Bringing Out the Sunday Links

I’ll provide some Sunday links for you.

You want to see a wild ending? Dan Wheldon wins the Indianapolis 500 after rookie J.R. Hildebrand crashed into the wall at the final turn. Amazing stuff. Thanks to Bubbaprog/Mocksession for the video.

Dan Hart at Bloomberg notes that David Einhorn is on track to take a majority stake in the New York Mets

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News writes that MSG Network will present a mixture of sports and entertainment programming this summer.

Muhammed Rahman at SportsGrid has one video of the Fox UEFA Champions League Final pregame show dumbing down soccer, insulting everyone who watched it.

Marcus Vanderberg of SportsNewser says that ESPN Radio DC is now delaying the publishing of its podcasts of its live show by 24 hours. That’s always good to publish old news.

Marcus says yet another team has turned down HBO to appear on Hard Knocks.

The Sporting News says a new ESPN poll shows that LeBron James’ popularity dropped after “The Decision”.

But David C. Wilson, a political science professor at the University of Delaware notes in the Huffington Post that the results might be skewed.

In his baseball notes column, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe  reports that TBS is making a run at NESN Red Sox voice Don Orsillo (scroll to the bottom).

Cafardo adds on Twitter that TBS would attempt to make Orsillo a full-timer. In addition to Red Sox baseball, Orsillo calls Big East basketball on ESPN Regional television and the Beanpot Tournament for NESN. He has called the MLB League Division Series for TBS since 2007.

Maureen Mullen at Comcast SportsNet New England writes that ESPN has allowed NESN to air tonight’s Red Sox-Tigers game after originally saying no.

Eric R. Danton of the Hartford Courant has a feature on ESPN looking for the right music to use on SportsCenter and its many studio shows.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post decides to set his target on SNY’s Keith Hernandez. Whatever, Phil.

Mark Snyder at the Detroit Free Press notes that Big Ten Network is looking to rebrand and change its logo.

The Detroit Free Press tweets that the Fox Sports Detroit will pick up tonight’s Tigers game vs. the Red Sox.

Neal Rubin of the Detroit News catches up with former ESPN’er Karie Ross who has come back into prominence thanks to the ESPN book.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has his take on the ESPN book.

Phil Rosenthal of the Chicago Tribune goes over the ESPN tome.

Neal Justin of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reviews the ESPN tome,  “Those Guys Have All The Fun…”

Dusty Saunders of the Denver News looks at the growth of sports talk radio in the Mile High City.

Dusty also profiles long-time Denver sports talk show host Irv Brown.

Sports Media Watch says last night’s third in three straight primetime broadcasts for Fox gave its MLB package the highest ratings in three years.

Jason Garnatz at Iowa Tube Talk feels ESPN caved into Red Sox pressure to air tonight’s Red Sox-Tigers makeup game.

Awful Announcing has the video from Bubbaprog/Mocksession of Hawk Harrelson’s typical homer call from yesterday’s Chicago White Sox-Toronto Blue Jays game.

The Big Lead recounts an interesting conversation between Dan LeBatard and ESPN.com’s Ric Bucher regarding Derrick Rose’s performance in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.

Steve Michaels of Sox & Dawgs looks at the potential TBS offer to NESN’s Don Orsillo.

And that’s going to do it. This Sunday, especially from 3 – 4:20 p.m. turned out to be a busy sequence for sports media news.

Red Sox Radio Network Stations

Since my post last night on the Red Sox-Detroit makeup game being blacked out due to ESPN restrictions (and no, I’m not explaining it again, I was up late responding to e-mailers), people have asked how they can find the games. Well, there’s this contraption called the radio. You might have heard of it. There are two bands, AM and FM and since 1926, the Red Sox have broadcast their games on the radio.

So as a public service, I will post the Red Sox Radio Network. In the next post, I will post the Tigers Radio Network. In addition, you can hear the games on MLB.com and through the MLB At Bat mobile app.

Massachusetts
WEEI 850AM Boston
WCRN 830AM  Worcester
WVEI 1440AM  Worcester
WSAR 1480 AM  Fall River
WBEC 1420 AM  Pittsfield
WHMP 1400AM  Northampton
WHMQ 1240AM  Greenfield
WNAW 1230AM  North Adams
WVEI 105.5FM  Springfield
WBSM 1420AM  New Bedford
WPKZ 1280AM  Fitchburg
WMRC 1490AM  Milford
WXTK 95.1FM  West Yarmouth
WBOQ 104.9FM  Beverly
WEII 96.3FM Cape Cod

Rhode Island
WEEI 103.7FM  Providence

New Hampshire
WEMJ 1490AM  Laconia
WFTN 1240AM  Franklin
WPNH 1300AM  Plymouth
WQSO 96.7FM  Rochester
WTSL 1400AM  Hanover
WKBK 1290AM  Keene
WASR 1420AM  Wolfeboro
WTPL 107.7FM  Hillsboro
WKNE 103.7FM  Keene
WGAM 1250AM  Manchester
WGHM 900AM  Nashua
WCNL 1010AM  Newport
WNTK 99.7FM  New London
WCFR 1480AM  New London

Maine
WLOB 1310AM  Portland
WZON 620AM  Bangor
WCME 96.7FM  Camden
WRKD 1450AM  Rockland
WJJB 96.3FM  Gray
WPEI 95.9FM  Saco
WGEI 95.5FM  Topsham
WDEA 1370AM  Ellsworth
WHOU 100.1FM  Houlton
WKTJ 99.3FM  Farmington
WIGY 97.5FM  Madison
WTBM 100.7FM  Norway
WDME 103.1FM  Dover/Foxcroft
WQDY 92.7FM  Calais
WFAU 1280AM  Augusta
WSYY 1240AM  Millinocket
WALZ 95.3FM  Machias
WEGP 1390AM  Presque Isle

Connecticut
WQUN 1220AM  New Haven
WTIC 1080AM  Hartford
WILI 1400AM  Willimantic
WINY 1350AM  Putnam
WGCH 1490AM  Greenwich

Vermont
WMXR 93.9FM  Woodstock
WJOY 1230AM  Burlington
WKVT 1490AM  Brattleboro
WRSA 1420AM  St. Albans
WFAD 1490AM  Middlebury
WSTJ 1340AM  St. Johnsbury
WSYB 1380AM  Rutland
WIKE 1490AM  Newport
WBTN 1370AM  Bennington
WTSJ 1320AM Randolph

New York
WTLA 1200AM/97.7FM Syracuse
WSGO 1440AM/100.1FM Oswego
WIZR 930AM Johnstown

Colorado
KVRH 1340AM Salida

Florida
WWCN 770AM  Ft. Myers
Seaview 960 AM Palm Beach Garden

Wyoming
KJAX 93.3FM  Jackson

The Tigers network is next.

Friday Megalink Action

With me not having to drive in between two offices, I’m able to provide you with the Friday megalinks during the day. And with things planned for me during the day for Saturday, it’s best to get these in now so it can tie you over while I’m gone.

The Weekend Viewing Picks provide your sports and entertainment programming for Mother’s Day and before.

To the links. Lots to get to today.

National

In USA Today, Michael Hiestand and Mike McCarthy debate whether Donald Trump should have pulled out of driving the pace car at this year’s Indianapolis 500.

Mike McCarthy broke news last night that Champion fired Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall over his tweets on Osama bin Laden’s death.

Sports Business Daily looks at the final sports TV ratings from this week.

At Sports Video Group, Carolyn Braff says the Pac-12 Network will take lessons from the Big 10 Network when it launches in 2012.

Cam Martin at SportsNewser notes a new website launch for the National Sportcasters and Sportswriters Association.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell has an extensive look at whether the newest marketing plan by Gatorade can bring the company to new heights.

Cork Gaines of the Business Insider’s Sports Page notes that the new Pac-12 rights deal will immediately pay dividends for two schools.

Ed DeRosa of the Thoroughbred Times profiles Larry Collmus who is the new Voice of the Triple Crown for NBC.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media has the ratings for Night 22 of the NHL Playoffs.

At SportsGrid, Glenn Davis is keeping track of whether Gus Johnson will stay at CBS or go to Fox.

Matt Yoder of Awful Announcing also has an update on the Gus Johnson saga.

The Nielsen Wire blog has news that will make NBC really happy, the Kentucky Derby is growing in popularity.

Dave Kohl at Major League Programs looks at the college conference rights megadeals and other sports media news that occurred this week.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Pawtucket Red Sox announcer Steve Hyder is very proud of his radio partner Dan Hoard for getting the call to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe says the NFL Network appears to have finally gotten its Thursday Night Football announcing booth down.

Dan Lamonthe of the Red Sox Monster blog in the Springfield Republican chuckles at the “so bad, it’s good” Sullivan Tire ad with second baseman Dustin Pedroia and pitcher Jon Lester.

Newsday’s Neil Best has New York Jets coach Rex Ryan realizing that he’s been doing too many interviews this week.

I’m not sure what Phil Mushnick is saying in today’s New York Post.

Justin Terranova of the Post has five questions for SNY analyst Ron Darling.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union writes that a local radio personality gets to take his passion for NASCAR to a national level.

Tom Luicci of the Newark (NJ) Star-Ledger speaks with Larry Collmus of Monmouth Park who will call the Kentucky Derby for NBC.

Evan Weiner in the New Jersey Newsroom says sports business seems to carry on despite the sluggish economy.

Laura Nachman says Phillies radio analyst Larry Andersen has won a reader’s poll.

Bob Smizik of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says Root Sports has a decision to make on its Penguins announcing team.

Mark Madden of the Beaver County (PA) Times also looks at the Penguins announcing situation.

David Zurawik of the Baltimore Sun notes that MASN is seeing higher ratings for the Orioles especially among younger viewers.

Dave Hughes of DCRTV.com has a look at what’s going on in Baltimore and DC sports media in Press Box.

Steven Goff of the Washington Post says the MLS’ DC United and Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic have forged a rights deal.

Jim Williams in the Washington Examiner likes how NBC and Versus are sharing coverage of the Kentucky Derby.

South

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald is a fan of ESPN/ABC NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy.

Jeff Shain from the Orlando Sentinel looks at Golf Channel’s documentary on the late Frank Chirkinian of CBS Sports. It is a good documentary and airs tonight at 8 and throughout the weekend on Golf Channel.

Joe Biddle of The Tennessean notes that the new NHL TV contract with NBC/Versus gives the league stability, but hurts the younger generation with late starting times.

