Fang's Bites

Doing Some Thursday Link Action

Let’s give you some links on this Thursday.

ESPN Ombudsman Don Ohlmeyer discusses the suspension of Tony Kornheiser and the coverage of the Tiger Woods story.

R. Thomas Umstead of Multichannel News says Turner Sports has launched a new iPhone app. 

Katy Bachman of Mediaweek says the Chicago Bears had the biggest radio audience of all NFL teams.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell gets reaction from “One Shining Moment” composer David Barrett about CBS using Jennifer Hudson to sing a new rendition of his song for the NCAA Tournament.

Eric Wilbur of the Boston Globe isn’t too thrilled about the business practices at the new restaurant owned by NESN Red Sox analyst Jerry Remy.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times looks at the demolition of the old Yankee Stadium.

Richard Goldstein of the Times has an obituary of former LA Rams defensive lineman Merlin Olsen who became an actor and an NFL analyst for NBC and later CBS. Olsen died at the age of 69 of Mesothelioma. In 1979, Olsen was teamed with Dick Enberg forming one of the best NFL announcing teams in TV history lasting until 1989. Olsen also acted appearing in “Little House on the Prairie” and “Father Murphy”. Olsen was known as a gentle giant, but also formed one of the best defensive front lines in NFL history as part of the “Fearsome Foursome” with the Rams in the 1960′s.

Also from the Times, Stuart Elliot says computer chip manufacturer Intel is buying ads all over the place including during the NCAA Tournament on CBS.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union talks with CBS’ Dick Enberg who has 50 years of NCAA Tournament memories.

Sarah Talalay of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel writes about a cooking segment that the Miami Heat is producing along with cable TV partner Sun Sports.

The Orlando Business Journal talks about ESPN signing an 8 year rights deal with the Citrus Bowl. 

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer has Fox Sports Ohio’s alternate channels for today’s college basketball action.

Writing for the Muncie (IN) Star-Press, Dom Christi of Ball State University says CBS has reason to believe that it will have decent ratings for the NCAA Tournament. 

Jim O’Donnell in the Chicago Sun-Times talks with ESPN college basketball analyst Steve Lavin about the rumors of him going to DePaul.

Bob Wolfley in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel gives praise to ESPN’s Doug Gottlieb (scroll down).

Bob Mayhall of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat says Fox Sports Midwest’s Dan McLaughlin may not be calling the Blues this season, but he’s busier than ever.

Blair Kerkhoff of the Kansas City Star writes that Big 12 fans are not enthralled with ESPN’s Brent Musburger and Bob Knight. 

Keith Thursby of the Los Angeles Times has an extensive obit of Merlin Olsen.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News also remembers Olsen.

Here’s a very nice tribute to Olsen by NFL Films President Steve Sabol.

Pat Hickey in the Montreal Gazette feels the boost hockey received during the 2010 Olympics will be very shortlived.

Friend of Fang’s Bites Cameron Frye at the Beantown Athletic Supporters properly gets on Jerry Remy for one particular charge at his new restaurant.

I’ll finish it there.

Some Wednesday Linkage

Let’s give you some linkage today. I took a break from my computer after I posted the spring training TV schedules and it was very nice. Now we’re back in the blogging grind and let’s give you links.

Anthony Crupi of Mediaweek says the Olympics on NBC took viewers away from cable during the month of February.

Rick Harrow and Karla Swatek in BusinessWeek tell us that the next few Olympics could be seen online rather than TV.

Michael J. Miller of PC Week writes that ESPN is making a big commitment to 3D-TV.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell has a look at the swag that NFL hopefuls are receiving at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

Darren has discovered an accounting error is forcing members of the 2009 New York Yankees to give back $10,000 of their World Series share.

Darren says almost five years after adidas acquired Reebok, the company is making a big turnaround.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times says the NCAA has put highlights and clips of past NCAA Tournament games at a new website.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union writes that the NFL will keep the Pro Bowl a week before the Super Bowl as it returns to Hawaii in 2011.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner says a local sports radio anchor is getting a new gig at his station.

Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel asks his readers which is the better sports radio talk show.

Amy L. Edwards of the Sentinel reports that a former freelancer for the Golf Channel claims he lost his job after reporting several co-workers for smoking ganja while on the job on course.

Laurel Pfahler in the Sebastian (FL) Sun says the West Palm Beach NBC affiliate saw higher ratings for the Olympics.

Barry Horn in the Dallas Morning News reports that Cowboys voice Brad Sham has lost his gig with MLS team, FC Dallas.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business is not a fan of Rutgers getting a Big Ten invite.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has a look of the highest and lowest local ratings for the Olympics (scroll down).

Tim Curprisin of OnMilwaukee says the local ratings for the Olympics were high enough for Milwaukee to finish third in the national rankings.

Steve Luhm of the Salt Lake Tribune says Salt Lake City ranked number 1 in the ratings for the Vancouver Olympics.

Erika Engle of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin says a long dark local radio station is returning as a Fox Sports Radio affiliate.

William Houston at Truth & Rumours says a slow morning during NHL Trade Deadline Day gave TSN and Rogers Sportsnet too much time to fill.

The Sports Media Watch has the weekend overnight ratings.

SMW has some various news and notes.

SMW has an interview with ESPN Vice President of Communications, Mike Soltys.

Christopher Byrne of the Eye on Sports Media says NBC deserved some, but not all of the criticism hurled at the network for its Olympics coverage.

The Big Lead has John Feinstein response to Michael Wilbon’s response to his criticism of Wilbon.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media would like Versus to take the extra step when taking local broadcasts of the NHL.

Maury Brown at the Biz of Baseball says in just one day, the latest version of the MLB At Bat app for the iPhone and iPod Touch became a bestseller in just one day.

And Len Berman has his Top 5 stories of the day.

We’re done.

We Have A Contest!!!

Thanks to NBA.com and its wonderful partners, I have a year’s subscription to the NBA League Pass Mobile app for the iPhone for a lucky reader.

I’m going to give a question. The first correct answer will receive the subscription. You must have the iPhone. In addition, I have to post the following disclaimer:

This contest is for US participants only. By entering the sweepstakes
you agree to release Sponsor, the NBA Entities, Fang’s Bites and
their respective affiliates and agencies from any and all liabilities
for injuries, damages or losses of any kind to in connection with the
sweepstakes, prize or any prize-related activity.

The question is as follows: What was the final average rating and total viewership of the 2009 NBA Finals? The answer is in my archives and if you know when the finals were held, you get a general idea of where to look. You can e-mail me at kzfone@gmail.com. Looking forward to hearing from you.

UPDATE, 11:40 p.m.: This contest is now closed. We have a winner. Thanks to all who participated. 

A Couple of CBC Releases

I don’t think I’ve ever had two CBC press releases in one day so I’m going to post them here for you.

First, CBC has released a new Hockey Night in Canada app for the iPhone and iPod Touch.

CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA INTRODUCES iPhone & iPod APP

Free App features live box scores, stats, and CBCSports.ca articles

CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA has introduced a new way for hockey fans to follow every player, every goal and every game with the all-new CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA Application for iPhone and iPod Touch. The free app, launched this week, provides users with instant access to live box scores, statistics and results from all NHL games whenever and wherever they are.

Game statistics are broken down for every team, player and game. Division and conference standings are instantly updated, as are NHL player highlights. Users can find out who is leading the NHL in points, goals, plus/minus, goals against average, save percentage and wins.

The new iPhone and iPod Touch app features breaking news headlines, comprehensive stories and in-depth features from CBCSports.ca, and users can navigate the complete NHL schedule including CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA broadcasts.

The free app can be downloaded by visiting cbc.ca/mobile/iphone, CBCSports.ca/hockey or by visiting the Free Application section of the iTunes store.

And this is the preview of the Battle of the Blades season finale.

A THREE-WAY SHOWDOWN, SPECIAL GUESTS AND GROUP NUMBERS

CELEBRATE THE BATTLE OF THE BLADES FINALE

Canadians to decide who of the remaining three pairs will win $100,000 for charity

The final decision will be in the hands of Canadians, Sunday, Nov. 15, as they choose who of the remaining three pairs will win BATTLE OF THE BLADES, at Toronto’s historic Maple Leaf Gardens. Results will then be announced during a full-blown ice extravaganza, which is set for the series finale, Monday, Nov. 16. Both shows start at 8 p.m., on CBC Television.

