Among the Red Sox Nation fanbase, NESN analyst Jerry Remy has become one of the most popular figures over the last twenty years. Unfortunately, his health has become an issue over the last five years. In 2008, he was diagnosed with lung cancer and missed much of the 2009 season. NESN filled the role with various guest analysts including Dennis Eckersley, Jim Rice, Nick Cafardo and others.
Over the last few seasons, he’s missed blocks of games due to various health issues. This season is no different. Remy has been out since May 28 with what NESN said was due to allergies. And earlier this month, NESN announced that Remy contracted pneumonia and he’s been out ever since.
Dennis Eckersley, WEEI.com writer Rob Bradford, NESN studio analyst Peter Gammons and Boston Globe beat writer Nick Cafardo have filled in for him during his 2013 absence.
NESN has just announced that Remy will be out again this week. The network has announced the roster of guest analysts who will work with play-by-play Don Orsillo.
| Today – 6/18/13 – Game 1 | vs. Tampa Bay | Jim Rice |
| Tonight – 6/18/13 – Game 2 | vs. Tampa Bay | Peter Gammons |
| Wednesday – 6/19/13 | vs. Tampa Bay | Tom Caron |
| Thur. – Fri. 6/20-6/21/13 | at Detroit | Rob Bradford |
It might be time for NESN to think the unthinkable and cut back on Remy’s schedule, perhaps sign him to a 110-120 game schedule and allow Dennis Eckersley to be the secondary analyst. It’s unfortunate that Jerry’s health has become front-and-center on NESN’s telecasts, but perhaps it would behoove the network to look at the big picture.