Jon Solomon of the Birmingham (AL) News says Alabama native Rece Davis returns to report on the recent tornadoes for ESPN and how sports is helping the region to recover.

Retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre tells WDAM-TV of Hattiesburg, MS that coaching or TV is in his future. Stay away from my TV, Brett.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle attempts to catch up with two weeks worth of sports media news in one column.

Peter Lim of the Chronicle says two local boxers get their national spotlight this weekend.

Mike Finger of the San Antonio Express-News takes a look at the control the University of Texas has over the ESPN-owned and operated Longhorn Network.

Mel Bracht in the Daily Oklahoman profiles ESPN basketball analyst Doris Burke of North Providence, RI.

Mel has various sports media tidbits in his weekly notebook.

Midwest

George M. Thomas of the Akron Beacon Journal says it was the Big 10 Conference that paved the way for the Pac 10/12 to cash in on its media deals.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer looks into why the Bengals chose to change play-by-play announcers.

Mike Zuidema from the Grand Rapids (MI) Press has NBC’s Kentucky Derby crew talking the horses in advance of Saturday’s race.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business has his winners and losers this week.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Kentucky Derby has lost ties to the local area with the departure of race caller Tom Durkin.

West

Bill Husted of the Denver Post writes that ESPN’s Rick Reilly returned to his alma mater in Boulder, CO to give the final commencement address to its Journalism School.

Lya Wodraska of the Salt Lake Tribune says the Pac-12 Network has the potential to give Utah plenty of exposure.

Bruce Pascoe of the Arizona Daily Star gives us a peek at how the Pac-12 Network might look like when it launches next year.

John Maffei from the North County Times notes that the Pac 10/12 has hit Powerball.

Jim Carlisle of the Ventura County Star says keeping ownership of its own network is key for the Pac-12 Conference.

Jim talks about Michele Tafoya joining NBC’s Sunday Night Football.

Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times says Golf Channel will pay tribute to the late CBS golf producer Frank Chirkinian tonight.

Diane says the Pac-12 media deals show how valuable sports is to television executives.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News notes that the Pac-12 member schools are going to be very rich under the new rights deals.

Tom looks at the very busy week in sports media.

Tom FitzGerald of the San Francisco Chronicle says the Pac-12 contract means more options for viewers.

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail feels Rashard Mendenhall and other athletes should think before they tweet.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog has the ratings for CBC and TSN for the first games of the 2nd round of the NHL Playoffs.

The Toronto Sports Media blog has the April sports radio ratings for the local stations.

And that is going to conclude the Megalinks.

Going For Some Saturday Linkage

Time for some linkage on this Saturday.

Etan Vlessing of the Hollywood Reporter notes that NBC had its best opening round NHL playoff ratings in 7 years.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News says ESPN’s NFL Draft ratings were down from last year while NFL Network saw a slight increase.

Mike notes that Root Sports has signed the Pittsburgh Penguins to a very long-term deal.

Mike talks about NASCAR hiring a new Vice President of Broadcasting to help the sport in the next media rights negotiation.

R. Thomas Umstead of Multichannel says WrestleMania 27 had one million buys for its pay per view earlier this month.

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe talks about MLB Network’s exploring of Game 6 of the 1986 World Series that tormented Red Sox fans until 2004.

In the New England Hockey Journal, Stan Fischler praises the NHL for its new deal with NBC/Versus.

David Jones from the Patriot-News can’t stand listening to homer announcers.

Jim Williams at the Washington Examiner talks about tonight’s NASCAR race.

Ed Miller of the Virginian-Pilot says former New York Giant and NBC Sports analyst Tiki Barber will receive a state honor tonight.

Bob Hunter of the Columbus Dispatch has ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit talking Ohio State and its Jim Tressel troubles.

Bob Wolfley from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel notes that New York Jets coach Rex Ryan is being quite bombastic again.

Steve Dilbeck of the Los Angeles Times says now is a strange time for embattled Dodgers owner Frank McCourt to be courting the media.

Sports Media Watch has local ratings news for the Nashville Predators and Chicago Bulls.

SMW notes that the 1st round of the NBA Playoffs became the highest rated for TNT.

SMW says the first round of the NBA Playoffs also scored for ESPN.

Cork Gaines of the Business Insider’s Sports Page notes that ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr. edges out charlatan Todd McShay in predicting their mock drafts.

And that’s going to do it for today’s linkage.

Sports Media Weekly Podcast No. 52

Southern New England media mogul Keith Thibault and I get together for another edition of our podcast. For our short news segment, Keith and I talk about our favorite baseball announcers both nationally and locally. We also look at the new ESPN Front Row blog which looks at what’s going on at ESPN worldwide. And we also discuss the new ESPN Ombudsman, the Poynter Institute.

Then, Keith had an opportunity to talk with new Providence Journal Red Sox beat writer Tom Britton. Keith discusses his career at MLB.com and the opportunity the Red Sox beat is giving to this young writer. Interesting interview.

You can find it at iTunes under “Sports Media Journal” and don’t forget to subscribe to it so you can download a new edition every time you open your iTunes browser whether it be on your computer or on your smartphone or tablet. But of course, you can always circumvent that process by

Yankees-Red Sox Generate Highest Overnight Sunday Night Baseball Ratings for ESPN Since … Yankees-Red Sox in 2009

ESPN has announced it received its highest Sunday Night Baseball overnight rating since 2009. Both games involved the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. While fans across the country may say they’re sick of seeing these two teams play, they obviously generate ratings. Last night, ESPN received a 3.5 overnight rating which is its highest since 2009 when the same two teams played and received a 3.7 rating. In addition, the ratings in Boston and New York were quite high.

Needless, to say, last night’s game beat last year’s game in the same period by 119%! Let’s take a look at the blurb.

Sunday Night Baseball: Yankees/Red Sox Generates 3.5 Overnight Rating

ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox last night (April 10) generated a 3.5 overnight rating, according to Nielsen, which would rank as the network’s highest-rated MLB telecast 2009 (Yankees/Red Sox, August 23 – 3.7 rating).   The SNB telecast was up 119 percent over last year’s comparable game (St. Louis/Milwaukee, April 11 – 1.6 overnight rating) and 35 percent over the first Yankees/Red Sox matchup of the season in 2010 (May 9 – 2.6 overnight rating).  In Boston, the game delivered a 17.8 metered market rating, to become ESPN’s highest-rated MLB regular-season game in the market since Yankees/Red Sox in 2009 (April 26 – 20.7).  In New York, the game posted a 8.0 metered market rating.

This week’s SNB telecast, the Yankees hosting the Texas Rangers on April 17 at 8 p.m., will feature this year’s new commentator teams – Dan Shulman, analysts Orel Hershiser and Bobby Valentine and reporters Wendi Nix and Buster Olney on TV; and Jon Sciambi and Chris Singleton on ESPN Radio.  Sunday Night games are also available on ESPN Radio, ESPN Deportes, ESPN3.com and ESPN Mobile TV. Baseball Tonight, with host Karl Ravech and analysts John Kruk and Barry Larkin, will be on site from Yankee Stadium, previewing the game at 7 p.m.

And that’s it.

My Favorite Manny Ramirez Moment

During today’s New York Yankees-Boston Red Sox game came the extremely surprising news that Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Manny Ramirez was retiring. Then Joel Sherman of the New York Post broke the story that Manny had failed a drug test and would have to sit out a 100 game suspension. Rather than pay the piper, Manny decided to retire. It was the second time that Manny failed a drug test.

But while Manny was in Boston with the Red Sox, there was never a dull moment. There were classic “Manny being Manny” moments from him walking in and out of the Fenway Park left field wall in between innings or him jumping to cut off a Johnny Damon throw.

But my favorite moment is this very famous scene from May of 2007 when the Red Sox were playing the Minnesota Twins in the Metrodome. Manny tries to calm down a very angry Julian Tavarez by stroking his hair. It’s just so funny. And it makes NESN announcers Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy break out in hysterical laughter. I had to save this before the MLB trolls took it off YouTube. I am embedding this into my blog so you have it forever. Enjoy.

More coming up later.

Sounding Off On The Thursday Linkage

Let’s do the linkage on this Thursday morning. Some good stuff is already out.

The Financial Times has a look at how European TV money is now either catching up or surpassing US TV dollars for the bidding for certain global sports events.

Todd Spangler from Multichannel News reports that ESPN has released a new app for the iPhone and iPod Touch which allows Time Warner and Verizon FiOS TV subscribers to watch live TV on their devices.

Mike Reynolds at Multichannel notes that SNY is now taking shots at Dish Network after being dropped by the satellite provider.

Mike says YES Network and DirecTV continue their negotiations as a deadline that was extended to today is staring them in the face.

Lindsay Rubino from Broadcasting & Cable says ESPN’s E:60 is being nominated for an award that honors diversity in communications.

Louisa Ada Seltzer of Media Life writes that Tiger Woods appears to be an afterthought for ESPN’s and CBS’ coverage of The Masters^®.

At the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, the St. Petersburg Times’ Eric Deggans feels Mark Cuban’s idea to ban all internet writers to improve sports coverage is quite silly.

Ronald Grover, Brian Womack and Andy Fixmer of Bloomberg report that YouTube is in talks with several Hollywood companies to provide original content including sports.

Marcus Vanderberg of SportsNewser says DirecTV is all over The Masters^® this year.

Marcus says since ESPN’s Captain Blowhard promised not to tweet until the Red Sox won, an online betting site is taking wagers on whether he will indeed keep quiet.

Sports Video Group has provided a site that outlines how to produce live golf in the third dimension.

At the Biz of Baseball, Maury Brown says MLB isn’t serving its Extra Innings and MLB.TV subscribers well through its archaic blackout policies.

Dan Frommer of the Business Insider has a look at the new WatchESPN iPhone app.

Pete Dougherty from the Albany Times Union writes that a local sports TV anchor will be part of the online and DirecTV coverage of The Masters^®.

Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette tells us that NFL Films visited the Steelers last week to film several interviews.

CBS Radio Baltimore’s Jen Royle talks with the Baltimore Sun’s Simon Habtemariam.

Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog says former Nationals analyst Rob Dibble has come out stating that it was a letter from the father of pitcher Stephen Strasburg that led to him being fired from MASN last year.

Dan talks to a local man who came close to winning ESPN.com’s NCAA Tournament Bracket Challenge.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner says CBS and Augusta National Country Club have a unique partnership for The Masters^®.

