The Wall Street Journal conducted a fascinating, yet highly tedious, study on Major League Baseball announcers recently. Writer David Biderman, watched every team's home broadcast, and for a half inning he tallied how many words each announcer spoke. After that he average that out to words per minute to come up with your winners....or losers depending on how you look at it....

Vin Scully (Dodgers)- 143.51
Dan McLaughlin (Cardinals)- 109.93
Bob Carpenter (Nationals)- 102.33
George Grande (Reds)- 102.06
Daron Sutton (Dbacks)- 100.36
Ryan Lefebvre (Royals)- 96.71
Brian Anderson (Brewers)- 96.06
Dick Bremer (Twins)- 94.81
Bill Brown (Astros)- 89.11
Dave Niehaus (Mariners)- 84.14
Tom McCarthy (Phillies)- 82.97
Don Orsillo (Red Sox)- 81.73
Tim Neverett (Pirates)- 81.55
Chip Caray (Braves)- 78.70
Drew Goodman (Rockies)- 78.51
Rich Waltz (Marlins)- 78.08
Mario Impemba (Tigers)- 75.39
Michael Kay (Yankees)- 73.40
Gary Cohen (Mets)- 73.04
Matt Underwood (Indians)- 72.02
Len Kasper (Cubs)- 71.5
Ken Harrelson (White Sox)- 70.98
Josh Lewin (Rangers)- 70.57
Dewayne Staats (Rays)- 69.69
Steve Physioc (Angels)- 68.26
Gary Thorne (Orioles)- 66.97
Glen Kuiper (Athletics)- 65.00
Jamie Campbell (Blue Jays)- 62.66
Mark Neely (Padres)- 61.64
Duane Kuiper (Giants)- 55.44

Obviously there are a handful of factors that go into this number, but the main one is how much each PbPer's color analyst talks. Vin Scully obviously doesn't have one at all, which is why he's at the top, but the rest of this sort of makes sense. At least it does in my market, where Gary Thorne's analyst (Jim Palmer), doesn't ever shut up.

Meet Baseball's Chattiest TV Announcers (Wall Strett Journal)

There has been very little change with ESPN's announcing teams over years past, but with the addition of Matt Millen this season, there are couple of interesting moves that have been made. Some of the more notable ones include: Millen paired up with Sean McDonough for Saturday games, Todd Blackledge replacing Bob Griese on Saturday nights (paired with Nessler), Andrew Ware being moved to regional SEC coverage and Mike Patrick getting a new partner in Craig James. Here are your pairings for the 2009 season, as well as your studio teams for the year....

Studio Teams:

College GameDay Built by The Home Depot (Saturdays at 10 a.m. on ESPN)- Chris Fowler, Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit and Desmond Howard
Pre-game, halftime and post-game, College Football Countdown (Saturdays on ABC)- John Saunders and Jesse Palmer
ABC Saturday reports- Matt Winer
Pre-game, halftime and post-game, College Football Final Powered by Pontiac G6 (Saturdays on ESPN)- Rece Davis, Lou Holtz and Mark May
Pre-game, halftime and post-game (Saturdays on ESPN2)- Wendi Nix, Todd McShay and Robert Smith
Pre-game, halftime and post-game (Saturdays on ESPNU)- Lowell Galindo (prime time) and Rob Stone (afternoon), Jay Walker, Tom Luginbill and David Pollack (prime time) and Matt Stinchcomb (afternoons)
College GameDay on ESPN Radio (Saturdays at noon)- Ryen Russillo, Trevor Matich and TBD
ESPNEWS Overdrive- Dari Nowkah, Kordell Stewart and Shaun King
Inside the Polls (ESPNU)- Lowell Galindo, Tom Luginbill and Tommy Tuberville
SEC syndication studio- Rob Stone and Matt Stinchcomb
SEC Weekly (ESPNU)- Cara Capuano, Matt Stinchcomb, David Pollack or Charles Arbuckle
Big 12 This Week (ESPNU)- Melissa Knowles and Jon Berger