The final battle begins on Sunday, when the following three remaining pairs will perform to music of their choice: Shae-Lynn Bourne and Claude Lemieux, Marie-France Dubreuil and Stéphane Richer, and Jamie Salé and Craig Simpson. Competition shifts to collaboration after the individual performances when the members of all three pairs join together for a special group performance. The evening will also begin in style with a special group number featuring the men from BATTLE OF THE BLADES.

The competition wraps up the following night with a special one-hour show for the finale results episode. Kicking things off will be a group performance featuring all eight pairs from the competition, set to the show’s theme song, Bryan Adams’ There Will Never Be Another Tonight.

Monday’s show will also include a guest performance by the show’s co-host and skating mentor Kurt Browning, followed by a special routine by returning competitor Barbara Underhill and her former professional skating partner Paul Martini. This will be the first time Underhill and Martini have skated together since they performed a farewell show at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens in 1998.

The magic on the ice continues with a guest performance by Salé and her husband and skating partner David Pelletier, who as a coach on the show has also been featured in weekly Point of View segments offering tips on figure skating. Dubreuil and her husband and professional skating partner Patrice Lauzon will also join together on the ice for a special guest performance.

When the winning pair is revealed, on Monday’s show, they will receive a $100,000 cheque made out to the charity of their choice. Three charities remain as possible recipients of this prize money. Bourne and Lemieux are skating for Make-A-Wish Canada; Dubreuil and Richer are competing for MA Fondation; and Salé and Simpson are battling it out for The Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Centre (Northern Alberta) Society.

Viewers can learn more about the competitors at www.cbc.ca/battle, the official online portal for the series and the source for everything about BATTLE OF THE BLADES. In addition to videos and behind-the-scene photos, the site offers viewers the opportunity to become fans of their favourite pair and track each participant’s activity as they strive to be the final pair remaining at the end of the series.

BATTLE OF THE BLADES is the brainchild of Kevin Albrecht with development by Sandra Bezic. BATTLE OF THE BLADES executive producers are John Brunton, Barbara Bowlby and Kevin Albrecht. It is produced by Insight Productions in association with CBC Television.

That’s it.

Press Releases That I Should Have Posted

Here are two press releases that have been lingering in the Fang’s Bites inbox. Totally forgot to post them yesterday.

First, PGA.com is putting out an iPhone app for the PGA Championship this week.

PGA.com Announces 2009 PGA Championship App Available on App Store

New App Offers Customizable Push Notifications and Live Video Streaming for iPhone and iPod touch

PGA.com today announced the availability of the PGA Championship App on the App Store. The PGA Championship App for iPhone and iPod touch will provide live video, live scoring and instant updates to golf fans during the 2009 PGA Championship from Aug. 13–16.

“PGA.com has raised the bar for major golf coverage on the iPhone and iPod touch with the PGA Championship App,” said Matthew Hong, Turner Sports Vice President and General Manager of Sports Digital. “The launch of the PGA Championship App gives on-the-go fans live access, updates and insight from instructional professionals that they have come to expect from PGA.com.”

The PGA Championship App, the first to utilize features of the iPhone OS 3.0 software update for coverage of a major golf tournament, provides customized push notifications so fans can receive instant alerts about their favorite players’ progress. Additionally, the app will offer live video of marquee groups for all four days of play and live video streaming of the Par 3 holes at Hazeltine National Golf Club. Push notifications will provide users with instant alerts for hole-by-hole scores, completion of rounds and other breaking news. The Breaking News feature will provide frequent updates to storylines and news, and five additional notifications correspond with individual players selected by fans to follow including: Round Beginning, Round Completion, Double Bogeys (and higher), Birdies & Eagles and Hole-by-Hole Updates.

The PGA Championship App will also offer a customizable leaderboard with live scoring in an easy to use front nine/back nine format, video highlights, player information, course information, news and updates. In another first for a major golf tournament, the app will also include a real-time Trends function to highlight notable leaderboard climbs, drops and streaks.

The PGA Championship App is available for $1.99 from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/.

PGA.COM is also exclusively making course insights and instruction videos available from PGA Professionals and Instructors.

And here’s what you will see on Golf Channel starting on Monday.

COMING UP ON GOLF CHANNEL… Aug. 10 – 16, 2009

Golf in America Turns Spotlight on Entertainment Mogul Jerry Weintraub and The First Tee;

PGA Championship Week on GOLF CHANNEL

Original Programming Premieres and Highlights

(All times eastern)

Golf in America

Video Preview: Golf in America Episode 8

Time: Tuesday 8 – 8:30 p.m. (Special Time)

Host: Anthony Anderson

The eighth episode of the 10-week series will feature:

• Jerry Weintraub: Golf and Hollywood – Jerry Weintraub is one of Hollywood’s most successful and prolific producers in the music and film business. Before turning to films, he managed legendary acts including John Denver, The Moody Blues and Frank Sinatra. Most recently, Weintraub produced the remake of Ocean’s Eleven, along with Ocean’s 12 and Ocean’s 13. Golf in America’s Jim Gray will visit with Weintraub to discuss his storied career and his passion for golf, including his most memorable rounds with the stars and his involvement in the development of the ultra-exclusive Madison Club in La Quinta, Calif.

· Prison View Golf Course–Prison View Golf Course in Louisiana is the only golf course situated inside the walls of a prison facility in the United States. At the facility, inmates learn real-world trades such as landscape architecture and horticulture.

· The First Tee – The First Tee is an organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Host Anthony Anderson visits The First Tee headquarters in St. Augustine and its CEO, Joe Louis Barrow Jr., son of legendary boxer Joe Louis.

Golf in America takes viewers coast-to-coast to discover never-before-told stories, larger-than-life characters and inspirational people in capturing the spirit of the game of golf. The series, hosted by film and television actor Anthony Anderson, chronicles stories in stunning HD from celebrities, such as Justin Timberlake and Donald Trump to everyday people across the country that are unified by the sport.

Playing Lessons from the Pros – PGA Champions

Time: Monday 10 – 10:30 p.m.

Host: Stephanie Sparks

PGA Champions Padraig Harrington, Gary Player, Raymond Floyd, Nick Price and David Toms will share tips on shaping shots off the tee and from the fairway, as well as short game strategies. Stephanie Sparks hosts.

PGA Championship Week – News and Talk Show Programming Highlights

Live From the PGA Championship

Live Airings: Tuesday 12 – 1 p.m. (News Conferences)/6 – 8 p.m.

Wednesday 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. (News Conferences)/6 – 8 p.m.

Thursday – Friday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m./8 – 10 p.m.

Saturday – Sunday 9 – 11 a.m./7 – 9 p.m.

Live From the PGA Championship, produced in high definition, will take viewers inside the ropes at Hazeltine National Golf Club with 26 hours of live news reports, inside analysis and compelling features to deliver comprehensive, wrap-around coverage of the men’s final major championship of 2009.

Golf Central

Live Airings: Monday 6 – 6:30 p.m./11:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Golf Central will recap the news and storylines from the previous week on all of the tours, preview the upcoming tournaments and deliver news and insight.

The Golf Fix

Time: Monday 8 – 8:30 p.m.

Host: Michael Breed

GOLF CHANNEL’s fast-paced interactive instructional show will highlight call-ins and emails from viewers during the show and preview the PGA Championship in a fast-paced format. GolfChannel.com also will include a bonus segment following the conclusion of the live show on Monday.

The Approach with Callaway Golf (On-site at PGA Championship)

Time: Tuesday 8:30 – 9 p.m. (Special Time)

Host: Kraig Kann

Panelists: Alex Miceli/Andrew Magee

Highlighting the top storylines in golf from different perspectives, analysts from The Approach with Callaway Golf will recap the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and preview the PGA Championship in an entertaining and informative manner. The show will commence from Hazeltine National Golf Club, site of the PGA Championship.