Iliana Limon in the Orlando Sentinel talks with Conference USA Commissioner Britton Banowsky about the future of the league.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman discusses online coverage of The Masters^®.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer has an update on what happened with Fox Sports Ohio’s feed of the Astros-Reds game from earlier in the week.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes that the Bucks will be pushed to another radio station due to conflicts with the Brewers.

Neal Justin of the Minneapolis Star Tribune says four cable and satellite providers are not carrying the full schedule of Twins games from Fox Sports North.

Tim Engstrom in the Albert Lea (MN) Tribune writes that Charter Communications is at an impasse with Fox Sports North over 45 Twins games that Fox Sports North picked up.

Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times says while the Lakers will not bring back TV play-by-play man Joel Myers, they will bring back analyst Stu Lantz.

That’s where I’ll end it for now.

NESN Announces Red Sox Coverage Plans For 2011

This from NESN, a.k.a. The New England Sports Network, we have their coverage plans for the Boston Red Sox. Overall, NESN will carry 150 regular season games plus plenty of pregame and postgame programming. In addition, there will be weekly programming involved. Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy return to call the games in their 11th season together. Heidi Watney will be the on-field reporter to cover breaking stories and conduct interviews. Tom Caron is back as studio host and he’ll be joined by a host of analysts including Peter Gammons, Dennis Eckersley and Jim Rice. We have the particulars from NESN.

NESN ANNOUNCES 2011 RED SOX SEASON PLAN

Spring Training Game Ratings on NESN Up 108%

BOSTON, MA – Charging into the 2011 regular season with impressive spring training ratings, NESN will launch its 28^th season of Red Sox coverage on Friday, April 1 from Arlington, Texas when the team will face the defending American League Champion Texas Rangers. NESN’s opening day coverage will begin at 3:00 PM with the premiere of the network’s new half-hour pre-game show Red Sox First Pitch. Red Sox GameDay LIVE will begin at 3:30 PM with live game coverage at 4pm.

Don Orsillo, Jerry Remy and Heidi Watney will lead NESN’s broadcast of 150 exclusive, high definition Red Sox games. The network’s 2011 Red Sox programming will offer unprecedented team access including micing of players, in-game interviews and post game appearances by Red Sox players. The game telecasts will introduce new robotic cameras in both dugouts at Fenway Park. The programming will also include an enhanced production package with new show openings, music and graphics.

“While the Red Sox were making plenty of exciting news this off-season, our NESN team has been creating new and enhanced production elements which will bring the ballpark experience directly to our fans,” said Joel Feld, NESN’s executive vice president of programming and executive producer. “We will have a lot of fun this year micing the players, using innovative camera angles and telling more in-depth stories about the players.”

NESN’s pre and post-game studio programming will be led by host Tom Caron. Caron will be joined by NESN’s lineup of analysts Dennis Eckersley, Peter Gammons and Jim Rice, all members of Baseball’s Hall of Fame. The network will again originate its home pre-game coverage from Yawkey Way, the most unique outdoor setting in baseball. This year many post-game shows will also be produced from NESN’s Yawkey Way stage and feature live appearances by Red Sox players, questions from fans, in-depth game analysis and clubhouse interviews.

NESN’s 2011 Red Sox Programs and Talent

Game Coverage

• Play-by-Play  – Don Orsillo (11^th year)
• Analyst – Jerry Remy (24^th year)
• Reporter – Heidi Watney (4^th year)

Pre-Game Coverage

• Red Sox First Pitch – half-hour show that airs one-hour before the start of every game
• Red Sox GameDay LIVE – half-hour before every game
• Red Sox Monster Monday – Half hour special, Starts 90 minutes before every Monday night game
• Friday Night Fenway – Half hour special, Starts 90 minutes before every Friday night home game
• Host – Tom Caron (8^th year)
• Analysts – Dennis Eckersley (9^th year), Jim Rice (9^th year), Peter Gammons (2^nd year)

Post-Game Coverage

• Extra Innings LIVE – half-hour show that airs immediately following the game
• Red Sox Final – a second half-hour of post-game coverage that airs immediately after Extra Innings LIVE
• Same talent team as pre-game shows

Weekly Programs

• The Ultimate Red Sox Show with Heidi Watney – Every Sunday at Noon featuring in-depth interviews with players and other team personnel. Season premiere: Sunday. April 10.
• Red Sox Report – Weekly look at the team’s off-the-field work

NESN is in its 28th season of covering the Red Sox dating back to 1984. Time Warner Cable and Bright House subscribers receiving NESN National will receive the pre and postgame shows, but not the actual games unless they subscribe to the MLB Extra Innings out-of-market pay per view package.

Saturday’s Links

Let’s provide some linkage for you on this Saturday. Haven’t done links on a Saturday in a while.

Marisa Guthrie of the Hollywood Reporter notes that the NFL lockout could cause the networks to lose billions of dollars in ad revenue should games be canceled.

Richard Deitsch of Sports Ilustrated has your NCAA Tournament Viewing Primer.

The Associated Press says NBC’s Cris Collinsworth was among 83 people who had to be rescued when a floating seafood restaurant broke from its moorings on the Ohio River.

Marcus Vanderberg from SportsNewser has a preview of tonight’s HBO documentary on the Runnin’ Rebels of UNLV.

Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe gets NESN’s explanation as to why it doesn’t show more Red Sox Spring Training games.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times talks with four New York sports TV anchors about their diminishing role on local newscasts.

Newsday’s Neil Best says you’re now in control of how you view the NCAA Tournament.

The Washington Post’s Dan Steinberg of the DC Sports Bog talks with college basketball curmudgeon Billy Packer.

From the Dallas Morning News, Barry Horn looks at the new way the NCAA Tournament will be seen by viewers.

Ed Sherman from Crain’s Chicago Business says a local sports talk show who was arrested on DUI charges and suspended from his job, is not returning as expected.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News reviews two college basketball sports documentaries premiering this weekend.

Christopher Estrada of Indy Racing Revolution says IndyCar is ending its online streaming of its races leaving many fans in the dark.

Lou Clinton at 38 Cliches notes that former Red Sox radio voice Jerry Trupiano now has a new website in hopes of landing a new full-time gig.

The Sports Media Watch says the NHL on NBC received a subpar rating last Sunday.

And that will do it for the links today.

MLB Network To Air Documentary on Fenway Park

On Saturday, MLB Network will air an independently-produced documentary on the venerable Fenway Park. This may be blasphemous to many Red Sox fans, but I would love nothing more to see that old bandbox come down and a new park built, but that’s me. Anyway, the documentary won’t go into the history of the park, that’s been done. Instead, the film titled, “Down the Line” looks at the team that helps to make Fenway Park what it is. The documentary will focus on the grounds crew, the bat boys, the ball girls, the clubhouse attendants and other people in the background who help to make Fenway Park tick.

The premiere will be on MLB Network this Saturday at 4 p.m. Eastern with encores Wednesday, March 16 at 2:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 20 at 12:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 3 at 10:30 p.m.

And here’s a press release from Prospect Productions which produced the documentary.

New Documentary from Prospect Productions Offers Unique Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses of Fenway Park

Produced by Brothers Colin and Nick Barnicle, “Down the Line” Pays Homage to the “Team Behind the Team” at Major League Ball Parks Across America

NEW YORK, March 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The MLB Network, which is broadly distributed across 43 cable and satellite systems nationwide, will air the premier of “Down the Line,” a documentary on Boston’s Fenway Park that takes fans where they have never been before. Produced by brothers Colin and Nick Barnicle of Prospect Productions, the documentary celebrates Fenway’s “team behind the team” – the bat boys, ball girls, clubhouse attendants and grounds crew members who make every Major League Baseball game possible.

The documentary will premier on Saturday, March 12, 2011, immediately following the exhibition game between the Florida Marlins and the Boston Red Sox, and it will be replayed throughout March and April. A trailer for the documentary can be found at www.prospectproduction.com.

With unparalleled access, the cameras offer a rare glimpse into the largely unknown role of the employees at Fenway, America’s most revered ball park. Built in 1912, Fenway is a shrine to the great American pastime, but its mystique did not just happen. “Down the Line” reveals the tender care that its ground crew employs each day of the season. It highlights what happens behind the scenes during a rain delay, and it shows the interplay between the Red Sox players and those who work in the club house. Red Sox Manager Terry Francona discusses how important the people you do not see are to the game that the fan watches out on the field.

“This ‘team behind the team’ are the real baseball lifers of Fenway Park who work long hours for small pay and do it for the love of the team and of baseball,” Colin Barnicle said.

Both Colin and Nick are abiding Red Sox fans; Colin worked for the Red Sox for three years and has a World Series ring to prove it. This is their first documentary for Prospect Productions, which they co-founded.  The film’s appeal, they believe, goes well beyond Red Sox Nation.

“Every Major League ball park requires legions of workers who toil largely behind the scenes so the games can run smoothly,” Nick Barnicle said. “This is our homage to that community of workers.”

Prior to co-founding Prospect Productions, Nick Barnicle, 26, worked for David Milch, HBO’s In Treatment and Neistat Scott and Associates. He has studied at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, Massachusetts, and the Villa LeBalze in Florence, Italy. He received his B.A. from Georgetown University, where he played varsity baseball.

Prospect Productions’ co-founder Colin Barnicle, 25, also is a graduate of Georgetown University. After working for the Red Sox, he interned at the Jimmy Fallon Show and later the Today Show. He is a regular contributor to the Huffington Post.

Nick and Colin grew up outside of Boston, attended The Belmont Hill School together, and are both graduates of Georgetown University. They now live, work, and play in New York City.

That’s all.Down the Line

Shoveling Some Tuesday Links Your Way

Let’s bring you some linkage before my plate gets too full today. Lots of things to go over.

First, this story broke last night and we’re all hoping for the best for NFL Films President Steve Sabol who suffered a seizure Saturday night while in Kansas City. Greg Rosenthal of Pro Football Talk says Sabol is recovering in a local hospital today.

USA Today’s Mike McCarthy talks with Captain Blowhard about his new site.

John Paul of the Wall Street Journal says look for big things from the new marriage between NBC Sports and Golf Channel.

Carolyn Giardina of the Hollywood Reporter writes that this summer, Wimbledon will be seen in 3-D-ready movie theaters and offered to rightsholders around the world.

