.

Best Ingénue goes to: Charissa Thompson – Big Ten Network. She did a great job on the sidelines for BTN. The lovely Charissa will be seen on Fox’s BCS coverage during the Sugar Bowl and the BCS Championship Game. She’s been given a bigger role on FSN so expect to see a lot of her in the coming months.

The Phil Stone Award for Worst Play-by-Play: Named after Phil Stone who did a few NFL regional games for NBC back in the 1980′s, Phil was horrible. He yelled and screamed, but never could quite get the feel for the games. He was just plain awful. Phil was a sports anchor for the San Diego NBC affiliate in the 1980′s. Some sports anchors are not suitable for play-by-play and Phil certainly wasn’t. So I give this award to, in a tie Pam Ward – ESPN and Brent Musberger – ABC. I’ve tried to give Pam the benefit of the doubt over the last two years, but I don’t think she’s good at calling a game. I have no problem with women doing play-by-play, but I don’t think Pam’s voice is good enough.

As for Brent, he’s slipped a lot over the years. He’s getting close to Phil Stone in yelling. Brent was very good at one time, but right now, he’s past his prime. Plus he has to travel to NASCAR locations right after games so his concentration has been off. Brent and Pammy share the award.

Worst Sideline Reporter goes to: Lisa Salters – ESPN/ABC. Not impressed by her work at all. Lisa is usually a solid journalist, but sideline reporter is not a role that suits her well.

Most Bizarre Moment goes to: ESPN’s Mike Patrick asking Todd Blackledge about Britney Spears right before Georgia beat Alabama in overtime. Todd was incredulous and asked, “Is she here?” I still shake my head.

Dishonorable mention: Last weekend’s Les Miles controversy when ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit announced on College Gameway announced Miles would leave LSU for Michigan. Then Miles had to call a press conference right before the SEC Championship Game to announce he was staying put at LSU. CBS’ Tracy Wolfson interviewed Miles about his plans and finally, Tim Brando throwing a shot at ESPN. Great stuff.

The Network Disappearing Act Award goes to: NBC for its Notre Dame games. Because Notre Dame had a 3-9 season, the ratings for Notre Dame home games fell into the toilet. Not even the win by Navy, the first in 43 years could save the ratings. But it wasn’t the fault of Pat Haden, one of the better college football analysts and he’s not afraid to be critical of Notre Dame.

Worst Studio Show Award goes to: ABC’s pre-game show. Surprising because it’s produced by ESPN and John Saunders is a very solid host. However, Craig James and Doug Flutie don’t mesh very well. There’s hardly any chemistry between the two. James was very good as the original co-analyst with Lee Corso on College Gameday, but he’s ill-suited in this studio. And it seems disconnected from the Worldwide Leader because the show is produced at ABC’s studios in New York instead of the ESPN headquarters. Plus, the show isn’t even in HD! What’s up with that?

Worst Debut by a Network Award goes to: Versus. It signed a contract with FSN to pick up ten Big 12 and Pac 10 games from TBS. However, like the Big Ten Network, it suffers from a lack of carriage. It had the big upset of Stanford over USC, but most of the country only saw the highlights and that’s too bad. And its coverage of the games was next to horrible. And Rod Thulin of Versus even got the game winning touchdown wrong. Listen as he calls the touchdown for USC.

And there you have it. Let me know what you think, if you agree, if you disagree. I certainly would like to hear from you.

Thursday Pre-Game Links

Starting up the links before Game 2 of the Rockies-Phillies series begins.

Kent Gibbons of Multichannel news reports that Cox Communications has rolled out TBS HD in a bunch of markets, but exactly where isn’t clear.

King Kaufman at Salon.com has a couple of items on TBS’ coverage. First, he says because Game 1 of the Angels-Red Sox ended so quickly, Ernie Johnson, Jr., Frank Thomas and Cal Ripken were forced to fill an hour before the Cubs-Diamondbacks. And Kaufman writes TBS missed the first batter of the 3rd inning of the Angels-Red Sox game.

Jack Curry of the New York Times writes about Red Sox TV analyst Jerry Remy. The New York Times owns 17% of the Boston Red Sox. And Remy won the embarrassing election for President of Red Sox Nation.

Maury Brown of the Biz of Baseball website reports that DirecTV has added five Regional Sports Networks in HD including NESN and YES.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman talks with ESPN’s Bonnie Bernstein who will be on the sidelines of Saturday’s Oklahoma-Texas game. Last year’s game gave Bonnie some painful memories. Bracht also has some viewing picks for this weekend.

Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun writes that retired NHL player Scott Mellanby will have a role on Hockey Night in Canada.

William Houston of the Toronto Globe and Mail enjoyed watching the debut of Mike Milbury on TSN last night.

The Canadian Press has a story on CBC, Roger Sportsnet and TSN all showcasing Sidney Crosby in their NHL coverage this season.

Primetime Viewing Picks next.

Wednesday Night Update

This is what happens when I have to drive my mother in and around Boston. I can’t listen to Howard Stern on Sirius or Mike & Mike on ESPN Radio when they’re on breaks. Again, I won’t have internet access at work for the next few days. While that’s getting resolved, I’ll have to resort to listening to regular radio and also getting info later in the day. My apologies to you, but here we go.

I’m sure Mike & Mike talked about this today. They’re going to be the second team on the opening weekend doubleheader for Monday Night Football on ESPN along with Mike Ditka and Fang’s Bites fav, Bonnie Bernstein. Last year, ESPN had Brad Nessler and Dick Vermeil. This year, Mike & Mike get the second game. USA Today’s Michael McCarthy has the story. Mike & Mike have been kind of auditioning for the job doing Monday Night Arena Football League games. Broadcasting & Cable magazine has a blurb on that plus gives a list of celebrities who will attend the absolutely horrid ESPY Awards.

I gave you the link to this yesterday, but here’s official word that the New York Knicks and Rangers will remain on 1050 ESPN Radio.

Monday is the start of Wimbledon, the third leg of tennis’ Grand Slam. NBC, ESPN and MediaZone team up to put matches online …. for a price. GRRRRR!!!!!

Yesterday, I linked to a recap of ESPN President George Bodenheimer’s appearance at a Des Moines, IA luncheon. The Des Moines Register caught up with Bodenheimer afterwards.

You know about Brett Hull leaving NBC Sports.

The Pac 10 Conference has announced its TV schedule for football.

Subscribers to Insight Cable aren’t getting selected St. Louis Cardinals games on FSN Midwest.

Good background story on the Sports Media Watch blog on how the NBA left NBC five years ago for a cable-heavy contract with ESPN/ABC and TNT.

I’ll look for more links tonight.

Hot Chicks in Sports Broadcasting

1. Erin Andrews – ESPN
2. Shana Hiatt – Poker After Dark, NBC
3. Bonnie Bernstein – ESPN
4. Tracy Wolfson – CBS
5. Kathryn Tappen – NESN
6. Hazel Mae – NESN
7. Tina Cervasio – NESN
8. Suzy Kolber – ESPN (I’ll admit Suzy has looked better)

Edited at 10:10 p.m. Pictures and links added.