Grey Goose 19^th Hole (On-site at PGA Championship)

Time: Wednesday 8:30 – 9 p.m. (Special Time)

Host: Vince Cellini/Analysts John Hawkins and Jeff Rude

Guest: 2002 PGA Champion Rich Beem

Grey Goose 19^th Hole, the network’s fast-paced half-hour talk show will feature debates on the hot topics in golf coming out of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and will preview the PGA Championship. 2002 PGA Champion Rich Beem will join the show as a special guest to preview the PGA Championship and discuss his 2002 victory at Hazeltine National. Grey Goose 19^th Hole will take place on-site at Hazeltine National Golf Club.

There you go. Back on Monday.

Crazy Thursday Linkage

Well, where do I begin? There’s the Erin Andrews story which continues to pick up momentum. And we have ESPN finally acknowledging the Ben Roethlisberger civil lawsuit story two days after other media outlets have been reporting it. Personally, I found some Harry Chapin albums on iTunes and videos on YouTube so expect to see those in a future edition of Videos of the Week.

Here’s one video before we go to links. Harry Chapin doing “Mr. Tanner” with bassist John Wallace doing the baritone backup. Great song.

After that, it’s time to delve into the links.

Yesterday, I did an interview with 16 year old Alex Reimer of the Without A Curse podcast. We talked about the WEEI/WBZ-FM competition. Click here and you can forward the podcast to about the six minute mark and we talk for about ten minutes or so. Adam does a good job. He knows his stuff.

Starting with Sean Leahy of USA Today’s The Huddle blog, he writes that ESPN finally reported the Roethlisberger story last night.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times writes that ESPN for whatever reason played it cautious with the Roethlisberger civil lawsuit.

I’m warning you before the link that Newsday’s website underwent a major redesign so you may be a bit shocked when you see white fonts on a blue background instead of dark fonts on a white background. Anyway, Neil writes about ESPN’s decision to come out of its ivory tower and report on Roethlisberger.

Christopher Byrne of Eye on Sports Media writes that ESPN is taking a hit to its integrity to which I say it hardly has any for its reporting of this story.

Kevin Blackistone of Fanhouse believes ESPN swung and missed by joining the coverage late.

Excellent article from the great Ed Berliner, a former sports TV anchor himself, saying ESPN did not do itself any favors.

Dan LeBatard writing in the Miami Herald says ESPN showed restraint by not reporting the story originally. I don’t think it was restraint, it might have been protecting an interest.

To the Erin Andrews story.

Bob’s Blitz which has done a tremendous job following the story says the New York Post is hitting back at ESPN banning its reporters from its network and radio stations for publishing pictures of the creepy video, saying Erin Andrews’ lawyer is to blame for all this putting the name of the website on its complaint.

Here’s the New York Post Page Six article referred to in Bob’s Blitz post.

The Big Lead asks now that New York Post reporters are banned from ESPN, will Fox News be next after Bill O’Reilly ran the video on his show last night.

Jay Mariotti of Fanhouse fires shots at everyone over the video.

The Rookies blog fires back at Jay.

The Buffalo News reports the video may have been shot in Western New York, although that is rather sketchy.

Steve Johnson of the Chicago Tribune says the coverage of Erin Andrews has hypocrisy written all over it.

Jerry Brewer of the Seattle Times wants all of us to grow up.

Reid Cherner and Tom Weir of USA Today’s Game On! blog has Christine Brennan clarifying her comments about Erin Andrews.

Jessica Heslam of the Boston Herald says NESN’s Heidi Watney has chimed in on the video.

To the SEC Network.

Tim Griffin of ESPN.com says the Big 12′s fears came true when it was announced that the SEC Network’s footprint extended into Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas.

Marc Weiszer of the Savannah (GA) Morning News says the SEC just got bigger thanks to ESPN’s power.

Andy Bitter and David Hale of the Columbus (GA) Ledger-Enquirer write that ESPN will air 23 more SEC football games this season thanks to the SEC Network.

Tim Tucker of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution tries to sort out the new ESPN/SEC contract.

Bill King of the AJC says Georgia fans can sit back and turn on their TV to see every game this season.

Tommy Hicks of the Mobile (AL) Press-Register says the SEC has released the TV schedule for the first three weeks of the season.

Let’s move on to other links now.

This might have been a lead story had it not been for Erin Andrews, Ben Roethlisberger and the SEC Network. ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit is suing the Internal Revenue Service for not allowing him to claim a tax deduction after he donated his house to the local fire department. Is suing the IRS a good idea?

Writing in the Baltimore-centric Press Box site, Dave Hughes of DCRTV.com has several local news and notes including the departure of the long-time WBAL-AM vice president and station manager.

From the DC Metro Weekly paper, Sean Bugg interviews Tennis Channel analyst and World Team Tennis player Rennae Stubbs.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner writes that the Capitals will remain on its current radio flagship station.

Back to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and TV/radio writer Rodney Ho who reports the Braves are changing their radio flagships next season.

John Royal of the Houston Press says the Texas Bowl made the right move in going to ESPN after not being seen on the NFL Network for the last three years.

Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business has his winners and losers a day early.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes about tonight’s ESPN Homecoming show starring former Rams QB Kurt Warner.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News digs into the Sports Illustrated vaults and finds an article from 1979 about a small cable TV network that was hoping to show sports 24 a day.

John Ryan of the San Jose Mercury News asks what’s the big fuss over the LeBron James dunk video which was no big deal after it was released yesterday afternoon.

Erica Ogg of CNET.com looks at the MLB At Bat iPhone app which now has every game available on streaming video.

Maury Brown of the Biz of Baseball has an excellent article on the top 10 Marketing issues facing MLB right now.

Evan Weiner writing at the MCN Sports site calls on Congress to change the cable TV laws that allowed networks like ESPN to get too big.

David Goetzl of Mediapost writes about Fox Sports taking a stake in Open Sports Network for fantasy sports.

Wayne Friedman of Mediapost says NBC Universal putting on the USA-Mexico World Cup qualifying match on a little-known and barely seen channel is all about business.

Colby Hall of Mediaite talks with ESPN.com’s Bill Simmons. The less I say about him the better.

Chuck Hanf of the Two Cents from Beantown blog lists his five top sports stars of all time in the Hub. I like his top choice.

I would be remiss if I didn’t link you to the latest edition of The Five on WEEI.com hosted always by the lovely Kristine Leahy.

Wow. Lots of links. I need to clear my head so I’m taking a walk. See you later.

Two Baseball Press Releases

I have two baseball-related press releases for you. One is the very first from Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, a channel I cannot watch on DirecTV, but that’s neither here nor there.

This touts the record ratings the network received for Tuesday night’s extra-inning win over the Chicago Cubs.

Tuesday Night’s Phillies Win Delivers Highest Phillies Rating Ever on the Network

Extra-Innings Thriller is Most-Watched Program in Philadelphia Tuesday

PHILADELPHIA- (July 22, 2009) – Tuesday night’s Phillies – Cubs game on Comcast SportsNet delivered a record-breaking 10.6 rating (315,000 households). The Phils’ extra-innings win marks the highest rated Phillies game in Comcast SportsNet’s 12-year history, breaking the previous mark of a 10.5 rating set on September 27, 2007, when the Phillies played the Atlanta Braves.

Tuesday night’s game peaked at a 15.9 rating (472,000 households) at 10 p.m. and was the most watched program in the Philadelphia market throughout the day. This season the Phillies are averaging a 6.3 rating, a 21% increase over the same time period last year.

After the game, Phillies Postgame Live delivered a 6.6 rating (196,000 households), marking it the highest rated postgame show of the season.

Comcast SportsNet has delivered six consecutive seasons of Phillies ratings growth prior to the start of this season.

And the iPhone/iPod Touch now can watch every MLB game thanks to the updated At Bat app.

iPHONE & iPOD TOUCH TO STREAM ALL MLB GAMES LIVE WITH AT BAT 2009

NEW YORK, June 22, 2009 – MLB.com At Bat™ 2009, the top-selling sports App in the App Store, is adding more live video and will stream every regular season Major League Baseball game exclusively for MLB.TV subscribers, effective immediately. This unprecedented distribution of an online streaming video product provides eligible subscribers access to live feeds of every out-of-market game on the iPhone™ and iPod® touch, as well as their computers.

MLB.TV and MLB.TV Premium subscribers can now access live MLB games in high quality video over either a Wi-Fi connection or the carrier network as part of the At Bat 2009 App. Leveraging standards-based https streaming technology, enabled by the iPhone OS 3.0 update, the MLB.com App includes controls to give users the ability to pause a game or rewind the action. Additionally, adaptive bitrate technology is constantly working automatically to give users the highest quality video stream their network connection can support.