Tim Baysinger of Broadcasting & Cable writes that former ESPN and Fox Sports Net reporter Kevin Frazier has been named as co-anchor of The Insider, the companion series to Entertainment Tonight.

In the Business Insider’s Sports Page,  Mark Fidelman explains how the Bleacher Report (ugh!) is beating ESPN.com when it comes to social media.

Eric Olson of the Associated Press reports that the UFL is hoping to pick up TV exposure in case of an NFL lockout.

The Big Lead has a couple of videos showing New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady for all intents and purposes becoming a woman during Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell wants you to vote on the next great ballpark food idea.

Jackie Kass from Examiner.com says TNT is looking at glamor NBA matchups and the NCAA Tournament for big ratings this month.

Eric Gendron from the Daily New Canaan (CT) says ESPN’s Bob Ley headlines a panel discussion featuring two other ESPN anchors at Fairfield University later this month.

Newsday’s Neil Best talks with former St. John’s coach Norm Roberts who’s seeing his ex-team’s success from the SNY studios.

Mandy Housenick of the Allentown (PA) Morning Call notes the Philadelphia Phillies get two appearances in the early MLB on TBS schedule.

Bob Fernandez at the Philadelphia Inquirer says with a possible NFL lockout, the TV networks are looking at the NHL as the next rights battleground.

Matt Murschel from the Orlando Sentinel has Dick Vitale’s pick to win the NCAA Tournament.

Jeremiah McWilliams of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution says Fox Sports South will live stream scores to area billboards so commuters can keep up to date.

Robbie Neiswanger from the Arkansas News Bureau says ESPN will air the University of Arkansas’ annual spring football game next month.

Barry Horn from the Dallas Morning News notes that Fox has signed NASCAR analyst Darrell Waltrip for two more years.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer says Fox Sports Ohio will air most of its Reds schedule in high definition.

Bob Wolfley at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel notes that NASCAR beat Big 10 basketball in the local TV ratings on Sunday.

Brian L. Cox at the TribLocal notes that a Chicago sports radio talk show host was arrested over the weekend on DUI charges.

The Chicago Sun-Times also has a story on the host who apparently was way over the legal blood-alcohol level.

Ed Sherman at Crain’s Chicago Business says it’s not known what will happen to the host.

Ed says the Chicago Bulls are pulling in the ratings locally.

John Henderson of the Denver Post says Versus will be airing a cycling race based in Colorado later this summer.

Las Vegas Sun editorial cartoonist Mike Smith chronicles his day following ESPN NASCAR pit reporter Jamie Little on Saturday.

Bob Young of the Arizona Republic says a current Fox Sports Net reporter got to see Charlie Sheen up close during the filming of “Major League.”

Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle says both the Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers nixed ESPN’s idea to have their season opener at AT&T Park.

Wendy Parker sees the number of women’s college basketball games on TV growing exponentially.

Daniel Feuerstein of MLS Talk feels ESPN failed to show any loyalty to soccer voice JP Dellacamera after he showed plenty to them. I totally agree. ESPN treated JP so poorly in the last few years.

Jeremy Rapanich of Wired News looks at the March Madness on Demand iPad app.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog wonders why CBC’s Mike Milbury suddenly had a change of heart on fighting.

Sports Media Watch notes that NASCAR’s ratings are on the rise.

SMW says the NHL on NBC did not do well on Sunday.

SMW also has some random news and notes.

Dave Kohl of Major League Programs praises KSPN host Mychal Thompson for not ducking from his son’s arrest on marajuana charges.

Sox & Dawgs has a very funny NESN blooper reel involving Red Sox Hall of Famer Jim Ed Rice.

We’ll end it there.

NESN Sees Good Ratings For Bruins and Red Sox

A couple of ratings notes from the New England Sports Network, also known as NESN. Both ratings notes involve the two major sports properties the regional sports network airs, the Boston Bruins and the Boston Red Sox.

On Saturday, NESN saw a 4.5 rating in Boston for the Pittsburgh Penguins-Bruins game that ended in overtime. It’s the 2nd highest rating for the Bruins this season, just below a 4.6 garnered for a game last Thursday between the B’s and Tampa Bay Lightning.

NESN Keeps Winning with Bruins Hockey

NESN garnered a 4.5 household rating in the Boston DMA for Saturday night’s Bruins OT loss to the Penguins, the network’s second best Bruins rating of the season. NESN’s best rating of the season was Thursday, March 3 against Tampa Bay when NESN garnered a 4.6 household rating. NESN’s season average is now a 3.0 going into Tuesday night’s highly anticipated contest against divisional rival Montreal. Coverage begins at 7 pm with Bruins FaceOff LIVE hosted by Kathryn Tappen with Mike Milbury and Gord Kluzak.

And NESN says the first three Red Sox Spring Training games did well averaging a 2.4 rating.

Strong Red Sox Spring Training Ratings

NESN’s first three Red Sox spring training games of the season averaged a 2.4 household rating, up 85% over the first 3 spring training games televised by NESN in 2010, and the best 3-game spring training game average since the spring of 2007. NESN is scheduled to broadcast 13 spring training games in March. The next game is on Wednesday, March 9 at 7 pm when the Red Sox host Baltimore at City of Palms Park.

That’s it.

NESN Covers Red Sox-Yankees and College Hockey Simultaneously

On Friday, NESN will start its Red Sox coverage and kick into high gear into coverage of the final two weeks of Hockey East. As you can imagine, this will require an extra channel so NESN will utilize “NESNplus” for the first time this year on Friday. So the Red Sox will go on the NESN mothership while the New Hampshire-Boston College game is thrown to NESNplus. We have the schedule and all of the particulars in the press release posted below.

NESN TO DELIVER SIMULTANEOUS LIVE COVERAGE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AT BOSTON COLLEGE HOCKEY EAST GAME AND RED SOX AT YANKEES SPRING TRAINING GAME ON MARCH 4^th

March 1, 2011 – NESN, New England’s most watched sports network, will deliver simultaneous live coverage of two games on Friday, March 4, 2011. The Red Sox – Yankees spring training game will be seen on the regular NESN channel throughout New England while live coverage of New Hampshire at Boston College Hockey East game will be available on NESNplus beginning at 7 PM with Hockey East FaceOff LIVE.

NESNplus are the channel positions that NESN distributors provide so NESN can cover two live events at the same time. In most Comcast communities the UNH – BC game on NESNplus will be seen on channel 84. A complete list of NESNplus channels can be found at NESN.com/NESNplus.

Below are the programming schedules for both NESN and NESNplus:

NESN Schedule for Friday March 4^th
7:00 PM – Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees (L)
10:00 PM – NESN Daily (L)
10:15 PM – Hockey East Friday Night LIVE – New Hampshire vs. Boston College (replay)

NESNplusSchedule for Friday March 4^th
7:00 PM – Hockey East Face Off LIVE
7:30 PM – Hockey East Friday Night LIVE – New Hampshire vs. Boston College (L)
10:00 PM – Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees (replay)

As we get into April, we’ll see conflicts between the Red Sox and Bruins so expect to see more use of the NESNplus channel in the weeks to come.

Going For Some Monday Linkage

Ok, let’s do some linkage while I can squeeze some in. I had to meet a deadline earlier. I think I’m safe for now.

Starting with Michael Hiestand of USA Today, he wonders if the PGA Tour can generate ratings if Tiger Woods isn’t winning tournaments.

Michael also has some of the upcoming sports viewing for the week.

Tom Weir of USA Today’s Game On blog wonders how a year without the NFL would be like.

Mathew Futterman of the Wall Street Journal has a fascinating look at the meticulous notes prepared by college basketball analyst Bill Raftery.

At the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Jason Fry notes that last week was a big one for breaking news on Twitter.

To Press Coverage and Dan Levy who feels the Associated Press might not be doing the NFL any favors.

Etan Vlessing of the Hollywood Reporter writes about a Canadian company that wants to launch a third sports network to compete with TSN and Rogers Sportsnet.

Anthony Crupi from Mediaweek says a lockout by the NFL could turn disastrous for the league, its TV partners and its sponsors.

Rich Thomaselli of Advertising Age reports that CBS has rejected an NFL Players Association ad that would have aired on CBS College Sports this week.

Steve McClellan of Advertising Week writes that NBC’s Cris Collinsworth and Wipeout’s Jill Wagner will host a new syndicated lifestyle series starting this week.

The Huffington Post says Fox has rejected a Super Bowl ad that has religious overtones.

AllAccess notes that ESPN Radio has released the latest version of its iPhone app today.

Mike Walker of Golf Magazine says CBS saw higher ratings for the final round of yesterday’s PGA Tour stop from last year.

From across the Atlantic, James Robinson of The Guardian/The Observer writes about upstart ESPN UK trying to battle the  well-established Rupert Murdoch-owned Sky Sports.

Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe notes that NESN will be airing a Red Sox Town Hall tonight.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post is in a foul mood today.

Newsday’s Neil Best has some Monday thoughts.

Ray Didinger of Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia lobbies for NFL Films founder Ed Sabol to get a call for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Patty Tascarella of the Pittsburgh Business Times reports that the Penguins lead the NHL in the local US TV ratings.

Tom Jones from the St. Petersburg Times provides his thoughts on the sports weekend.

Shannon J. Owens at the Orlando Sentinel writes about Stuart Scott’s latest battle with cancer.

Mark Norando of the New Orleans Times Picayune says the NFL Films-produced America’s Team documentary on the Saints Super Bowl XLIV-winning team is now available for download.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News says this Sunday’s Super Bowl could break a viewership record despite having small markets involved.

Barry profiles ESPN’s senior coordinating producer of the network’s NFL studio shows, Stephanie Druley.

Leigh Munsil of the Morning News writes about ESPN’s kickoff of Super Bowl week in Fort Worth with Mike & Mike in the Morning.

Pete Alfano from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram says even with bitter cold temperatures forecast for the Metroplex, ESPN is steaming ahead with plans to air shows live from Sundance Square this week.

Gordon Dickson from the Star-Telegram writes that Super Bowl planners are facing the worst-case scenario with winter weather and potential traffic snarls.

The Star-Telegram has a slideshow of ESPN’s start to Super Bowl week at Sundance Square.

Kathy Vetter of the Star-Telegram says the NFL’s Super Bowl media center opened quietly yesterday.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that a local sports reporter is leaving for Dallas.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Sentinel feels Super Bowl XLV won’t surpass last year’s viewership record, but I’m going to disagree with him.

