Originally Posted by Li4m:
“I really don't rate Vasgersian at all, so I hope this isn't a sign of things to come. Thorne is a terrific broadcaster after making my peace with the presence of Rick Sutcliffe, I've been very happy to watch the international feed of the postseason when it's been available.”
“I really don't rate Vasgersian at all, so I hope this isn't a sign of things to come. Thorne is a terrific broadcaster after making my peace with the presence of Rick Sutcliffe, I've been very happy to watch the international feed of the postseason when it's been available.”
I'm afraid it looks like it will be, Li4m. I highlighted the significant changes to the MLB International coverage of the All-Star Game on a US sports coverage forum I post on, where I was kindly referred to this article: http://sportsvideo.org/main/blog/201...ophy-in-cincy/
It notes how that under the new Rob Manfred regime, Major League Baseball's various in-house media ventures - MLB International, the MLB Network and their MLB Advanced Media online services - have been centralised as part of a "One Baseball" mentality. Hence why the world feed All-Star Game coverage looked and sounded just like any MLB Network production of a regular season or postseason game would, and indeed you won't be surprised to hear that the MLB Network used the MLB International coverage (rather than that of Fox) when they showed the All-Star Game as-live after the event. Knowing this, it's difficult to imagine MLB International going back to non-MLB Network regulars as announcers, the old scorebug in the bottom right corner than the usual MLB Network one in the top left of the screen and the classic theme that for so many years signalled All-Star and World Series baseball.
I wasn't that familiar with Matt Vasgersian or indeed John Smoltz as a broadcaster, not having had much access to MLB Network, TBS or Fox's national MLB coverage in the past (I've mostly watched ESPN, MLB International and regional sports network coverage through Channel 5, BT Sport and MLB.com in the past), but I have to admit I was distinctly underwhelmed by both of them on Tuesday night. To be fair, my feelings were at least partly tinged with the disappointment of not hearing so many of the familiarities I've grown up with as a baseball fan - particularly Gary Thorne, one of my favourite broadcasters in any sport with such a great voice and style. It seems such a shame that after all these years of commentating on World Series and Stanley Cups, he now looks destined to be limited to regular season Baltimore Orioles games on MASN and perhaps a League Division Series for ESPN Radio. I've also always liked Rick Sutcliffe - as perhaps more of a casual fan than you, I found his easy manner and simple explanations welcome and comfortable to listen to. Given his ESPN Wednesday Night Baseball commitments, perhaps Sutcliffe could join Dan Shulman to co-commentate on an LCS and the World Series for ESPN Radio, although I suspect Aaron 'Prolly' Boone will retain that gig. I think Vasgersian and Smoltz look a shoe-ins to be the MLB International commentary team from now on - they do an LDS across Fox Sports and the MLB Network and are the #2 commentary pairing for the former and regulars on the latter during the regular season. I can't see Bob Costas and Jim Kaat, the other regular live game broadcasters for the MLB Network, committing to two whole series for international audiences, so Matt and John look the obvious choices for this gig.