Announcer Pairings:
Saturday Night Football (on ABC)- Brent Musburger, Kirk Herbstreit and Lisa Salters
ESPN College Football Primetime (Saturday)- Brad Nessler, Todd Blackledge and Erin Andrews
ESPN2 College Football Primetime (Saturday)- Mark Jones and Bob Davie
ESPNU SEC Saturday primetime- Eric Collins and Brock Huard
ESPN College Football Primetime (Thursday)- Chris Fowler, Craig James, Jesse Palmer and Erin Andrews
ABC Saturday Afternoon- Sean McDonough, Matt Millen and Holly Rowe
ABC Saturday Afternoon- Mike Patrick, Craig James and Heather Cox
ABC or ESPN Saturday Afternoon- Ron Franklin and Ed Cunningham
ESPN College Football (Saturday afternoons)- Dave Pasch, Bob Griese and Chris Spielman
ESPN2 College Football (Saturday afternoon)- Pam Ward and Ray Bentley
ESPNU Saturday noon- Clay Matvick and David Diaz-Infante
ESPNU Saturday afternoon- Todd Harris and Charles Arbuckle
ESPNU late Saturday- Carter Blackburn and TBD
ESPN and ESPN2 Fridays and select ABC Saturdays- Joe Tessitore and Rod Gilmore
ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 Saturdays and select Fridays- Terry Gannon and David Norrie
ESPN and ESPN2 midweek games- Rece Davis, Mark May, Lou Holtz and Rob Stone
ESPNU Thursday- Charlie Neal and Jay Walker
ESPN Radio games- Bill Rosinski, Dennis Franchione and Joe Schad
SEC Network (ESPN Regional Television syndicated games)- Dave Neal, Andre Ware and Cara Capuano
BIG EAST Network (ESPN Regional Television syndicated games)- Mike Gleason, John Congemi and Quint Kessinich
ESPN Regional Television MAC Syndication- Michael Reghi and Doug Chapman

Every summer, the NFL holds a broadcasting boot camp for players interested in the field, and the league just released this year's list of participants. Past attendees include Darren Sharper, Dhani Jones and ESPN's Tim Hasselbeck, and this year's group looks like they could follow in their shoes. Via USA Today....

Traditionally, TV networks scout for future NFL on-air prospects in venues such as the production meetings where they meet with players to talk about the games they're about to cover.

But through the NFL's Broadcast Boot Camp — where players sign up to get tips from TV producers and announcers — players can essentially announce they're interest in sportscasting and go through a sort of TV combine at the NFL Films office. Last year's session drew 40 players — 21 went on to on-air gigs.

The NFL, says spokesman Dan Masonson, Monday will announce the players heading to its June 22-25 camp. They include Cleveland's Joe Jurevicius, Washington's Antwaan Randle-El, Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew, New England's Matt Light, Arizona's Bryant McFadden and N.Y. Giant Osi Umenyiora. They'll see if they have what it takes as their TV pancake makeup smears during two-a-days.

Pretty good group there. Most have been on programs like First Talk before, and both Umenyiora and MJD have done extensive work across many channels and stations. A few weeks at Boot Camp, a couple times through the ESPN carwash, and you're ready to be hired.

NFL takes would-be broadcasters to different training camp (USA Today)

Given the fact that there's no real breaking news this morning (sure Rodney Harrison and Tony Dungy were hired by NBC, but we knew that a month ago), so we're going to play a game. USA Today posted an interesting article on Sportscasters who Twitter, and decided to turn it into a matching game. Take your time, think things through, and head to the comments for the answers!

1. "Let's all make a wish together that it doesn't rain in Darlington on Saturday night … ready … one … two … three. WISH!!!"

2. "The man in charge of our show today is dressed like a homeless person."

3. "At the miss scv teen pageant! Don't ask!"

4. "Bummer. Carnegie Deli finally arrives and it's the wrong order. Not really a roast beef fan."

5. "Why do so many people pick their noses when they are driving? (Pretty good case for buying new.)"

6. "While you were listening to commercials, went to the cafe and got a diet coke. I didn't pay for it. I'll pay for it later."

7. "I'm nearly out of pop but who knows if the mini market guy is open at 10p on a Sunday. Mobil is just too far. Gonna be a long night."

8. "Looking for ridiculous catch phrase. Whichever reply is best I'll use on air this weekend!"

9. "I had a dream I was wearing a nadal headband. Now I want to buy one."

10. "I'm cleaning my house. Talk about a glamorous life! Ha!"
________________________

A) ESPN's Kenny Mayne

B) NFLN's Rich Eisen

C) Fox NASCAR reporter Dick Berggren

D) ESPN's Rebecca Lobo

E) ESPN's Trey Wingo

F) TNT's Kenny Smith

G) CNBC sports business reporter Darren Rovell

H) ESPN's Scott Van Pelt

I) ESPN's Linda Cohn

J) Big Ten Network's Mike Hall

Sportscasters getting all a-Twitter with their tweeting (USA Today)

It seems a bit weird to me that the NY Times got a hold of Shaq's school work, but I'm not argue. O'Neal talked with Stephen Curry, in a mock on-air interview, and here is the audio and some background on the course he's taking....