MLB.com will continue to make up to two games per day, the At Bat.TV Games of the Day, available for all At Bat 2009 App subscribers, subject to blackout restrictions. The MLB.com At Bat™ 2009 App also offers live audio broadcasts without blackout restrictions, a continuously updated scoreboard, MLB.com Gameday™ functionality, real-time video highlights and Condensed Games, a short-form video recap of every payoff pitch from every game.

The MLB.com At Bat™ App for the 2009 MLB season, including the entire postseason, is available for a one-time fee of $9.99 from the App Store on iPhone™ and iPod^® touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/.

One more release post and that’s it.

Mid-Week Linkage

Time to give you some linkage today. Quite a few good links today.

First, I’ll give you Kristine Leahy’s “The Five” segment from WEEI.com today. I have to admit this is a conflict of interest. Kristine and I have become Twitter buddies and we’ve exchanged Tweets so I’m giving her some love today.

To get the full effect of “The Five” linkage, check out Kristine’s page at WEEI.com.

The great Bruce Allen at Boston Sports Media Watch takes a look at what the new WBZ-FM means for WEEI.

More links on this story.

James Reed and Erin Allsworth of the Boston Globe write about the death of WBCN in favor of keeping Adult Contemporary station Mix98.5 geared towards women and creating an FM sports radio station.

Don Aucoin of the Globe writes about CBS Radio creating FM sports talk to rival the 800 pound gorilla, WEEI.

The lovely Jessica Heslam of the Boston Herald has Boston Entercom General Manager Julie “Koo-Koo for Coco Puffs” Kahn boasting that WEEI and co-owned rocker WAAF are true winners in listeners minds. Maybe in Entercom’s minds, but not in listeners’. Crazy woman.

Jessica has an overview of the station format flips.

Jessica also has some rather arrogant statements from WEEI morning co-host Gerry Callahan and afternoon drive blowhard Glen Ordway.

And Jessica says the format switch is emblematic of a talk invasion on the FM dial.

SportsKat Girl asks CBS Radio to hire a woman for the new Sports Hub.

Adam Reilly and Mike Miliard of the Boston Phoenix explain why WBCN is being killed off.

Over to USA Today and Michael Hiestand who writes about ESPN hiring former TV producer Don Ohlmeyer as its new ombudsman.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell looks at Under Armour’s new suit that helps athletes recover from their workouts.

After being gone for two weeks, Newsday’s Neil Best returns from vacation and tries to catch up on what went on.

Ray Frager of the Sports Media Journal has some thoughts on Don Ohlmeyer becoming ESPN’s new ombudsman.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union feels Fox Sports blew its live shot of President Obama’s first pitch at the All-Star Game last night. And at the end of the game, Pete had some more observations.

Friend of Fang’s Bites Ken Schott writes that the ratings for this year’s Home Run Derby were down from last year.

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner reports that CBS Radio’s WJFK-FM goes all-sports on Monday.

Tim Lemke of the Washington Times was at the Verizon Center on Tuesday to cover the announcement of FM sports talk arriving in the DC area.

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times says a long time local sports anchor is leaving in September after his contract was not renewed.

Barry Horn in the Dallas Morning News gets on Fox for its side angle of the Presidential first pitch at the All-Star Game last night.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business says the White Sox could not have asked for better advertising with President Obama wearing their jacket last night.

Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says local ratings for the Home Run Derby set a record on Monday.

Dan Caesar of the Post-Dispatch says Fox recovered nicely after failing to show President Obama’s first pitch from the proper angle.

Bob Wolfley in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes that St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols gave the Brewers’ Prince Fielder some love during ESPN’s coverage of Monday’s Home Run Derby.

John Ryan from the San Jose Mercury News says organizers of this week’s Lake Tahoe Celebrity golf tournament were caught off guard by the breakup of Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson.

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail feels President Obama was the one and true All-Star during last night’s game. And Bruce says the alleged two year agreement between NBC Sports and the National Hockey League is expected to be announced soon. When? Inquiring minds want to know! (UPDATE, 2:15 p.m.: The announcement was made today)

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star is surprised to see the Calgary Stampede top the ratings in Canada.

Todd Spangler of Multichannel News says DirecTV will offer an iPhone app for its NFL Sunday Ticket package provided subscribers paid for the SuperFan plan.

The lovely Christy Hammond of the Sports PR blog has an explanation on whom should blog and why. Very good post.

Joe Favorito says tennis failed to pick up the ball after a wonderful Wimbledon fortnight. Joe says global sports organizations continue to look for American expertise to expand their brands.

Let’s go to the Sports Media Watch for some ratings news. First, TNT’s last NASCAR race of the season fell in the ratings yet again. You get some various news and notes. And you have the weekend ratings.

The great Steve Lepore of Puck The Media says Hall of Fame announcer Mike Emrick will narrate a documentary on the Boston University-Boston College rivalry. I put BU first at the request of alumnus Kristine Leahy.

Maury Brown from the Biz of Baseball offers his thoughts on the All-Star Game telecast.

Ok, I’ll end it there. I should be doing work.

Thursday’s Quickie Links

Maybe it’s the rain, maybe it’s was going to the dentist, maybe it’s male menopause, whatever it is, I just don’t feel like doing the links today. But I’ll do as many as I can.

Starting with Newsday’s Neil Best who talks with NBC’s Johnny Miller about his candor during golf telecasts. Neil has more with Johnny in his blog. Neil is amazed at famed golf journalist Dan Jenkins who is attending his 40th U.S. Open. That’s a lot. Neil also hitched a ride with NBC’s Bob Costas today. Neil has learned that former WFANer Sid Rosenberg returns to the FAN for a special guest spot on Friday.

The New York Times’ Richard Sandomir looks at Johnny Miller’s preparation for his U.S. Open broadcasts.

Ken McMillan of the Hudson Valley Times Herald-Record has the NBC golf crew talking about the U.S. Open.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell who’s covering the U.S. Open, says the best value for a ticket to the event is the Monday playoff. Darren says Tiger Woods has done wonders for golf betting. Darren has video of an interview CNBC did regarding the New York Football Giants/Timex naming rights deal.

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner says DirecTV viewers get the full U.S. Open experience.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News has a look at the May Metroplex sports radio ratings. Barry crunches the ratings even further.

Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business says Mike North is lashing out at his critics who say he did not properly vette the co-founder of the local internet sports station which shut down for good on Wednesday. Ed says a former Chicago city official had dealings with the co-founder.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says HBO Sports has banned Artie Lange from future appearances on its programming.

Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times writes about Twitter’s increasing influence on sports.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star writes that Rogers is fast becoming a sports media titan in Canada.

David Tanklefsky of Broadcasting & Cable looks at the Red Sox Video on Demand deal with Comcast.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News has one last look back at the NBA and NHL postseasons.

Mike also writes about ESPN’s involvement at the U.S. Open when rain doesn’t delay its coverage.

Maury Brown of the Biz of Baseball reviews the new MLB.com At Bat app for the iPhone and iPod Touch. I basically agree with everything Maury wrote.

Deadspin has an interview with of all people, Buzz Bissinger.

Shortly after that interview was posted, Dan Levy of On the DL noticed Bissinger was blaming the whole Raul Ibanez controversy on “Harold Reynolds”, thinking that the actual Harold Reynolds was the one that linked to Jerod Morris’ post at Midwest Sports Fans. As you can imagine, the great blog, Hugging Harold Reynolds was quite amused.

Speaking of Jerod, he provides his thoughts in the wake of the Phillies’ Raul Ibanez going on the Disabled List today.

The Sports Media Watch has the ratings for the entire 2009 NBA postseason.

Congratulations to Greg Wyshynski of Yahoo’s Puck Daddy blog for winning Hockey Writer of the Year from HockeyBarn.com. Greg also has his take on my NHL TV Awards. The comments on my awards at Puck Daddy are rather vicious to me, but I take it in stride. Thanks to Greg for the link here.

Steve Lepore of Puck The Media likes how the NHL is trying to liven up its annual awards show.