Crain’s Chicago Business’ Ed Sherman explores the unique trust that is the Green Bay Packers ownership.

Dusty Saunders of the Denver Post lists some of his dreaded sports broadcasting cliches.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has the sports calendar for this week.

In the Toronto Globe and Mail, Bruce Dowbiggin feels NHL All-Star Weekend was a mixed bag for the league’s Canadian TV partners.

The Globe and Mail picks up a Canadian Press story chronicling how curling delayed CBC’s coverage of the All-Star Game.

Sports Media Watch has a quick glance on how the NBA postseason will begin on the league’s TV partners.

SMW also has some various ratings news and notes.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media wonders if MLB on Fox and Stanley Cup Final on NBC will go head-to-head during Memorial Day Weekend.

Brian Quarstad of Inside Minnesota Soccer says a popular anchor with Fox Soccer Channel is leaving after 9 years.

And we’re going to end it there.

NESN’s 2011 Red Sox Spring Training Schedule

The New England Sports Network, better known as NESN, has announced it will carry 13 Red Sox Spring Training games. In addition, it will have live programming from the Red Sox Spring Training site of Fort Myers, FL. Red Sox NESN studio host Tom Caron and Heidi Watney will be on hand for much of the live programming. In addition, NESN incorporates WEEI morning show Dennis & Callahan as part of the coverage. Then on March 4, the games begin and continue all throughout the month ending on March 30.

Here are the details.

NESN FUELS RED SOX FANS BY DOUBLING ITS SPRING TRAINING COVERAGE

Live Programming Begins February 13

Network to Televise 13 Spring Training Games
NESN.com to Provide Daily Reports and Live Blogs

BOSTON – NESN, New England’s most watched sports network, will launch its 2011 Red Sox spring training baseball coverage on February 13 with thirteen days of wall to wall action featuring news, analysis and exclusive behind the scenes access. Spring Training game coverage will begin March 4 when the Red Sox meet the New York Yankees in Tampa, Florida.

“Red Sox Nation can’t wait to see the 2011 team take the field in Fort Myers. NESN will bring the fans to the field every day with unprecedented coverage, access, analysis and interviews,” said Joel Feld, NESN’s executive vice president of programming and executive producer. “For the first time, our viewers can participate LIVE in our spring training shows through NESN.com and via Twitter and Facebook. The Red Sox off-season has created a record level of excitement and we’ll be there to give fans their first opportunity to connect directly with the Red Sox in action.”

NESN’s coverage line-up includes:

• • Red Sox LIVE from Fort Myers - 16 hours of live coverage over 13 days with Tom Caron, Peter Gammons, Heidi Watney & Don Orsillo
  • The Dennis & Callahan Morning Show – 15 hours live from Fort Myers with John Dennis, Gerry Callahan and Jon Meterparel
  • Red Sox Spring Training Baseball on NESN – 13 games beginning Friday, March 4 with Don Orsillo, Jerry Remy & Heidi Watney
  • NESN Daily – On location reports featuring the latest news from Fort Myers with Heidi Watney and Don Orsillo
  • Special Edition of Red Sox GameDay LIVE from Houston – March 30 at 7:00 PM ET with Tom Caron, Don Orsillo, Jerry Remy and Heidi Watney
  • NESN.com – Daily posts, live blogs of every game and fan participation featuring Tony Lee, Don Orsillo, Tom Caron and Heidi Watney

NESN’s 2011 Red Sox LIVE from Fort Myers and The Dennis & Callahan Morning Show Programming Schedule

DATE	PROGRAM	TIME
Sunday, February 13	Red Sox LIVE from Ft. Myers	7:00 – 8:00 PM
Monday, February 14	Red Sox LIVE from Ft. Myers	6:00 – 7:00 PM
Tuesday, February 15	Red Sox LIVE from Ft. Myers	6:00 – 6:30 PM
Wednesday, February 16	Red Sox LIVE from Ft. Myers	6:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday, February 17	Dennis & Callahan Morning Show	6:00 – 9:00 AM
	Red Sox LIVE from Ft. Myers	6:00 – 6:30 PM
Friday, February 18	Dennis & Callahan Morning Show	6:00 – 9:00 AM
	Red Sox LIVE from Ft. Myers	6:00 – 7:00 PM
Saturday, February 19	Red Sox LIVE from Ft. Myers	9:00 AM – NOON
Sunday, February 20	Red Sox LIVE from Ft. Myers	9:00 AM – NOON
Monday, February 21	Dennis & Callahan Morning Show	6:00 – 9:00 AM
	Red Sox LIVE from Ft. Myers	6:00 – 7:00 PM
Tuesday, February 22	Dennis & Callahan Morning Show	6:00 – 9:00 AM
	Red Sox LIVE from Ft. Myers	6:00 – 7:00 PM
Wednesday, February 23	Dennis & Callahan Morning Show	6:00 – 9:00 AM
	Red Sox LIVE from Ft. Myers	6:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday, February 24	Red Sox LIVE from Ft. Myers	6:00 – 7:00 PM
Friday, February 25	Red Sox LIVE from Ft. Myers	6:00 – 7:00 PM

NESN’s 2011 Red Sox Spring Training Game Broadcast Schedule

DATE	PROGRAM	TIME
Friday, March 4	Red Sox at New York Yankees (Tampa)	7:00 PM
Saturday, March 5	Florida Marlins at Red Sox	1:00 PM
Sunday, March 6	Red Sox at New York Mets (Port St. Lucie)	1:00 PM
Wednesday, March 9	Baltimore Orioles at Red Sox	7:00 PM
Saturday, March 12	Florida Marlins at Red Sox	1:00 PM
Sunday, March 13	Red Sox at Pittsburgh Pirates (Bradenton)	1:00 PM
Monday, March 14	New York Yankees at Red Sox	7:00 PM
Saturday, March 19	Red Sox at Pittsburgh Pirates (Bradenton)	1:00 PM
Sunday, March 20	St. Louis Cardinals at Red Sox	1:00 PM
Friday, March 25	Toronto Blue Jays at Red Sox	7:00 PM
Saturday, March 26	Minnesota Twins at Red Sox	7:00 PM
Sunday, March 27	Red Sox at Baltimore Orioles (Sarasota)	1:00 PM
Wednesday, March 30	Red Sox at Houston Astros (Houston,TX)	8:00 PM

Looking forward to baseball. With the harsh winter here in the Northeast, it’s time to think about the warm spring.

NESN To Air Carl Crawford News Conference Live

At 10 a.m. Eastern time on Saturday, NESN will break its infomercial programming to air the press conference introducing outfielder Carl Crawford to the media and Boston Red Sox fans. Crawford was signed by the Red Sox earlier this week as a free agent.

On Saturday just before the annual Christmas at Fenway allowing fans to tour the park and talk with members of the team, the press conference will be held.

NESN will air the program live with Tom Caron hosting.

Quick Programming Note From NESN

For Red Sox fans still excited over last night’s surprise signing of free agent outfielder Carl Crawford, they will want to know that NESN will air its Hot Stove Live program live at 6 tonight. Tom Caron hosts while game analyst Jerry Remy will join him in studio with Peter Gammons live from the Baseball Winter Meetings in Orlando. They’ll talk live with Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein about the Crawford signing and the trade for Adrian Gonzalez last weekend.

Wanted to pass that along. No official press release, but a note passed to me from the fine people at the New England Sports Network.

Review of 30 for 30 – "Four Days in October"

This is a review of another documentary in the ESPN 30 for 30 series, “Four Days in October”. This is the story of the comeback by the Boston Red Sox in the 2004 American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees. The story is familiar, the Yankees up three games to none and having a 4-3 lead against the Red Sox in Game 4 with their formidable closer, Mariano Rivera on the mound, blow the lead, then eventually lose, 6-4 and starts a steamroller that doesn’t stop until the Red Sox win the World Series.

The documentary begins with Game 3 of the ALCS as the Yankees spank the Red Sox, 19-8 and as the entire New England region is grim, there is one positive voice in the wilderness, first baseman Kevin Millar who tells everyone within hearing distance that the Yankees had better win Game 4 otherwise the Sox could turn into a buzzsaw with Pedro Martinez pitching Game 5, Curt Schilling going in Game 6 and then anything could happen in Game 7. MLB Productions footage shows Millar wearing a microphone and while he may have been mugging for the camera, he tells Boston Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy the same sentiments as well as fans behind the Red Sox dugout. And with that the documentary is on its way.

For Red Sox fans, this is a very familiar story. But with documentaries, there is the time for never before seen footage and this is the case with “Four Days in October”. MLB Productions is able to cull from player made video such as Millar’s to give a perspective from the Red Sox point of view. In addition, Schilling, David Ortiz, Millar, Martinez, even Johnny Damon are seen giving some fresh takes on four games that led to an unprecedented comeback and victory for the Red Sox.

The footage is the real MVP of the series. You see that even with the 19-8 loss, the Red Sox remained loose and carefree, the theme of the “Idiots” that were the leaders of the team. And that helps them throughout the ALCS.

As with past 30 for 30 documentaries, there is no narrator. While it may not have worked as well with other 30 for 30 efforts, it works here. The action and highlights from MLB Productions are spliced between the interviews.

While the interviews and the footage are A+, the main problems with “Four Days in October” are the segments with 30 for 30 Executive Producer Bill Simmons and “comedian” Lenny Clarke. There is no need for them to play spokesmen for Red Sox fans. They don’t speak for me. While Simmons’ thoughts on the ALCS are well chronicled in the great book “Now I Can Die In Peace“, neither he nor Clarke add anything fresh to the documentary. They try to be edgy by cursing and swearing (bleeped out). Clarke is a lamp shade here. Simmons is just worthless in his appearances. Both try to portray themselves as Average Sports Joes by talking in a bar, but these segments are contrived, waste time and should have been cut for more behind-the-scenes footage. Their segments bring a very fast moving documentary to a screeching halt.

Simmons and Clarke aside, I found myself reliving great moments in Red Sox history. As a Red Sox fan, I got excited again seeing the David Ortiz heroics in Games 4 and 5, watching Curt Schilling’s performance in Game 6 and the pounding of the Yankees in Game 7. Millar’s footage before Game 6 is amazing and revealing. The documentary is worth seeing just for that alone.

MLB Productions produced “Four Days in October” and did a very good job. It’s another in the line of very well done 30 for 30 documentaries.