The 37-year-old O’Neal insists he will play four more N.B.A. seasons, but he plans on having his own radio and television shows after retirement. He envisions something similar to HBO’s “Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel.”

That was why he found himself in broadcast hot seats across the Syracuse campus this week in an intriguing role reversal — conducting interviews instead of giving them.

O’Neal’s three-day broadcast boot camp at Syracuse is a spinoff of the second-year program that the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications runs in concert with the N.B.A.’s players association for players interested in pursuing broadcasting after their careers. Players pay $5,200 for the program. But because O’Neal wanted his own private session, he had to fork over more than $15,000.

“You have to know what you’re doing,” O’Neal said of the basics of broadcasting. “There are a lot of guys who are great speakers, but it doesn’t come off that way unless you have all the other elements. I needed to learn the secrets.”

That was pretty darn good for a first try. Good questions, especially about Curry playing in a smaller conference, and no flubs. O'Neal just might have a future in Sports Media.

O'Neal Hopes To Be Next Big Thing In Broadcasting (NY Times)

Sky Sports' Fanzone is one of the best ideas as far as broadcasting goes. You get two fans do to commentary for the network, talk trash, and hilarity ensues. Well for the first time the channel allowed women to games and the results were just as amazing. SS Reporters has your first look at the future Pam Wards of America....

While I love the effort from the two ladies, I can't really understand what the heck is going on in the game. I'm surprised that more fans don't get into brawls during these sessions. Good times.

Women’s Fanzone Makes Debut (SS Reporters)

Sorry for the abbreviated day, but I've just now been able to get on a computer. The Sports Emmy Awards were held last night in New York, and there were some surprises when the trophies were handed out. NBC won the "President's Trophy" by taking home nine awards and there was even a tie in one of the categories. Terry Bradshaw and Tom Jackson split the title of Outstanding Studio Analyst. Here are the rest of the winners....

OUTSTANDING SPORTS PERSONALITY – STUDIO HOST

* Bob Costas NBC/HBO

OUTSTANDING SPORTS PERSONALITY – PLAY-BY-PLAY

* Jim Nantz CBS

OUTSTANDING SPORTS PERSONALITY – STUDIO ANALYST

* Terry Bradshaw FOX
* Tom Jackson ESPN

OUTSTANDING SPORTS PERSONALITY – SPORTS EVENT ANALYST

* Cris Collinsworth NFL Network / NBC

It's hard to believe that this is, but on April 25th and 26th the "Leader" will be airing their 30th installment of the NFL Draft. And get this....Erin Andrews will be there this time! The rest of the parties are pretty much the same, but here is who will be joining EA over the two-day period....

Chris Berman, Mel Kiper, Jr., and a team of hosts, analysts and reporters will be a part of ESPN’s 30th consecutive year of televising the NFL Draft (April 25-26) from Radio City Music Hall in New York. The 16 hours of planned live coverage on ESPN and ESPN2 over two days will be supplemented by Draft-related content on multiple ESPN platforms throughout the weekend, including ESPN Radio, ESPNEWS and ESPN.com.

Berman and Kiper, working their 29th and 26th NFL Drafts for ESPN, respectively, will team with analysts Keyshawn Johnson and Steve Young on the main set from Radio City on Day 1. NFL Live host Trey Wingo and first-year analyst Herm Edwards, as well as NFL insider Chris Mortensen, will report from additional set locations in the hall, while reporter Erin Andrews will conduct green room and post-pick interviews with the prospects invited to the Draft. Also, ESPN Scouts Inc. director of college scouting Todd McShay will be a major contributor to the coverage from ESPN’s Bristol, Conn., studios.

SportsCenter Special: On the Clock at 11 a.m. ET on Saturday, April 25, will kickoff ESPN’s comprehensive coverage. The five-hour pre-Draft line-up will include Monday Night Football’s Mike Tirico hosting with Suzy Kolber and analysts Cris Carter, Trent Dilfer, Tom Jackson and Ron Jaworski, College GameDay’s Kirk Herbstreit, McShay, and correspondent Michael Smith in Bristol.

Given the crazy amount of people involved with the Draft, there are obviously some new features. Some of those include: The Draft being in HD for the first time ever, Tom Jackson using the "Virtual Playbook" and use of that cool touch screen board for picks. Here's your lineup for each day....