Chris Byrne of Eye on Sports Media delves into one particular blog post from Friend of Fang’s Bites Joe Favorito.

Here’s the post Chris is referring to.

Joe says the Artie Lange controversy may have slowed Joe Buck’s chances to expand his brand.

Sox & Dawgs has the videos of the Red Sox congratulating their fans for 500 consecutive sellouts at Fenway Park.

I think that’s going to do it. Back later.

Two Releases That Need To Be Posted Now

I have two releases that should be posted today, one before 2:20 p.m.

Here’s one from MLB.com announcing live games on the At Bat app beginning today.

WATCH LIVE BASEBALL ON YOUR iPHONE BEGINNING TODAY AT 2:20 PM (EDT)

White Sox-Cubs Interleague rivalry launches live streaming in award-winning MLB.com app

NEW YORK, June 18, 2009 – After last night’s initial launch of live games streamed within MLB.com At Bat 2009, the award-winning mobile application developed exclusively for iPhone™ and iPod^® touch, fans can watch a pair of prominent Interleague Play rivalries today with the Chicago White Sox-Chicago Cubs from Wrigley Field at 2:20 p.m. (EDT) and the Detroit Tigers-St. Louis Cardinals from Busch Stadium at 8:15 p.m. (EDT).

Below are upcoming games scheduled to be available in MLB.com At Bat 2009 (all times are EDT; schedule subject to change; games subject to blackout restrictions). A continuously-updated schedule of live streaming games is available within the application.

Today

Chicago White Sox vs. Chicago Cubs, 2:20 p.m.

Detroit Tigers vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 8:15 p.m.

Friday, June 19

Cleveland Indians vs. Chicago Cubs, 2:20 p.m.

Atlanta Braves vs. Boston Red Sox, 7:10 p.m.

Saturday, June 20

Cleveland Indians vs. Chicago Cubs, 1:05 p.m.

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, 9:05 p.m.

Sunday, June 21

Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Mets, 1:10 p.m.

Florida Marlins vs. New York Yankees, 5:05 p.m.

Monday, June 22

Chicago Cubs vs. Atlanta Braves, 7:10 p.m.

Colorado Rockies vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, 10:05 p.m.

And from National Geographic Channel, one program note for tonight. And this involves my home state of Rhode Island!

WORLD’S TOUGHEST FIXES: Giant Wind Turbine

Thursday, June 18, 2009, at 9 PM ET/PT

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/worlds-toughest-fixes

“The load is hanging in the air. The wind is picking up. SNAP! A line breaks!”

— Riley, on erecting a 336-foot wind turbine in Portsmouth, R.I.

Riley travels to Portsmouth, R.I., where residents are setting up a 115-ton wind turbine that will provide years of clean, green energy. The good news is that the winds here are constantly blowing. The bad news is that Riley is about to find out what it takes to raise giant blades in the midst of these unpredictable gusts. Riley joins a team of engineers, ironworkers, crane operators and riggers who must attach the 68-ton gearbox at the center of the blades to the very top of a 300-foot tower, all the while fighting forces strong enough to snap protective lines.

Video “Big Fix” – This town wants to generate its own energy but first it has to figure out how to assemble this turbine.

Video “Big Fix” – The wind is blowing. A cable snaps. Sixty-two metric tons of turbine swing freely. Yeah, it’s tough.

Great stuff as always.

Wrapping Up Wednesday’s Press Releases

I didn’t post any press releases today. I think it’s high time I do so. I hope I don’t fall asleep in the middle of doing them. Let’s go.

First, here’s what NFL Network will be showing through next week.

NFL NETWORK PROGRAMMING NOTES (6/18-6/23)

2009 BIG 33 HIGH SCHOOL ALL-STAR GAME

LIVE ON NFL NETWORK SATURDAY AT 7:00 PM ET

Ravens LB Terrell Suggs

In-Studio on NFL Total Access Thursday

Jason La Canfora Makes NFL Network Debut

on NFL Total Access Tuesday

Debut of NFL’s Top 10 Defenses Friday at 8:00 PM ET

2009 BIG 33 HIGH SCHOOL ALL-STAR GAME – Saturday at 7:00 PM ET

Saturday at 7:00 PM ET, NFL Network will simulcast the 2009 Big 33 High School All-Star game live from Hershey, PA. The game, which matches up Ohio’s best high school players versus all-star talent from the state of Pennsylvania, has boasted an alumnus in every Super Bowl ever played.

Some notable players to participate in the Big 33 All-Star game include: Super Bowl MVPs Joe Montana and Joe Namath, Dan Marino, Matt Millen and the youngest Super Bowl-winning quarterback Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

NFL’S TOP 10 DEFENSES – Friday at 8:00 PM ET

We know they win championships, but which defense can claim bragging rights on this list? Friday’s 8:00 PM ET edition of NFL’s Top 10 counts down the top 10 defenses of all time. The 1985 Chicago Bears, 2000 Ravens, 1969 Chiefs and the ‘Steel Curtain’ are a few of the defenses to find a spot on this list.

NFL’s Top 10 provides a look at some of the most intriguing subjects in the NFL, creating and debating a top ten list for each category. Each 60-minute episode counts down from No. 10 to the top ranking in each category.

JASON LA CANFORA MAKES NFL NETWORK DEBUT ON NFL TOTAL ACCESS TUESDAY

Former Washington Post Redskins beat writer Jason La Canfora will make his NFL Network debut Tuesday on NFL Total Access. In addition to regular appearances on NFLTA, La Canfora will contribute to NFL Network’s Sunday shows NFL GameDay Morning and NFL GameDay Final during the season and reports from the NFL Draft, Scouting Combine, Hall of Fame and Super Bowl.

A 10-year veteran beat writer for The Washington Post, La Canfora will also file stories and blogs for NFL.com.

THIS WEEK ON NFL TOTAL ACCESS: LB Terrell Suggs, Trent Green In-Studio & Jason La Canfora Makes NFL Network Debut

Thursday, June 18

• ’32 Teams in 32 Days’ – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis on the golf course

Friday, June 19

• Ravens LB Terrell Suggs in-studio
• ’32 Teams in 32 Days’ – Denver Broncos
• Countdown of the top ten father-son combinations to play in the NFL
• Solomon Wilcots tours the Buffalo Bills training facility

Monday, June 22

• Trent Green in-studio
• ’32 Teams in 32 Days’ – Houston Texans

Tuesday, June 23

• Trent Green in-studio
• Jason La Canfora goes ‘Around the League’
• Tony Dungy opens up on the direction his life has taken after football
• ’32 Teams in 32 Days’ – Buffalo Bills

NFL.COM CHAT SCHEDULE: Titans LB Keith Bulluck

Thursday, June 18

• 12:00 NOON ET – NFL.com writer Bucky Brooks
• 4:00 PM ET – NFL Network analyst Solomon Wilcots

Friday, June 19

• 2:00 PM ET – NFL.com writer Pat Kirwan

DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE (all times listed are ET):

Thursday, June 18

1:00 PM – NFL Films Presents: J-E-T-S

2:00 PM – Starting 11: Week 5 (HD)

2:30 PM – Starting 11: Week 6 (HD)

3:00 PM – America’s Game: 1971 Dallas Cowboys (HD)

4:00 PM – America’s Game: 1995 Dallas Cowboys (HD)

5:00 PM – NFL Film Session: Super Bowl XXIII – San Francisco 49ers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

5:30 PM – NFL Replay: Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots (Week 16, 2007) (HD)

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

8:00 PM – NFL’s Greatest Games: 1986 AFC Championship “The Drive” – Denver Broncos vs. Cleveland Browns

9:30 PM – NFL Film Session: Super Bowl XXI – New York Giants vs. Denver Broncos

10:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

11:00 PM – NFL’s Greatest Games: 1986 AFC Championship “The Drive” – Denver Broncos vs. Cleveland Browns

12:30 AM – NFL Film Session: Super Bowl XXI – New York Giants vs. Denver Broncos

1:00 AM – NFL Total Access (HD)

Friday, June 19

1:00 PM – NFL Films Presents: Championship Chase

2:00 PM – Starting 11: Week 7 (HD)

2:30 PM – Starting 11: Week 8 (HD)

3:00 PM – NFL’s Greatest Games: 1986 AFC Championship “The Drive” – Denver Broncos vs. Cleveland Browns