I give the film an A plus for the subject matter, the interviews and the footage. I give the segments with Simmons and Clarke an F. For that, I cannot give “Four Days in October” an A, but a solid B.

ESPN 30 for 30 Doc To Chronicle The Greatest Comeback In The History of Sports

Next month, the critically acclaimed ESPN 30 for 30 documentary series will look at “Four Days of October” where the Boston Red Sox down 0-3 to the New York Yankees in the 2004 American League Championship Series stage the greatest comeback known to mankind. The Red Sox pull off the impossible and defeat an aging and downward spiraling Yankees team, 4 games to 3, capturing America’s imagination and becoming the darlings of 2004. If you think I’m crazy, then look at the nation’s newspaper covers from October 28, 2004 showing the Red Sox winning the World Series to show what big news that team was.

I have the press release from Major League Baseball Productions which produced the documentary for ESPN. The documentary will air previously unreleased footage from those four days which forever changed sports history and the perception of the Red Sox.

MLB PRODUCTIONS AND ESPN FILMS PRESENT FOUR DAYS IN OCTOBER, FOR ESPN’S 30 FOR 30 DOCUMENTARY SERIES

Story of Red Sox 2004 ALCS Comeback vs. Rival Yankees Told in “Real-Time”

Features Never-Before-Seen Footage from Personal Cameras of Players, Including First-Ever Look at Curt Schilling’s Ankle before Game Six

With the 2010 MLB Postseason about to begin, Major League Baseball Productions (MLBP) and ESPN Films will look back at what many call the greatest comeback in the history of professional sports, the 2004 ALCS that saw the Boston Red Sox become the first team in history to erase a 3-0 deficit against their arch-rivals, the New York Yankees. Four Days In October, a one-hour film and part of ESPN’s acclaimed 30 for 30 series, includes never-before-seen footage and takes an in-depth and exclusive look in “real-time” at the 96 hours that ended the “Curse of the Bambino,” brought salvation to Red Sox Nation and changed baseball history in the process. Four Days In October premieres Tuesday, October 5 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Along with using extensive archive coverage from that week including game footage, news reports, press conferences and other interviews, Major League Baseball Productions acquired exclusive never-before-seen footage from multiple Red Sox players. The footage, taken with their own personal camcorders, captures private anecdotes and moments not available to the media, including the clubhouse and locker rooms and even the team plane as it heads to New York after Game Five. Among the most revealing moments, Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling pulls back the bandage on his injured ankle prior to the now-famous “bloody sock game” in Game Six to reveal the after-effects of the surgery he endured in order to pitch.

Four Days In October begins as the clock turns to midnight from October 16 into October 17, and the Yankees are putting the finishing touches on a 19-8 victory in Game Three of the ALCS that leaves most everyone assuming the Red Sox have no chance to win the series. Later that night, in Game 4, the Yankees took a 4-3 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning, then turned the game over to Mariano Rivera to secure yet another trip to the World Series. But after a Kevin Millar walk and a hard-fought stolen base by Dave Roberts, the Red Sox historic comeback had begun. For the next four consecutive days and nights the baseball world was riveted by this compelling sports spectacle. 

Four Days In October features interviews with key participants including Manager Terry Francona, David Ortiz, Schilling and Millar. The film also features ESPN’s Bill Simmons and comedian Lenny Clarke, noted Red Sox fans, reliving their experiences and representing the “voice” of Red Sox Nation. 

Here’s the trailer for Four Days In October.

Four Days In October airs October 5 at 8 p.m. on ESPN.

Giving You Some Tuesday Linkage

After being away from the office for most of the morning, it’s time to give you linkage while I can.

We start off with Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk who notes that Washington Post writer Mike Wise has been suspended by the paper for one month following his fake tweeting on Tuesday.

Dan Levy at Press Coverage talks with Mike Florio about the Mike Wise situation.

Sean Leahy of USA Today has a good feature story on how some ex-NFL players have made the transition to become effective TV analysts.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand talks about ESPN’s Around the Horn panelists not shying away from the Jay Mariotti topic.

Hiestand also looks at the ratings of some sports on TV this past weekend.

Milton Kent from Fanhouse has NBC’s Tony Dungy and Rodney Harrison talking how a looming lockout in 2011 could affect play late in this season.

Jon Lafayette of Broadcating & Cable writes that ESPN is teaming up with YouTube allowing viewers to upload their own videos which could end up airing on SportsCenter.

Georg Szalai from the Hollywood Reporter says with a deadline looming, it appears ESPN will remain on Time Warner Cable systems in time for college football season.

Mike Reynolds at Multichannel News says ESPN’s family of networks will be all over the opening weekend of the college football season.

Alex Weprin at SportsNewser says MLB will be streaming games on YouTube. In Japan. 

CNBC’s Darren Rovell looks at the new $1,000,000 insurance policy on Troy Polamalu’s hair. No kidding. 

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times notes the 2nd year of the Tennis Channel vs. Cablevision battle for carriage.

The New York Daily News’ Bob Raissman is high on SNY’s Keith Hernandez.

Ken McMillan at the Hudson Valley Times Herald-Record writes that there will be plenty of high school football on the local radio airwaves.

Laura Nachman laments the loss of an ESPN Radio weekend show in Philadelphia.

Eric Wemple at TBD, a DC arts blog, looks at the Mike Wise situation. Thanks to The Big Lead for the link.

Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog says it’s still unclear why MASN analyst Rob Dibble did not accompany the team on its current road trip.

The Post’s Leonard Shapiro hopes the Dibble flap over Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg doesn’t end up causing the analyst to lose his job. 

Jim Williams at the Washington Examiner talks with NBC’s Al Michaels who enters his 25th season of broadcasting NFL games.

Tom Jones from the St. Petersburg Times says a local sports radio host is out of a job.

Sarah Talalay at the South Florida Sun Sentinel notes that the Florida Marlins are providing 3-D views of their new stadium on their website.

Jack McElroy of the Knoxville (TN) News is disturbed over the way Tennessee coach Derek Dooley gave favorable treatment to certain reporters allowing them to attend a mock game. Thanks to Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch for the link.

David Barron from the Houston Chronicle has the local ratings for Saturday’s Cowboys-Texans game.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer says Fox Sports Ohio has added a Reds game to its schedule after losing one to Fox Sports.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business says NBC’s Tony Dungy and Rodney Harrison have differing opinions on the Bears’ preseason.

Phil Rosenthal of the Chicago Tribune recaps the Around the Horn discussion on Jay Mariotti.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has NBC’s NFL analysts talking about the Green Bay Packers.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News reviews ESPN’s latest 30 for 30 documentary, on the Washington Little League team that upset Taiwan in 1982.

Tom says NBC Sports Director Bucky Gunts became a running joke during Sunday’s Emmy Awards.

Sports Media Watch looks at how major sporting events fared with various key demographics.

SMW says NFL on Sunday night, even on Fox, is king.

SMW says the Little League World Series Championship Game rated lower than last year.

SMW has some various news and notes.

Christopher Byrne at the Eye on Sports Media noticed that Fox Sports is changing its production to a 16:9 screen ratio.

Deadspin notes that a Miami Herald reporter who quit the paper over the lack of Florida International University coverage, has now joined the school.

Amanda Bruno at Batter-up with Bruno notes that Overstock.com is running an “Ultimate Red Sox Experience” contest.

I think we’ll end it there.

Doing The Sunday Links

Well, my day has been planned for me, but I don’t want to leave you without links so I got up early to provide some until I return home sometime after 6 tonight.

Without further ado, here are the links.

Tom Van Riper at Forbes cautions fans who are caught up in the Pac 10/12 media hype.

John Walters at Fanhouse says the Pac 10/12 has many obstacles to overcome including its TV contracts.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell writes that fans are feeling their NFL game tickets are worth more this year than last.

Darren explains why IMG’s purchase of college sports syndicator ISP is good for the game.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News writes that Outdoor Channel gets picked up by Comcast in Houston.

Jesse Quinlan of the Stamford (CT) Advocate talks with ESPN’s Steve Young. 

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times reports that there will be no disciplinary action against ESPN writer Arash Markazi on his story about LeBron James’ Boys Night Out in Las Vegas that was eventually spiked.

Phil “Dr. Doom and Gloom” Mushnick of the New York Post now goes after NFL Commish Roger Goodell on last week’s Town Meeting in Green Bay. In Mushnick’s World, nothing is ever good enough for him.

Greg Connors of the Buffalo News notes that the Bills fans can follow their team through Twitter.

The Washington Post’s Dan Steinberg in the DC Sports Bog notes that two local TV reporters attempted the same physical conditioning test that Albert Haynesworth failed twice for the DC NFL team. 

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner writes that the DC NFL team will be well covered by the local media during the preseason.

David Walsh of the Huntington (WV) Herald-Dispatch talks with the Golf Channel’s Rich Lerner about his familiarity of The Greenbrier Resort, site of this weekend’s PGA Tour stop. 

Walsh adds that the TV exposure thanks to Golf Channel and CBS to The Greenbrier Resort is good for the local area.

The Miami Herald’s Dan LeBatard says ESPN spiked the LeBron James story for the right reasons.  Don’t forget LeBatard appears regularly on ESPN either on Pardon The Interruption or the Sports Reporters.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News has a quick blurb on why Mavericks owner Mark Cuban would be interested in buying the Texas Rangers.

Barry talks with Fox Sports’ Daryl Johnston about picking up a new gig with NFL Network.

Mike Heika of the Morning News reports that News Corp., parent company of Fox Sports and Fox Sports Net, is a bidder for the NHL’s Stars. 

MLB Network’s Trenni Kusnierek (and a Friend of Fang’s Bites) suggests we take a break from Facebook and Twitter every once in a while.

Melissa Harris of the Chicago Tribune notes that despite having a championship season, record breaking attendance and TV ratings, the Blackhawks still lost money. 

Joe Flint of the Los Angeles Times says Dish Network is taking shots at Comcast for keeping SportsNet Philadelphia off the satellite provider.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News loves a new website which alerts you to big things happening on TV.

Tom has more about the website in his blog.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star says the Blue Jays may be out of the pennant race, but continue to do well in the ratings. 

Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun talks with Stacey Bieber who is one of the golfers taking part in this season’s Big Break Sandals Resort on Golf Channel.

Sports Media Watch has its weekend ratings predictions.

SMW has some ratings news and notes.