Day One:

Main Set: Chris Berman, Keyshawn Johnson, Mel Kiper Jr. and Steve Young
Set #2: Trey Wingo and Herm Edwards
Stage set: Chris Mortensen
Reporter: Erin Andrews

Day Two:

Main Set: Wingo, Edwards, Jaworski, Kiper, and Mortensen

The Daily News and Sports Center have just reported that Phillies' Broadcaster Harry Kalas passed out in the booth at Nationals Stadium, while preparing for tonight's Phils-Nats game, and has been taken to the hospital. Phillies' representatives are calling the situation "serious", but that's the only word that we've heard. Via the Daily News....

Legendary Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas has been taken by ambulance to a Washington area hospital after he was found passed out in the press box at Nationals Park.

Team president David Montgomery said Kalas, 73, was found at about 12:30 p.m. by Rob Brooks, the Phillies' director of broadcasting. Emergency medical personnel were called and took Kalas to George Washington University Hospital.

Team president David Montgomery characterized the situation as "serious," but did not have any further information.

The Phillies' announcers were brought to the team's clubhouse at about 1 p.m., and they and the players were told about Kalas.

Man, that is not the news that you want to hear on a Monday afternoon. I'm a huge Kalas fan, and certainly hoping for the best. I'll keep you updated throughout the day, but if you're religious in any way, take the time to say a prayer for the legendary Phils announcer.

Kalas passes out, taken to hospital (Daily News)

Esquire magazine put together a collection of sixty-three different males, that the average male should emulate. Among the Sports figures were Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Phelps, Dustin Pedroia, Derek Jeter, Shaquille O'Neal and Peyton Manning, but it was the inclusion of six announcers that caught my attention. Charles Barkley, Phil Simms, Troy Aikman, Lee Corso, Barry Melrose and Dick Vitale, all were on the list, and here's the mag's reasoning on each....

Charles Barkley: "For what he said to the cops."

Phil Simms: "...and Phil Simms both seemed like towheaded dicks when they won Super Bowls, but each has come into his own as a hardworking, insightful color man."

Troy Aikman: "The manhood of some men emerges over time. They don't seem to be men, and then suddenly — or slowly — they are."

Lee Corso, Barry Melrose, Dick Vitale: "They love their jobs, and as each of them will tell you: It's hard out there for a pimp."

You know what, that's not really that bad of an assessment. As annoying as you might find some of them, they all seem to love what they do, and that's really half the battle. I personally wouldn't call them "role models", but you can certainly learn from their work ethic.

The List of Men: Sixty-Six Guys to Emulate (Esquire)

Every year I post these, and every year it seems like those in the business have no idea what they're doing. The same terrible personalities are nominated (Berman, Buck, McCarver), and the same shows win every year. The only difference this year, is that the Academy actually threw a couple of curveballs at us. They've added some new people to the list, and while some are spot on like Tom Jackson, there are those that just boggle the mind....like John Kruk.

Anyway, here's the list, feel free to complain or choose your winners in the comments. The event is April 27th, and I'll be sure to share the winners with you when they are released.

Outstanding Live Sports Special

108th U.S. Open Championship (NBC)
NASCAR on FOX: Daytona 500 (FOX)
Super Bowl XLII (FOX)
The Championships, Wimbledon- Gentlemen's Final (NBC)
X Games 14 (ESPN)

Outstanding Live Sports Series

ESPN College Football (ABC)
ESPN Monday Night Football (ESPN)
NASCAR on TNT (TNT)
NASCAR on FOX (FOX)
NBC Sunday Night Football (NBC)

Outstanding Studio Show (WEEKLY)

College Gameday (ESPN)
Football Night in America (NBC)
FOX NFL Sunday (FOX)
Inside the NFL (CBS / Showtime)
Monday Night Countdown (ESPN)
Sunday NFL Countdown (ESPN)

Outstanding Studio Show (DAILY)

Baseball Tonight (ESPN)
Inside the NBA – Playoffs (TNT)
MLB Postseason Studio (TBS)
Outside the Lines First Report (ESPN)
Pardon the Interruption (ESPN)

Outstanding Sports Personality (STUDIO HOST)

Bob Costas (NBC / HBO)
Bryant Gumbel (HBO)
Chris Berman (ESPN)
Ernie Johnson (TNT / TBS)
James Brown (CBS / Showtime)

Outstanding Sports Personality (PLAY BY PLAY)