4:30 PM – NFL Film Session: Super Bowl XXXIII – Denver Broncos vs. Atlanta Falcons

5:00 PM – NFL Film Session: Super Bowl XXXIV – St. Louis Rams vs. Tennessee Titans

5:30 PM – NFL Film Session: Super Bowl XXI – New York Giants vs. Denver Broncos

6:00 PM – Game of the Week: New England Patriots vs. New York Giants (Week 17, 2007) (HD)

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

8:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Defenses

9:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Linebacking Corps

10:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

11:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Defenses

12 MIDNIGHT – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Linebacking Corps

1:00 AM – NFL Total Access (HD)

Saturday, June 20

1:00 PM – Game of the Week: Denver Broncos vs. San Diego Chargers (Week 14, 2006) (HD)

1:30 PM – Game of the Week: Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants (Week 15, 2006) (HD)

2:00 PM – Game of the Week: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals (Week 17, 2006) (HD)

2:30 PM – NFL Film Session: 2006 Year in Review

3:00 PM – America’s Game: 1995 Dallas Cowboys (HD)

4:00 PM – America’s Game: 1971 Dallas Cowboys (HD)

5:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Defenses

6:00 PM – NFL Total Access: Week in Review (HD)

7:00 PM – High School Football: 2009 Big 33 All-Star Game – LIVE

10:00 PM – NFL Total Access: Week in Review (HD)

11:00 PM – High School Football: 2009 Big 33 All-Star Game

2:00 AM – NFL Total Access: Week in Review (HD)

Sunday, June 21

9:00 AM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 One Shot Wonders

10:00 AM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Power Backs

11:00 AM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Defenses

12 NOON – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Linebacking Corps

1:00 PM – NFL Replay Real-Time: Week 15 (HD)

2:00 PM – Live Wire: Week 15 (HD)

2:30 PM – Starting 11: Week 15 (HD)

3:00 PM – NFL Replay: Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets (Week 15, 2008) (HD)

4:30 PM – NFL Replay: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (Week 15, 2008) (HD)

6:00 PM – NFL Replay: New Orleans Saints vs. Chicago Bears (Week 15, 2008) (HD)

7:30 PM – NFL Replay: New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys (Week 15, 2008) (HD)

9:00 PM – NFL Replay Real-Time: Week 15 (HD)

10:00 PM – Live Wire: Week 15 (HD)

10:30 PM – Starting 11: Week 15 (HD)

11:00 PM – NFL Replay: Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets (Week 15, 2008) (HD)

12:30 AM – NFL Replay: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (Week 15, 2008) (HD)

2:00 AM – NFL Replay Real-Time: Week 15 (HD)

Monday, June 22

7:00 AM – NFL Replay: Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets (Week 15, 2008) (HD)

8:30 AM – NFL Replay: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (Week 15, 2008) (HD)

10:00 AM – NFL Replay: New Orleans Saints vs. Chicago Bears (Week 15, 2008) (HD)

11:30 AM – NFL Replay: New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys (Week 15, 2008) (HD)

1:00 PM – NFL Replay: Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets (Week 15, 2008) (HD)

2:30 PM – NFL Replay: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (Week 15, 2008) (HD)

4:00 PM – NFL Replay: New Orleans Saints vs. Chicago Bears (Week 15, 2008) (HD)

5:30 PM – NFL Replay: New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys (Week 15, 2008) (HD)

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

8:00 PM – Super Bowl Classics: Super Bowl XXXVI – New England Patriots vs. St. Louis Rams (with U2 Halftime Show) (HD)

11:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

12 MIDNIGHT – Super Bowl Classics: Super Bowl XXXVI – New England Patriots vs. St. Louis Rams (with U2 Halftime Show) (HD)

Tuesday, June 23

11:00 AM – Super Bowl Classics: Super Bowl XXXVI – New England Patriots vs. St. Louis Rams (with U2 Halftime Show) (HD)

2:00 PM – Starting 11: Week 9 (HD)

2:30 PM – Starting 11: Week 10 (HD)

3:00 PM – NFL Follies: Most Super Fantastic (2008)

4:00 PM – NFL Follies: 2007 Fall Follies

4:30 PM – NFL Follies: Foul Ups, Fumbles and Follies (1990)

5:00 PM – NFL Follies: Super Bowl XXXV – Baltimore Ravens vs. New York Giants

5:30 PM – NFL Replay: 2007 AFC Wild Card – Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (HD)

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

8:00 PM – Game of the Week: New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles (2006 Wild Card) (HD)

8:30 PM – Game of the Week: Dallas Cowboys vs. Seattle Seahawks (2006 Wild Card) (HD)

9:00 PM – Game of the Week: San Diego Chargers vs. New England Patriots (2006 Divisional Playoff) (HD)

9:30 PM – Game of the Week: Philadelphia Eagles vs. New Orleans Saints (2006 Divisional Playoff) (HD)

10:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

11:00 PM – Game of the Week: New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles (2006 Wild Card) (HD)

11:30 PM – Game of the Week: Dallas Cowboys vs. Seattle Seahawks (2006 Wild Card) (HD)

12 MIDNIGHT – Game of the Week: San Diego Chargers vs. New England Patriots (2006 Divisional Playoff) (HD)

12:30 AM – Game of the Week: Philadelphia Eagles vs. New Orleans Saints (2006 Divisional Playoff) (HD)

1:00 AM – NFL Total Access (HD)

I already downloaded the new MLB.com At Bat app for both my iPhone and iPod Touch. It’s fantastic. Tonight, I was able to watch the Nationals-Yankees game and the video quality was excellent.

LIVE GAMES COMING TO MLB.COM AT BAT 2009 APPLICATION FOR iPHONE AND iPOD touch

White Sox-Cubs, Tigers-Cardinals tilts on June 18 scheduled to mark historic launch

NEW YORK, June 17, 2009 – MLB.com, the official Web site of Major League Baseball, announced today it will begin streaming full-length live games through its award-winning MLB.com At Bat 2009 application for iPhone™ and iPod^® touch on Thursday, June 18. The unique addition of live baseball games will be a signature offering among the new At Bat 2009 features enabled by the new iPhone™ OS 3.0 update.

Beginning with Thursday’s Chicago White Sox-Chicago Cubs Interleague Play matchup from Wrigley Field at 2:20 p.m. (EDT), up to two live games per day, subject to blackout restrictions, will be included in MLB.com At Bat 2009. The other game scheduled for June 18 is the Detroit Tigers-St. Louis Cardinals from Busch Stadium at 8:15 p.m. (EDT). Shortly after the launch of live games, it is expected that MLB.com will roll out the entire slate of out-of-market games currently offered through its premier live streaming video product, MLB.TV Premium, as part of MLB.com At Bat 2009.

Leveraging standards-based http streaming technology, MLB.com will deliver high quality video with adaptive bitrate and DVR functionalities over either a Wi-Fi connection or the carrier network, providing for a truly portable viewing experience. The application also offers live audio broadcasts without blackout restrictions, a continuously updated scoreboard, MLB.com Gameday™ functionality, real-time video highlights and Condensed Games, a short-form video recap of the most important hits, pitches and out of every game.

MLB.com At Bat for the 2009 baseball season, including the entire postseason, is available for a one-time fee of $9.99 from Apple’s iTunes App Store on iPhone™ and iPod^® touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/. It remains the top-selling sports application and also ranks among the top 100 overall paid applications more than two months after becoming available.

Over to TNT which heads to Sonoma, CA for this Sunday’s NASCAR race.

TNT’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Racing Continues with the Toyota/Save Mart 350 from Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif.

Pre-race coverage begins at 3:30 p.m. ET; green flag drops at 5 p.m. ET

TNT continues its exclusive coverage of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with the Toyota/Save Mart 350 on Sunday, June 21^st live from Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. The network will air the Toyota/Save Mart 350 beginning at 5 p.m. ET with play-by-play announcer Bill Weber calling the race alongside analysts Kyle Petty and Wally Dallenbach in the booth. In addition, analyst Larry McReynolds will make frequent contributions from the in-field as he breaks down crew strategy and analyzes car adjustments.