And SMW notes comments from ESPN’s John Skipper that I picked up in the Friday megalinks and bear watching that he feels ESPNews and ESPN Classic are not performing to par and could have an announcement on the two channels in the coming months.

Sox & Dawgs has the video of the Red Sox epic comeback against the Detroit Tigers yesterday.

And that will do it. Enjoy your Sunday.

Some Additional Wednesday Links

Ok, let me provide you with some additional linkage here. I got interrupted and posted my original links rather hastily. Then I had to tape this week’s Sports Media Weekly Podcast with Keith Thibault and our guest, Susan Shan so let’s bring you the rest of the linkage now.

We’re getting word that ESPN spiked an article that was posted by writer Arash Markazi. In it, Markazi follows LeBron James in Las Vegas and chronicles his night at the Venetian hotel. For whatever reason, ESPN took it down, but credit Will Leitch of New York Magazine for putting it on Google Docs where it stands right now. According to CNBC’s Darren Rovell, James’ management team denies having anything to do with pulling the story. Whatever the reason, ESPN again looks bad for apparently having a cozy relationship with James. And after the ill-advised “The Decision”, ESPN doesn’t need more black eyes. We’ll monitor this story to see if it has any legs.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today notes that next year’s MLB season will begin earlier and end earlier. 

Whitney Matheson of USA Today’s Pop Candy blog looks at the latest ESPN 30 for 30 doc on BMX.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell talks with Pac 10/12 Commissioner Larry Scott. 

Forbes’ Great Speculations blog notes that ESPN is crucial to Disney’s success or failure.

Portada Online says ESPN Deportes Radio has found a Philadelphia affiliate.

Jessica Heslam & Thomas Grillo from the Boston Herald look into why the Red Sox ratings on NESN are way down from last year. 

D.C. Denison and Alexandra McMahon of the Boston Globe also try to figure out the Red Sox ratings slide.

Jim Shea of the Hartford Courant feels it might be NESN’s presentation that might be turning off viewers.

Ken Schott from the Schenectady Gazette writes MLB Network will have expanded coverage of the trading deadline this Saturday. 

The Philadelphia Business Journal reports that a baby recliner designed by Leslie Gudel of Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia is being recalled after the death of a four month old.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner discusses the MLS All-Star Game which is being carried by ESPN2 tonight.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News says Tuesday’s Oakland-Texas Rangers game was the highest rated baseball game of the year for Fox Sports Southwest.

Mike Colias of Crain’s Chicago Business says the Cubs struggles on the field are translating into lower TV ratings.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News talks about the possible successors to Pat Haden on NBC’s Notre Dame football telecasts.

Tom writes that Minnesota Timberwolves GM David Kahn is now screening his media requests after being fined by the NBA.

SportsbyBrooks gets confirmation from Jay Glazer that he’s going to work at NFL Network while keeping his current position at Fox NFL Sunday.

SbyB also discovers that NFL Network was also targeting Sports Illustrated’s and NBC’s Peter King but was turned down.

The Sports Media Watch has the Weekend Overnight Ratings. 

SMW also has some ratings news and notes.

Digital Journal has the NFL anticipating its highest rated season yet.

TVbytheNumbers notes that TNT plans to produce the PGA Championship next month in 3-D.

Boston Sports Radio Watch explores the war of words and ratings between WEEI and 98.5 The Sports Hub.

Rock Mamota in Chicago Now claims MLB is in need of a ratings transfusion.

That will do it for now.

It’s A Tuesday Linkage Thing

Shuffling between offices again today and I could be called back to the home office so I’m trying to squeeze linkage in right now.

Last night, I appealed for sports media questions and comments and I still would more queries before doing a mailbag post. As I said in the original post, if you have a question about the sports media or have a comment about sports broadcasting or even a constructive criticism of the blog, I’ll be happy to take them. Send the questions to kzfone@gmail.com, put your first name and last initial plus your town. I hope to make this a semi-regular occurrence if this is successful.

Let’s do the linkage now.

Brian Lowry of Fox Sports says sometimes the DVR is the perfect way to watch a sporting event. 

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand analyzes the ratings from some of the events from the weekend.

Joe Posnanski provides his two cents on the Mitch Albom controversy.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell notes that in just a short five months, the relationship between Dallas Cowboys rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant and Under Armour is in shambles.

Darren reports that a ticket company took a major gamble on the World Cup in South Africa and was left holding a lot of unsold inventory in the bag.

Here’s a video of Darren’s story.

Mike Farrell of Multichannel News talks with new DirecTV head honcho Michael White about the future of the company.

Farrell asks White about bringing in more regional sports networks to offer subscribers.

Laura Bassett of the Huffington Post writes about Erin Andrews’ appearance on Capitol Hill today pushing for tougher anti-stalking laws. 

Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe looks into the falling TV and radio ratings of the Red Sox. 

Pete Dougherty in the Albany Times Union is happy that he won’t have to hear ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike call the 2nd Monday Night Football game on September 13.

Keith Groller of the Allentown (PA) Morning Call writes that a former local high school basketball standout is now dabbling in local cable TV work.

Leonard Shapiro from the Washington Post says ESPN’s Pam Ward would like to call NFL games. Learn how to call college football games first and then we’ll talk.

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times notes that the Tampa Bay Rays are in the top 10 of all MLB teams in regards to local TV ratings.

Sarah Talalay of the South Florida Sun Sentinel says Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow has signed with Jockey to endorse men’s underwear.

Tom Jicha of the Sun Sentinel says the Miami CBS affiliate will have plenty of shows devoted to the Dolphins this season. 

Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel prefers the access the ACC provides reporters as compared to the SEC.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News says the Texas Rangers continue to do well in the ratings.

Barry notes that ESPN’s E:60 will profile a local college football player who’s battling more than a game right now.

Mark Norris of the Morning News has an obituary for ESPN Dallas bureau producer Leah Siegel who died of breast cancer Monday.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business says strong corporate sales for the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah could be a sign of a recovery economy.

Rick Morrissey of the Chicago Sun-Times says Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambarano didn’t do himself any favors by staging an apology to his teammates on ESPN instead of meeting with them personally. 

Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune writes that Zambarano should have thought twice about going on ESPN before apologizing to his teammates about an outburst.

Terry Vandrovec in the Sioux Falls (SD) Argus Leader catches up with CBS golf analyst David Feherty.

Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times says HBO Sports is not confident that a Manny Pacquaio-Floyd Mayweather fight will happen this year.

Pugmire has the Mayweather camp angry over HBO’s statements to the Times.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News says life is not imitating art with Entourage’s storyline about putting an NFL team in the City of Angels.

Sports Media Watch says national MLB TV ratings are even with last year.

SMW has some ratings news and notes.

SMW says the Brickyard 400 had its lowest ratings ever on ESPN.

Phillip Swann at TV Predictions says DirecTV could be adding Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Soccer Plus in HD very soon.

That will do it for us today.

NESN Celebrates Jerry Remy’s 3,000th Game As Broadcaster

It hard to believe that Jerry Remy has been the Red Sox analyst on NESN dating back to 1988. At first, he was cable-only, teamed with Ned Martin, then eventually doing both broadcast and cable when WABU-TV purchased the over the air rights from WSBK in 1995. Since then, he’s been the every day analyst during the regular season and on Sunday, he reached his 3,000th game.

NESN decided to celebrate Remy’s milestone by looking back at three of his funnier moments.

Since you can’t see those videos due to MLB restrictions, I’ll post two of them for you here. First, the air guitar incident where Jerry fell off the desk. 

Next, here’s my all-time favorite, the pizza throw! Here it comes!

Unfortunately, I can’t find the third clip of Raymond the Tampa Bay Rays mascot going after Jerry, but trust me, it’s pretty funny. That will do it. Congratulations, Jerry on 3,000 games as a Red Sox broadcaster.

Back To Work Tuesday Linkage

We go back to work today after a nice three day weekend off. It also depends on how nice it was depending on where you’re located. It was mostly a scorcher in the Northeast where I’m located. It will continue to be a scorcher for most of the week so if you’re in an area where it’s over 90 degrees, I hope you remain cool and out of the heat. It’s crazy.

But linkage continues and let’s provide some right now.

Michael Hiestand from USA Today looks at FIFA seeking help on determining the result of close calls.

John Rowady from Mediapost says 3-D TV is on the fast track due to sports driving its engine.

Ryan Berenz of Channel Guide Magazine has ESPN’s outlets that are airing the World Cup semfinals.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell wonders how LeBron James will make his announcement on where he’ll land. 

ESPN UK has its schedule for the English Premier League for the four months of the new season. 

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post feels YES didn’t give proper credit to the Toronto Blue Jays when they made good defensive plays against the Yankees.

Pete Dougherty in the Albany Times Union has the MLB Network schedule through the All-Star Break.

Keith Groller of the Allentown (PA) Morning Call says the gluttonous Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is the new 4th of July tradition.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business says it’s time for the Windy City to land a big name free agent.

EPL Talk has the long-term effects of ESPN’s coverage of this year’s World Cup will have on soccer in America.

Sox & Dawgs has the funny Dunkin’ Donuts ad featuring the Red Sox’s Jonathon Papelbon and the diminutive Dustin Pedroia.

Joe Favorito says an Oakland A’s promotion may have been a hit with fans, but not with the players.

Len Berman has his top 5 sports stories of the day.

That’s all that’s out there for now. I’ll do some more links later as more people get back to work.

Gathering The Thursday Linkage

Time for some linkage on this Thursday. Trying to get this in before I have to get some work done today. I’ll do as many links as I can.

USA Today picks up a story from Ronald Blum of the Associated Press in which Fox Sports Ele Jefe del Mundo David Hill expects a big audience for the UEFA Champions League final this Saturday.

In the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Dave Kindred loves certain sports movies.

Jon Weisman in Variety says Golf Channel will air a documentary on Tom Watson’s long-time caddy based on John Feinstein’s book.

Laura Martinez from Multichannel News says ESPN Deportes is going to launch a multimedia campaign for the World Cup.

Anthony Crupi of Mediaweek writes that ESPN is starting an in-house creative unit to develop custom branded spots for certain clients.

Channel Guide Magazine looks at this weekend’s NASCAR All-Star Race and where you can see it.

Writing in CNBC’s Darren Rovell’s SportsBiz blog, Sandra Carreon-John of Saatchi Sport & Entertainment says the sports business is not as sexist as some women would have you believe.