Al Michaels (NBC)
Dan Hicks (NBC)
Jim Nantz (CBS)
Joe Buck (FOX)
Mike Emrick (NBC)

Outstanding Sports Personality (STUDIO ANALYST)

Cris Collinsworth (NBC/Showtime/CBS/HBO)
John Kruk (ESPN)
Steve Mariucci (NFL Network)
Terry Bradshaw (FOX)
Tom Jackson (ESPN)

Outstanding Sports Personality (SPORTS EVENT ANALYST)

Cris Collinsworth (NFL Network/NBC)
Doug Collins (TNT)
John Madden (NBC)
Johnny Miller (NBC)
Ron Jaworski (ESPN)
Tim McCarver (FOX)

Leave it to the Orioles, right? Announcers, Fred Manfra and Joe Angel were calling yesterday's Spring Training game against the Mets, when rain interrupted the contest. The O's and Mets left the field for a bit, but came back once the drizzle had subsided. Unfortunately for those listening on 105.7FM in the Metro Baltimore area, Joe and Fred did not return.

In fact, the duo even called home and said the game had been cancelled. Via the NY Post's Mets Blog....

FORT LAUDERDALE -- This is a bit off topic, but too funny nonetheless:

The Orioles' flagship radio team of Joe Angel and Fred Manfra quietly left the stadium here today during a 90-minute rain delay and didn't come back for the final eight innings, telling their bosses at 105.7 The Fan in Baltimore that the game had been canceled.

"Yes, the rest of the game was not on the air back home and we don't know why," baffled Orioles PR rep Jeff Lentz said later. "We looked over during the game and they weren't there."

The thing I find most random about this, is how no one in Baltimore could A) figure out the game was still going on, and B) if they did, how no one could get in touch with them. It's not like this was in the ninth inning. The rain delay happened in the first for chrissakes! Too funny.

O's announcers up and leave (NY Post)

Talk about an undertaking that I was definitely not prepared for. A few days ago, I started trying to collect what each network was planning on Super Bowl Sunday, and I was not prepared for the amount of work the following schedule of events would take. Either way though, you can view it in all of its glory below. I've got everything from celebrity guest appearances, to segments on each network, as well as your particulars on the game itself. Enjoy!

(FYI- Haven't settled on a live-blog or open thread for the Super Bowl, but I'll certainly have something going on)

Your Super Bowl XLIII Viewing Guide:

NBC

Pregame Show Length: 6 Hours (12pm-6pm)
Pregame Show Hosts and Analysts: Bob Costas, Cris Collinsworth, Keith Olbermann, Dan Patrick, Jerome Bettis, Tiki Barber, Peter King, Matt Millen, Tony Dungy, Mike Holmgren, Rodney Harrison, Matt Lauer, Al Roker
Celebrity Guests: President Barack Obama, Bruce Springsteen, Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Kevin James, Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Fallon, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Vin Diesel, Hayden Panettiere, Tom Colicchio from Bravo's Top Chef and Rainn Wilson
Musical Performances: Journey, John Legend, Faith Hill and Jennifer Hudson

Segments

9AM-12PM:

Today Show Coverage - "Meredith Viera, Al Roker and Ann Curry will give viewers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the sights, sounds, parties and food of the big game as well as the preparations that go into Super Sunday. They will also explore the city of Tampa and experience the local Super Bowl fever. Tiki Barber will get a VIP tour of the stadium from his twin brother Ronde, who plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers."

12PM-6PM:

"ROAD TO THE SUPER BOWL": "Bob Costas will kick off NBC's pregame coverage live at Noon ET from the "Pirate Ship"."

HAIL TO THE CHIEF: "NBC News' Matt Lauer will sit down with President Barack Obama for a live interview from the White House during NBC's Super Bowl Pregame Show."

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN: "Bruce Springsteen, who will be performing at halftime of Super Bowl XLIII, will be the subject of an exclusive sit-down during pregame with Bob Costas. Nightly News anchor Brian Williams, a native of the Jersey shore, is contributing an essay on his idol Springsteen in the pregame show."

COVER ME: "Among the features in the Super Bowl XLIII pregame show are segments on the Cardinals' Ken Whisenhunt, Kurt Warner, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald; features on Mike Tomlin, Troy Polamalu, James Harrison, beloved defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau and Ben Roethlisberger of the Steelers; analysis of each team with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who analyzed game film with Collinsworth; and a look at what the players experience during Super Bowl week. Rodney Harrison will analyze how to defend the seemingly unstoppable Fitzgerald."