The network will rev up its pre-race coverage beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET with NASCAR on TNT Live! with Marc Fein (host), Petty and McReynolds. No. 18 Kyle Busch will join TNT’s infield rig for an interview prior to the race.

TNT’s acclaimed Pride of NASCAR series will feature racing legend Dan Gurney who is the original road course ‘ringer’ and notably the first driver to win races in Formula One, NASCAR and Indy Car. Gurney also started the tradition of spraying champagne in the Winner’s Circle when he did so following a 24 Hours of Le Mans win in 1967.

In honor of Father’s Day on Sunday, June 21, TNT will feature a father/son story of No. 6 David Ragan and his father, Ken, who sold his prized 1966 Corvette in order to fund Ragan’s early racing career. Last year, Ragan tracked down the same Corvette and gave it back to his father as a gift.

The show will be followed by Countdown to Green at 4:30 p.m. ET with Weber (host), Dallenbach (analyst) and Petty (analyst) with reports from pit reporters Marty Snider, Matt Yocum, Sheheen and Czarniak.

During Countdown to Green, Dallenbach will once again break down race strategy during Wally’s World, as he is superimposed into live race footage from last season’s race at Infinieon Raceway. He will virtually walk along the road course to discuss its nuances, with the ability to stop the race footage.

In addition, Yocum will detail how No. 47 Marcos Ambrose is helping teammate No. 00 David Reutimann conquer road course racing in an effort to make the Chase for Sprint Cup Championship.

Countdown to Green leads into coverage of Toyota/Save Mart 350 at 5 p.m. ET with Weber, Dallenbach and Petty calling the action with frequent interaction with McReynolds (analyst) who will man the TNT Offtrack Robotic Car.

Throughout this year’s NASCAR on TNT Summer Series, the network will join forces with NASCAR.COM, the official site of NASCAR, to provide TNT RaceBuddy a multiplatform experience for race fans which features live feeds from the racetrack including pit road and in-car cameras, as well as live chats and polls.

REMAINING 2009 NASCAR ON TNT SCHEDULE:

(All times ET)

SUNDAY, JUNE 21

3:30 – 4:30 p.m. NASCAR on TNT Live! and

4:30 – 5:00 p.m. Countdown to Green

5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Toyota/Save Mart 350 (from Infineon Raceway)

SUNDAY, JUNE 28

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. NASCAR on TNT Live!

1:30 – 2:00 p.m. Countdown to Green

2:00 – 5:30 p.m. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Racing from Loudon (from New Hampshire Intl. Speedway)

SATURDAY, JULY 4

6:30 – 7:30 p.m. NASCAR on TNT Live!

7:30 – 8:00 p.m. Countdown to Green

8:00 – 11:15 p.m. Coke Zero 400 at Daytona powered by Coca-Cola (from Daytona Intl. Speedway)

SATURDAY, JULY 11

6:30 – 7:30 p.m. NASCAR on TNT Live!

7:30 – 8:00 p.m. Countdown to Green

8:00 – 11:30 p.m. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Racing from Chicago presented by Papa John’s (from Chicago Speedway)

I have a few more releases, but they can wait until tomorrow. I’ll be back then with more stuff.

The Mid-Week Linkfest

We have a lot of good links today and the reaction to Artie Lange’s appearance on Joe Buck Live continues.

Let’s start with Michael Hiestand of USA Today. He says Joe Buck Live went into the gutter when Artie came on for his segment with Paul Rudd and Jason Sudekis.

Thanks to the people of Sirius XM, we have the audio of Artie Lange defending his apperance to Chris Russo on “Mad Dog Live” yesterday.

Eric Fisher of Sports Business Journal has a story in today’s Sports Business Daily about the new upgrade to MLB.com’s At Bat iPhone and iPod Touch app which contains live streaming video of games.

The great Darren Rovell of CNBC wonders which is the better investment for a team, the naming rights for a practice facility or a star quarterback?

Bruce Allen of the Boston Sports Media Watch asks which is the best general sports columnist in The Hub.

The New York Times’ Richard Sandomir talks with Artie about his appearance.

Newsday’s Neil Best says Joe Buck opened the door for Artie Lange walked right through it. Neil says HBO Sports has apologized for the appearance.

Neil has a story from Bethpage Black on golfer Stewart Cink who loves his Twitter.

Tim Lemke of the Washington Times goes over the new MLB.com At Bat iPhone app.

Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog has a roundup of the New York media piling on the hapless Nationals.

Barry Horn from the Dallas Morning News says Texas A&M football has a new radio home in the Metroplex. Barry says the Mavericks will remain on its current radio flagship station.

From Crain’s Chicago Business, Lorene Yue reports that the founder of the Chicago internet sports radio station is now missing.

Ed Sherman from Crain’s says one host of the now-defunct station has no idea what he’s going to do next. Ed talks to a former sports radio host who knew of the station founder’s shady past.

Lewis Lazare of the Chicago Sun-Times writes that the founder of the internet station is accused in an $11 million Ponzi scheme.

Ameet Sachdev of the Chicago Tribune says the Feds have now issued an arrest warrant for the owner.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Joe Buck is not that all upset about Artie Lange’s performance on his show.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News wonders why Sports Illustrated singled out Kobe Bryant for its Laker-centric cover.

Tom asks why did so many idiots have to reign on the Lakers’ celebration? Tom has reader reaction on his column. Tom has more reaction here, here, here, here and here.

Tom looks at how the NBA Finals dominated the primetime ratings last week. And Tom has the U.S. Open viewing schedule.

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail says the continued saga of the Phoenix Coyotes is journalistic gold for Canada’s newspapers and sports radio stations.

Deadspin has a classic picture of Erin Andrews turning heads at the College World Series.

The Big Lead has the video of an ESPN cameraman fixated on Erin’s buttocks at the CWS.

The Sports Media Watch says NASCAR’s season-long ratings losing streak finally came to an end last Sunday. SMW says NBA and the NHL were tops in the ratings last week.

Steve Lepore of Puck The Media compares NBC’s and Versus’ coverage of the Stanley Cup Finals.

That’s going to do it for now.

BREAKING NEWS: MLB.com to Stream Live Video on iPhone and iPod Touch

This is certainly good news for those who have iPhones and iPod Touches. MLB.com has announced that live streaming video will be available on its At Bat iPhone app, but just two games at first.

Maury Brown of the Biz of Baseball has the details saying the new version of At Bat will have the live video.

Also, Eric Fisher of Sports Business Daily/Sports Business Journal tweets:

Lots of news out of Boston w/Red Sox today – new VOD deal with Comcast

I’m trying to find out more on this. More later.

UPDATE, 10:50 a.m.: The Fenway West blog has Comcast officials talking about the Video on Demand deal on New England Cable News.

A Baseball-Centric Press Release Post

My inbox is overflowing with press releases today. There are so many that I’m breaking them up into multiple posts.

I have a few baseball-related press releases and I’ll begin with MLB Network which will premiere its first reality series called “The Pen”. Check out the release and subsequent videos.

MLB NETWORK TO BROADCAST REALITY SERIES THE PEN FOLLOWING PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES BULLPEN

Original Series from MLB Productions Covers Players from Spring Training to All-Star Game

Secaucus, N.J., June 10, 2009 – MLB Network will televise a new reality program titled The Pen, an original series produced by MLB Productions that follows members of the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen with unprecedented access to a Major League team, which will debut on Sunday, June 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET. The series, which features on-the-field and off-the-field interviews, will air for six weeks and include coverage from 2009 Spring Training to the All-Star break.

Narrated by former Phillies relief pitcher and MLB Network analyst Mitch Williams, The Pen takes a look at the players’ lives following the team’s 2008 World Series win and the pressures of keeping their roster spot for the 2009 team. The series features relief pitchers Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson, J.C. Romero, Scott Eyre, Clay Condrey, Chad Durbin, Gary Majewski, Jack Taschner, J.A. Happ, Chan Ho Park and bullpen coach Mick Billmeyer, and follows them to everything from fishing trips and youth baseball games to the White House for a post-World Series visit. The program also speaks with players following the sudden death of longtime Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas on April 13.

“As a reality-based series The Pen is the ultimate look into the lives of these players, both on and off the field,” said Tony Petitti, President and CEO of MLB Network. “So much of what we know about relief pitchers is based on statistics and saves, and a series like The Pen gives a level of familiarity to each player.”