Writing in Forbes, the Biz of Sports’ Maury Brown says ESPN will use your iPhone to throw a bunch of news at you. 

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes that NFL Network will air next week’s Super Bowl XLVIII announcement.

Richard Sandomir from the New York Times says the Preakness Stakes lost viewers from last year and from the Kentucky Derby earlier this month.

From the Albany Times Union, Pete Dougherty writes that Fox Sports is going to have internal discussions regarding Chris Myers’ remarks about Hurricane Katrina victims when he guest-hosted on the Dan Patrick Show on Monday.

In the Messenger Post (NY), noted author Curt Smith says Nashville Predators voice Pete Weber is one of the best in his sport.

Laura Nachman has Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia’s coverage plans for tonight’s Flyers-Canadiens game.

Tim Lemke looks at a Houston Astros program that asks fans to recycle some of their electronic gadgets.

David Teel from the Newport News (VA) Daily Press says the new ESPN/ACC deal puts the conference in a better position to compete with the SEC and Big Ten.

Sarah Talalay of the South Florida Sun Sentinel has another update on the new Florida Marlins Stadium.

Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business has some various sports business news and notes including the latest Blackhawks ratings.

Phil Rosenthal of the Chicago Tribune says some Blackhawks fans are wondering why WGN-AM isn’t picking up all of the team’s playoff games.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is not a fan of the NBA Draft Lottery (scroll down).

Bob Mayhall from the St. Louis Globe-Democrat profiles FoxSports.com NASCAR writer and Gateway City native Lee Spencer.

Scott Dochterman of the Iowa City Gazette says the Big Ten Network is a big key, but not the main reason for the conference’s expansion according to league Commissioner Jim Delaney.

Kevin Baxter of the Los Angeles Times reports that Sirius XM will carry all 64 games of the World Cup. 

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has your first look at Chris Berman’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail writes that a BBC Sport documentary on the world’s best sprinters missed Canada’s contributions to the sport. 

To William Houston of Truth & Rumours who tells us there’s a reason why TSN gave up its Blue Jays schedule so easily to Rogers Sportsnet.

Fox Sports Midwest says it will send its July 2 game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers to troops stationed in Afghanistan.

Mark Newman of MLB.com says MLB Network will air the All-Star Game Red Carpet Special on July 13.

Jon Weinbach from Fanhouse says despite not being liked by the conference’s coaches, it appears ACC Sunday Night Hoops, created for Fox Sports Net, will continue when the new ESPN contract begins after the 2010-11 season.

Friend of Fang’s Bites, Chuck Hanf, from the Two Cents from Beantown blog tells the media that got on Red Sox star Mike Lowell that they don’t have their heads screwed on straight for criticizing him for wanting to leave the team after he felt he wasn’t contributing.

Back to Maury Brown, this time in the Biz of Baseball. He gives kudos to Major League Baseball for televising its draft, but it has a long way to go before reaching the popularity of the NFL and NBA Drafts. 

Sports Media Watch speaks with NBA Digital Managing Editor Mike Doyle.

SMW notes that the ratings for Game 2 of Celtics-Magic failed to measure up to last year’s Conference Final ratings.

Joe Favorito says even though it doesn’t have to, the Green Bay Packers continue to grow their brand during the offseason.

And we will finish there for the links.

New Red Sox Blogger Radio Show To Premiere

I’m at a jobsite in extremely chilly Narragansett, RI this morning, but I wanted to get this release posted. Three Red Sox blogs including one of my favorites, Fenway West are joining forces for a new Internet radio show. I give you the release. I’ll clean up this post when I get back online. Did I ever tell you I love BlogPress for the iPhone?

New Red Sox Show On the Air

Boston, MA – 4/9/2010 – Three popular Red Sox bloggers have combined forces to create the new “Talking Sox Show.” Massachusetts Governor of Red Sox Nation Jared Carrabis from SoxSpaceNews.com, Matt O’Donnell from FenwayWest.com and Craig Leger from 4SportBoston.com will co-host a weekly audio show focusing on the Red Sox.

The “Talking Sox” show will take place on Sunday Nights at 10 p.m. Eastern (7 p.m. Pacific) and can be listened to online at 4SportBoston.com, FenwayWest.com and on Ustream. The shows will also be available as a podcast on iTunes and can be listened to on demand on Ustream. A preview show aired on Thursday 4/8 and can be viewed here.

Each episode will feature special guests who give insight into teams the Red Sox will be facing in the week ahead. Guests will include beat writers from the mainstream media as well as authors of popular blogs while occasionally checking in on the Red Sox minor league system. The show also features a live chat where the audience can ask questions for the hosts and the guest. Guests who have agreed to appear on future shows include Chad Finn of the Boston Globe, Sean McAdam of Comcast Sportsnet New England, Howard Sinker of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Joe Smith of the St. Petersburg Times, and Dan Hoard, radio voice of the Pawtucket Red Sox.

Matt O’Donnell is a lifelong Red Sox fan who grew up in Needham, MA and now lives in Northern California. His site, Fenway West, is a Boston Red Sox blog that covers the team throughout the year with multiple daily updates. The site includes team news, lineups, original interviews, book reviews, and analysis. With authors from around the country, Fenway West offers an original view of the Red Sox, without the tunnel vision that sometimes encompasses the Hub. Matt also writes a weekly post for NESN Red Sox broadcaster Jerry Remy’s site; The Remy Report.

Craig Leger is a Boston sports fan in the most literal sense. His site, 4 Sport Boston, is a Boston based sports blog covering all four of the major sports teams in the Hub. The site tries to stay away from the regular posts most other sites revert to with game previews and recaps, full articles of block quotes from major sources, and pictorials. 4 Sport Boston prides itself on original content from a knowledgeable team of the greatest sports fans in Boston. With daily articles breaking down key situations that each team finds themselves in, 4 Sport Boston is a daily necessity for any Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, or Patriots fan.

Jared Carrabis is a diehard Red Sox fan who at the age of 21 has already been elected as Massachusetts Governor of Red Sox Nation and published a book entitled One Fan’s Story: If This Hat Could Talk, His site, SoxSpace.com, won Best Red Sox Blog in the first annual New England Sports Blog Awards. He is also the host of TruFan.com’s Red Sox webcast.

As mentioned, I’ll clean this post when I’m back on my computer. Wanted to give some Red Sox bloggers some love.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Some Saturday Linkage

Let’s do a few links on this lazy Saturday. Beautiful in the Northeast. We deserve this after the floods, but I said this Friday so I won’t repeat myself again. Here are some links for you.

Tim Gardner and Thomas O’Toole of USA Today’s Campus Rivalry blog looks at the mini-controversy over some artwork of Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski on the cover of the Indianapolis Star.

The Nielsen ratings Wire blog notes that Duke gets the most buzz of all of the teams in this year’s Final Four.

A very distressing story, ESPN’s Erin Andrews has been receiving death threats e-mailed to the Dan Patrick show. And apparently the e-mails have been getting progressively violent. Leave the woman alone, please. 

In the New York Times, Richard Sandomir notes several big anomalies in the Boston Red Sox-New York Yankees season series this year.

To the Buffalo News where Jerry Pergament writes about ESPN debuting a new two hour block on ABC today.

In the Washington Examiner, Jim Williams talks about MASN having not one, but two dedicated HD channels.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman has a few news and notes in his blog.

Mike Haag in the San Antonio Express-News says ESPN is publishing a new book which pays tribute to the late Dale Earnhardt.

Bill Center of the San Diego Union-Tribune talks with new Padres TV voice Dick Enberg, who’s about to embark on the new phase of his career.

The Sports Media Watch notes that the NCAA Tournament’s ratings are up slightly from 2009.

SMW says rain did not help NBC’s ratings for the PGA Tour’s Arnold Palmer Invitational.

And SMW writes that rain delay coverage of last week’s NASCAR event actually outrated the NBA last weekend.

As we enter the 2010 MLB regular reason, Maury Brown at the Biz of Baseball reviews the archaic TV blackout rules. 

This weekend, MLB.TV is offering a free preview with plenty of exhibition games this weekend. Check out the story from Mark Newman of MLB.com featuring a quote from my Twitter sweetheart, Megan Marshall.

Sox & Dawgs has the 2010 Red Sox radio network.

Chris Byrne at the Eye on Sports Media has the list of theaters where you can catch the Final Four in 3-D.

And that will do it for the links for today.

Our Sunday Links

Let’s do some linkage on this Sunday. I found one of my all-time favorite movies, Goldfinger on BBC America so while I wait for the NCAA Tournament later, I’ll do linkage for you.

Multichannel News reports that MSG’s high school sports channel is setting up awards for original television content produced by students.

The New York Times’ Richard Sandomir remembers the life of former network television sports executive Chet Simmons.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News spews venom this morning.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner has some personal remembrances of Chet Simmons.

Jim also finds some trends in the 3rd day of voting for DC’s best sports sports radio talk show.

Arek Sarkissian II from the Savannah (GA) Morning News talks with Chet Simmons’ family about his life.

Bob Wolfley from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes that Marquette basketball coach Buzz Williams has been performing well as a guest analyst on CBS College Sports this weekend.

In the Kansas City Star, Randy Covitz writes that the local market ranks 3rd in the country in the ratings for the men’s NCAA Tournament. 

The Daily Oklahoman’s Jenni Carlson interviews ESPN women’s college basketball analyst Kara Lawson about Oklahoma University’s chances to get to the Women’s Final Four.

Tom Hoffarth from the Los Angeles Daily News looks back at the week in sports blogging.

Tom talks with former Louisville basketball coach Denny Crum who will be inducted into a local Hall of Fame.

Tom has more with Crum in his blog.

The Los Angeles Times’ Sam Farmer talks with former NFL coach and broadcaster John Madden about several current league issues

Artie Gigantino from the San Francisco Examiner likes the new NFL overtime rules.

Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports that the Pirates have signed a long term rights agreement with FSN Pittsburgh ensuring at least 150 games on the network.

NESN says it will air its final two Red Sox spring training games today and tomorrow.

Sean Leahy at Yahoo’s Puck Daddy looks at an ESPN NHL player poll which gives Commissioner Gary Bettman low marks as well as the league’s current TV coverage.

The Sports Media Watch gives its weekend ratings predictions.

SMW says NASCAR’s ratings continue to drop.

Sox & Dawgs has an ESPN Outside the Lines feature on UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma.

That’s going to do it for this Sunday. Enjoy your day.