"LITTLE BIG SHOW": "Olbermann and Patrick, who together redefined sports highlights, will break down the best highlights from the AFC and NFC this season."

BACK STAGE PASS: "NBC will follow the Cardinals and Steelers throughout the lead up to the game, from the team hotels, to the team buses, to the first-ever Super Bowl pregame reports from the locker rooms, to the teams' sidelines."

ROKER TO HOST SUPER SUITE: ""Today's" Al Roker will host NBC's pregame coverage from the "NBC Super Suite" from the NFL Experience in Tampa."

TOP CHEF: "Tom Colicchio from Bravo's Top Chef, will join Tiki Barber and Jerome Bettis in judging a "Cook-Off" between previous "Top Chef" contestants exploring the cuisines of Arizona and Pittsburgh."

GATORADE SHOWER: "CNBC's sports business reporter Darren Rovell will take a look at Gatorade and its iconic presence in the Super Bowl."

"LET THE SUNSHINE IN": "The Weather Channel's Jim Cantore will provide updates on the weather from Tampa throughout the pregame."
_________________________

ESPN

Pregame Show Length: 3 Hours (10pm-1pm)
Pregame Show Hosts and Analysts: Chris Berman, Cris Carter, Mike Ditka, Tom Jackson, Keyshawn Johnson, Chris Mortensen, Mike Tirico, Trent Dilfer, Ron Jaworski, Steve Young, Suzy Kolber and Ed Werder

Segments:

History (10am)- "In their own voices, the two Super Bowl XLIII quarterbacks, Ben Roethlisberger and Kurt Warner, narrate their team’s paths to the Super Bowl and the history that will be made."

Cardinals Turning Point (10:30am)- "Rachel Nichols reports on Whisenhunt’s decision to toughen up his team by practicing in pads once-a-week, a move that Arizona players say was the turning point to their season and improbable playoff run."

Mike Tomlin’s Formative Years (11am)- "In an old red notebook that sits on his mother’s kitchen table are pictures and hand-written captions describing early moments in the young coach’s path to the NFL. The first page reads: “This is a book about football and how it has molded my character, Michael Pettaway Tomlin 3-15-72.” Jackson speaks with Tomlin about his childhood memoirs."

Mayne Event: Offseason Insanity (11am)- "Kenny Mayne embarks on a mission to discover what other players are doing during their off-season, catching up with Pro Bowlers Jared Allen and Wes Welker as they begin their winter “retreats”."

Namath’s Guarantee (11am)- "Jeremy Schaap reports on the circumstances that led to Namath’s famous proclamation."

“Soundtracks” – AFC Championship (11:30am)- "Countdown will re-live the sights and sounds of the game"

Super Bowl Quarterback Blueprints for Success (11:30am)- "Former Super Bowl quarterbacks Dilfer, Jaworski and Young will present the blueprints for success for both Ben Roethlisberger and Kurt Warner."

Big Ben: Stand & Deliver (12pm)- "Tom Jackson sits down with Roethlisberger and his teammates to discuss how “Big Ben’s” style of play means big risk, but comes with big reward."

Larry Fitzgerald: Memories of Mom (12pm)- "Cris Carter sits down with the Arizona wide receiver to discuss how he honors his mother on the field and how her death has affected him."

EA Sports Virtual Playbook: Kurt Warner vs. Steelers’ Blitz (12:30pm)- "In EA Sports Virtual Playbook, Jackson previews how the Steelers blitz will pressure Kurt Warner in Super Bowl XLIII."

The Terrible Towel (1pm)- "Greg Garber traces the history of “The Terrible Towel” and the charity which benefits from the sales of the towel even after [Myron] Cope’s death last year.
_______________________

SUPER BOWL XLIII

WHAT: Super Bowl XLIII
WHO: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals
WHERE: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, Florida
WHEN: Kickoff 6:28pm (NBC)
SPREAD: Steelers -7, O/U 47
ANNOUNCERS: Al Michaels, John Madden, Andrea Kremer, Alex Flanagan, Peter King
TROPHY PRESENTER: Dan Patrick

(Info from ESPN and NBC PR)

I guess this shouldn't come as shock to anyone, but NBC Chairman Dick Ebersol told USA Today that if Madden should want to retire, they have a replacement already lined up. That person of course is Cris Collinsworth.

