MLB Network Looking To Add Costas

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

It's been awhile since Bob Costas was involved in Baseball, but according to Sports Business Journal's, John Ourand, he and the MLB Network are very close to striking a deal....

MLB Network has been talking with Bob Costas about taking an on-air role with the network. The two sides still are not particularly close on a contract, sources said, but the network has discussed using Costas -- a noted baseball fan -- on some of its game coverage, which will consist of at least one game per week, or its studio coverage, which will be on air for several hours per night during the season, starting at 7:00pm ET. Costas already shuffles between two networks, NBC and HBO. MLB Network is launching into about 50 million homes January 1. Though it has not made any talent announcements yet, the channel is expected to hire on-air talent Harold Reynolds and Hazel Mae.
I used to love Bob Costas when he covered Baseball on NBC back in the 80s. The Sport is obviously his wheelhouse, so if the MLB-N could pull this off it would be a huge get. The network starts coverage on January 1st, 2009 and I'll be sure to keep you updated on any new hires.

Costas Discussing Role At MLB Network (Sports Business Daily - $)

Other Media Tidbits That I Don't Quite Have Time To Post On:

- Michele Tafoya stepped down from her NBA sideline role on ESPN. She'll continue the MNF gig and her ESPN Radio work.
- Braves broadcaster Pete Van Wieren retires after 33 years with the team.

Posted by Awful Announcing- at 2:57 PM

17 Comments:

Better Costas than some other fetus faced windbag.

Anonymous said...
Oct 22, 2008, 3:08:00 PM  

Based upon the tone of this, I don't see it happening...

It doesn't sound like either side is particularly serious.

Unknown said...
Oct 22, 2008, 3:16:00 PM  

I thnk if MLB net can get this done, I bleive it would be a great get for them. Costas wheelhosue has bene baseball, and I thnk ever sicne NBC lsot the rights to baseball telecast, he has wanted to call games again, and this is his best opportunity to do that again.

Anonymous said...
Oct 22, 2008, 3:59:00 PM  

The value of the baseball card has to be at least a negative cent.

GMoney said...
Oct 22, 2008, 4:06:00 PM  

Al Michaels is the guy they should get. Talk about someone who was fantastic at baseball. MLB Network -- go get him!

Anonymous said...
Oct 22, 2008, 4:47:00 PM  

with Jim Palmer modeling Jockey Underwear in the studio!

Anonymous said...
Oct 22, 2008, 5:26:00 PM  

Better yet, send Michaels to MLB Network and move Costas to PxP on Sunday Night Football. This sets up a reunion for the best announcing team the NFL ever had ... Costas & Trumpy.

Anonymous said...
Oct 22, 2008, 6:12:00 PM  

Maybe if Costas comes back to baseball, the Cubs will regain some of their "Sandberg game" magic.

JFreak said...
Oct 22, 2008, 6:26:00 PM  

i'd MUCH RATHER read about two things that DID happen (Tafoya & Van Wieren) -- than something which MIGHT.
Costas doesn't need an ego boost.

Anonymous said...
Oct 22, 2008, 7:21:00 PM  

amen anon. it's like reading about some dude on Versus. nobody gets the network. how many of us grew up watching Braves games on TBS and now Pete is gone.

Anonymous said...
Oct 22, 2008, 7:23:00 PM  

I want to throw speculation out here: With Michele Tafoya out as a sideline reporter for the NBA on ESPN, who will they go to as her replacement. Do they consider Stacey Dales or Erin Andrews (who have worked their college basketball coverage) or do they go to a veteran male announcer, such as (some people may hate this suggestion) Stephen A. Smith? I don't think Stephen A. could be nearly as annoying if he only has a few moments to get across his point as a reporter than he was to some as a studio analyst.

I respected Pete Van Wieren as a broadcaster. Having spent 33 years for one team is very respectable, to me, as an announcer. Hopefully, the Braves will recognize his contributions to the broadcasts. As a Mets fan, I have respected the continued recognition of the late Bob Murphy and his former announcing partner Ralph Kiner, who is still alive and occasionally returns to TV for an inning or so of a game. It is my only favorite team that has a great tradition of respect for the announcers of its history.

Anonymous said...
Oct 22, 2008, 8:03:00 PM  

Michele Tafoya should douse some Michigan fans with beer to celebrate all of the extra free time.

Oct 22, 2008, 9:16:00 PM  

anon @ 8:03 - it's gonna be Lisa Salters.

Anonymous said...
Oct 22, 2008, 10:42:00 PM  

ESPN NBA sideline reporters for 2008-09: Lisa Salters, Ric Bucher, Doris Burke, Heather Cox and Nancy Lieberman

Anonymous said...
Oct 22, 2008, 11:20:00 PM  

I'm confused...you write a lead that says they're very close to a deal, but the story says no. Which is it?

Anonymous said...
Oct 22, 2008, 11:37:00 PM  

I hope he reads selections from his book "Fair Ball", specifically the part where he writes that the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays will NEVER be able to compete for a World Series.

BF said...
Oct 23, 2008, 8:28:00 AM  

If this happens, hopefully Costas will still be on Football Night in America. He is irreplacable and easily the best sportscaster in the business today.

Brad James said...
Oct 23, 2008, 1:35:00 PM  

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