The program, a co-production between MLB Network and MLB Productions, marks the first program ever produced using a camera and microphones installed in a Major League bullpen to film in-game and practice footage. Two other cameras were installed in Citizens Bank Park – one behind home plate and one at low first base – and were controlled by MLB Network’s headquarters in Secaucus, New Jersey. Producer Danny Field suited up as a catcher with a camera attached to his mask to capture footage during Spring Training in Clearwater, Florida.

“The Pen is a first for MLB Productions, as we have never had such continued open access to one team’s players during Spring Training and the regular season,” said David Gavant, Executive in charge of Production and Vice President, MLB Productions. “Our goal was to shed light on the pressure-filled lives these players live on the field and how they unwind off the field.”

The Pen was produced by MLB Productions. Gary Waksman is the Lead Producer, Danny Field is the Associate Producer, and David Check is the Executive Producer. The Pen is the third series produced by MLB Network and MLB Productions, following Prime 9 and Baseball Seasons.

MLB Network’s broadcast schedule for The Pen appears below. Prior to each new episode, the previous week’s episode will air in its entirety.

THE PEN BROADCAST SCHEDULE (all times Eastern):

June 14 – 8:00 p.m. Debut, Episode One

June 21 – 9:00 p.m. Episode Two

June 28 – 8:30 p.m. Episode Three

July 12 – 8:30 p.m. Episode Four

July 19 – 8:30 p.m. Episode Five

July 26 – 8:30 p.m. Finale, Episode Six

Next, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia says it has received overwhelming response to its “Take The World Series Trophy to Work” Contest which is winding down to its final weeks.

LESS THAN THREE WEEKS LEFT IN COMCAST SPORTSNET AND THE PHILLIES “TAKE THE WORLD SERIES TROPHY TO WORK” CONTEST

PHILADELPHIA- (June 10, 2009) – The “Take the World Series Trophy To Work Contest” sponsored by Comcast SportsNet and the Philadelphia Phillies is still going strong with less than three weeks left to enter. The contest affords one lucky fan to bring the Phillies 2008 World Series Trophy to work.

So far over 12,000 Phillies fans have signed up for the opportunity to host the World Series Championship Trophy at their workplace. The contest runs through Friday, June 26 at 11:59 a.m. Fans can still log onto CSNPhilly.com or Phillies.com to register for their chance to host the trophy for the day.

The contest is open to anyone 18 and over and working in Pennsylvania, New Jersey or Delaware. For a complete list of rules, fans can log onto CSNPhilly.com or Phillies.com

Below are comments that excited Phillies fans have posted on CSNPhilly.com about the contest:

“Repeat in ’09!!!

I’ve been a Phillies fan since 1957 and I enjoyed this championship even more than the 1980 win. We just had a “Night at the Phillies” and my co-workers would be thrilled and excited beyond belief if I were able to bring the trophy to work for them to see. Thank you for giving this lifelong “kid” and Phillies fan a chance to thrill himself and many other fans at work!”

-Posted by Robert

“GOTTA BE US

Where else but a Children’s Hospital Operating Room could a visit with a World Series trophy make more people happier. Not to mention the opportunity to show it to all of the Yankee and Mets fans we have.”

-Posted by JD

“Show off in Nursing Home

I work in a Nursing Home/Rehab Center and our residents would be so happy to see the trophy. And I work with a lot of Mets/Yankee fans and I would love to show them OUR TROPHY!!!!”

-Posted by Nancy

And MLB.com has won an award for its MLB.com At Bat iPhone and iPod Touch app.

MLB.COM AT BAT 2009 NAMED WINNER OF APPLE DESIGN AWARD

NEW YORK, JUNE 10, 2009 – MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball, announced that At Bat 2009, its interactive application designed exclusively for iPhone™ and iPod^® touch, was selected as a winner of an Apple Design Award in the iPhone™ Developer Showcase category. The award was announced on Tuesday night during ceremonies at Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco.

Apple’s Design Awards recognize technical excellence, innovation, and outstanding achievement in iPhone™ and Mac^® software development. Each year, winning products set new standards for usability, performance, technology integration and adoption.

This award represents the second premier honor bestowed upon MLB.com At Bat 2009 in the past two weeks, as the application also was named Best in Sports Technology at the 2009 SportsBusiness Journal Awards on May 28 in New York.

The application offers live audio broadcasts without blackout restrictions, a continuously updated scoreboard, MLB.com Gameday™ functionality, real-time video highlights and Condensed Games, a short-form video recap of the most important hits, pitches and outs of every game.

MLB.com At Bat for the 2009 baseball season, including the entire postseason, is available for a one-time fee of $9.99 from Apple’s iTunes App Store on iPhone™ and iPod^® touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/. It remains the top-selling sports application and also ranks among the top 100 overall paid applications more than two months after becoming available.

That concludes this post. I have several more press releases for you. Keep your Twitter and/or RSS feeds updated. Our next post will be NBA-centric.

More Wednesday Links

I’ll provide some more links tonight.

Newsday’s Neil Best says 1050 ESPN’s Michael Kay encouraged WFAN listeners to defect and come over to his station.

The Nielsen Wire blog says advertisers for the NCAA Tournament really get a high return of investment from viewers.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says Reebok is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Michael Chang’s victory at the French Open. Darren says Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester can still be a marketable commodity despite being replaced on kickoff returns last season. Darren tells us that the IRS is taking a closer look at athletes’ expenses. And Darren notes that a website is offering $100 million for a perfect NCAA Tournament bracket.

Ken McMillan of the Hudson Valley Times Herald-Record tells you how you can access the NCAA Tournament on radio in New York and via computer.

Dave Hughes in the Baltimore-centric Press Box site writes about a local sports radio host who was let go last week, plus more media news and notes.

Eric Benderoff of the Chicago Tribune writes that March Madness on Demand is a huge hit for CBS.

The Big Lead breaks news that Screamin’ Gus Johnson got arrested in Memphis hours before calling the Conference USA Championship early Saturday morning.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media has found the last two flex games for NBC’s NHL Game of the Week.

Maury Brown in his Biz of Hockey blog says the NHL has launched a digital media site to celebrate Martin Brodeur’s 552nd career victory.

At the Biz of Baseball, Maury says Gameday Audio will be a part of the iPhone’s MLB At-Bat app.

LC at 38 Cliches blasts the MLB Network for its telecast of last night’s Puerto Rico-USA game and this time, I agree with him.

The Royals and Fox Sports Kansas City have announced the High Def TV schedule.

Joe Favorito says MLS is ready to grow in the sluggish economy thanks to its lean business model.

That will do it for now.

Wednesday’s Stuff

I have too many things to do. I’ve been traveling between two offices again and I also had to yell at my employees. But the main thing is that I’m providing links now. Here we go.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand says CBS decides the tip times and what regions watch which NCAA Tournament games.

Neil Best of Newsday has the NCAA Tournament schedule for WCBS TV on Thursday and Friday. Neil says President Obama filled out his bracket on ESPN.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union writes that ESPN’s Jay Bilas likes Siena’s chances against Ohio State.

Jim Williams of the DC Examiner looks at the Presidential NCAA Tournament bracket.

Ian R. Rapoport of the Birmingham (AL) News says former ‘Bama basketball coach Mark Gottfried will be on TV doing analysis for the Duquense-Virginia Tech NIT game tonight.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News feels the Cowboys’ season opener at their new stadium might be bigger than a Sunday Night game. Barry says the MLB Network will showcase the Texas Rangers today. Barry also has the NCAA Tournament TV schedule for the Metroplex for the first round.

Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business says the battle between Comcast and the NFL Network is heating up again.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has the NCAA Tournament TV schedule for SoCal.

Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times enjoyed watching TV on Tuesday.

The Sports Media Watch has the sports TV ratings from the weekend.

Christopher Byrne of the Eye on Sports Media says maybe it was a bad idea for the Milwaukee Bucks’ Charlie Villanueva to Tweet during halftime of Sunday’s game against the Celtics.

Levi Buchanan of IGN.com says ESPN will have a live streaming video app when the iPhone upgrades its operating system.

That’s all I can do for now as I keep getting interrupted at the home office. I’ll provide more links later. I also have some news to break for you. Keep your RSS feeds updated.