Not that Madden has ever suggested he wants to retire. He noted Tuesday that "it doesn't get any better" than working a Super Bowl and working another one "sounds pretty good." And NBC's Ebersol has repeated said that Madden will get that chance, saying he plans on keeping Madden at least through the remaining three seasons on NBC's NFL TV deal. Tuesday, Ebersol even volunteered he'd be "devastated" if Madden decided to retire. But if Madden did step aside, said Ebersol, Collinsworth would be "the first guy" in line. Which makes sense, given that Ebersol hired Collinsworth to be NBC's game analyst -- until Madden, who'd been at ABC, became available. Ebersol, still wanting Collinsworth on games, had him practice play-by-play calls in hopes he could be teamed with Madden -- until Al Michaels became available. Collinsworth, Tuesday, after being asked if he saw any chance in which he'd replace Madden in NBC's current deal: "I hope not."

I'm certainly a Collinsworth fan, but I don't know how I would feel about the guy actually doing play-by-play for a network. There are certainly worse options out there, but I think the current plan of succession is perfect for NBC. The only problem is that Michaels has already said he would retire when Madden does, so I'm not sure if that ultimately does mean a move to PbP for Collinsworth.

Whither John Madden (Open Mike)

Sports Rubbish points us toward a neat new invention from a company called Yoostar, that has created a program that leads you add your own commentary to NBA games. The company announced a partnership with the NBA at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and for just $149.95 (plus purchase of each team's videos), you can be the next Marv Albert!

For each NBA team, game footage of the final minutes from a memorable game will be available for fans to access and deliver their personal commentary. Select NBA Draft clips will also be available for fans to insert commentary. The NBA video highlights and NBA Draft clips will be available for purchase and download at NBA.com and www.yoostar.com.

The NBA joins a stellar group of Yoostar content providers including Paramount Pictures Corporation, Universal Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. and Lions Gate Films, Inc.

The Yoostar system ($149.95 suggested retail price) includes all the tools to turn a home or office into a broadcast studio: a sophisticated camera with built-in microphone, green screen, remote control and Yoostar software that runs on both PCs and Macs. The system comes with an assortment of clips, with hundreds of additional film scenes and television moments available for purchase and download at www.yoostar.com.

I have no idea why anyone would be willing to pay $149.95 for something that they could technically do for free with a cheap microphone and Youtube (and in this economy), but more power to Yoostar and the NBA.

Do Your Own Commentary On NBA Highlights and Videos With Yoostar (Sports Rubbish)

Lists are just about the most played out things on the planet these days, but when you put together a ranking of the "Top 50 Broadcasters", I'm going to post on it. The ASA has released such an article, and the interesting thing isn't the Top Ten, but rather some of the other names on the list. Most notably Joe Buck at #31 and Chris Berman at #35. Here's the list via Farther Off The Wall....

1. Vin Scully
2. Mel Allen
3. Red Barber
4. Curt Gowdy
5. Howard Cosell
6. Bob Costas
7. Jim McKay
8. Keith Jackson
9. Al Michaels
10. Dick Enberg
11. Jack Buck
12. Ted Husing
13. Jack Brickhouse
14. Don Dunphy
15. Graham McNamee
16. Ernie Harwell
17. Marv Albert
18. Harry Caray
19. Jon Miller
20. Bill Stern
21. Chick Hearn
22. Marty Glickman
23. Jack Whitaker
24. Jim Nantz
25. Chris Schenkel
26. Lindsey Nelson
27. Russ Hodges
28. Ray Scott
29. John Madden
30. Bob Prince
31. Joe Buck
32. Milo Hamilton
33. Bob Wolff
34. Chuck Thompson
35. Chris Berman
36. Phil Rizzuto
37. Marty Brennaman
38. Clem McCarthy
39. Bill Walton
40. Foster Hewitt
41. Harry Kalas
42. Johnny Most
43. Bob Elson
44. Brent Musberger
45. Pat Summerall
46. Merle Harmon
47. Dick Vitale
48. Dick Stockton
49. Tony Kubek
50. Bud Collins

While you can't argue with most of the names on that list, as I said above, there are a few questionable ones included. The best part is that Bill Walton is the chairman for ASA, and somehow he magically appears in the top forty. Stop voting for yourself, Bill!

The whole Top 50 ASA list, from Scully to Collins and beyond (Farther Off The Wall)

There are a few holes (Texas and Gator), and things are subject to change, but I've pieced together your (almost) full Bowl Games Announcing Schedule for 2008-2009. A lot of the teams are the same from last year, but the networks have them on different calls. Thom Brennaman and Charles Davis are still the #1 team for FOX and will be on both the Orange and National Championship games. The rest of the schedule is below, and look out for the Pammy winner post at the end of the day. Here are your Bowl Games....

Update: Pretty sure we've got all of the games filled in with the correct teams. If there are any errors be sure to shoot me an email. I'll be putting up the full radio schedule in a few for those who are looking for a guide.

Saturday December 20th

EagleBank Bowl: Wake Forest v. Navy (ESPN, 11am)- Terry Gannon, David Norrie, Quint Kessenich
New Mexico Bowl: Fresno State v. Colorado State (ESPN, 3pm)- Joe Tessitore, Rod Gilmore
St. Petersburg Bowl: Memphis v. South Florida (ESPN2, 4:30pm)- Sean McDonough, Chris Spielman, Rob Stone
Las Vegas Bowl: 16 Brigham Young v. Arizona (ESPN, 8pm)- Mike Patrick, Todd Blackledge, Holly Rowe

Sunday, December 21st

New Orleans Bowl: Troy v. Southern Mississippi (ESPN, 8pm)- Eric Collins, Shaun King

Tuesday, December 23rd

Poinsettia Bowl: 11 Texas Christian v. 9 Boise State (ESPN, 8pm)- Rece Davis, Lou Holtz, Mark May, Todd Harris

Wednesday, December 24th

Hawaii Bowl: Hawaii v. Notre Dame (ESPN, 8pm)- Dave Pasch, Andre Ware

Friday, December 26th

Motor City Bowl: Florida Atlantic v. Central Michigan (ESPN, 8pm)- Todd Harris, Ray Bentley

Saturday, December 27th

Meineke Car Care Bowl: North Carolina v. West Virginia (ESPN, 1pm)- Sean McDonough, Chris Spielman, Rob Stone
Champs Sports Bowl: Florida State v. Wisconsin (ESPN, 4:30pm)- Brad Nessler, Bob Griese, Paul Maguire, Holly Rowe
Emerald Bowl: Miami v. California (ESPN, 8pm)- Joe Tessitore, Rod Gilmore, Quint Kessenich

Sunday, December 28th

Independence Bowl: Louisiana Tech v. Northern Illinois (ESPN, 8pm)- Pam Ward, Ray Bentley

Monday, December 29th

Papajohns.com Bowl: North Carolina State v. Rutgers (ESPN, 3pm)- Eric Collins, Shaun King
Alamo Bowl: 23 Northwestern v. 21 Missouri (ESPN, 8pm)- Ron Franklin, Ed Cunningham, Jack Arute

Tuesday, December 30th

Humanitarian Bowl: Nevada v. Maryland (ESPN, 4:30pm)- Bob Wischusen, Brock Huard
Texas Bowl: Western Michigan v. Rice (NFL-N, 8pm)- Fran Charles, Tom Waddle, Kara Henderson
Holiday Bowl: 17 Oregon v. 13 Oklahoma State (ESPN, 8pm)- Chris Fowler, Jesse Palmer, Craig James, Erin Andrews

Wednesday, December 31st

Armed Forces Bowl: Air Force v. Houston (ESPN, Noon)- Terry Gannon, David Norrie
Sun Bowl: 20 Pittsburgh v. Oregon State (CBS, 2pm)- Verne Lundquist, Gary Danielson, Tracy Wolfson
Music City Bowl: 24 Boston College v. Vanderbilt (ESPN, 3:30pm)- Mark Jones, Bob Davie, Todd Harris
Insight Bowl: Kansas v. Minnesota (NFL Network, 5:30pm)- Paul Burmeister, Mike Mayock, Lindsay Soto
Chick-Fil-A Bowl: 14 Georgia Tech v. Louisiana State (ESPN, 8pm)- Brad Nessler, Bob Griese, Paul Maguire, Jack Arute

Thursday, January 1st

Outback Bowl: Iowa v. South Carolina (ESPN, 11am)- Sean McDonough, Chris Spielman, Rob Stone
Gator Bowl: Nebraska v. Clemson (CBS, 1pm)- Craig Bolerjack, Steve Beuerlein, Dan Fouts
Capital One Bowl: 18 Michigan State v. 15 Georgia (ABC, 1pm)- Mike Patrick, Todd Blackledge, Holly Rowe
Rose Bowl: 5 USC v. 8 Penn State (ABC, 4:30pm)- Brent Musburger, Kirk Herbstreit, Lisa Salters
Orange Bowl: 19 Virginia Tech v. 12 Cincinnati (FOX, 8pm)- Thom Brennaman, Charles Davis, Chris Myers

Friday, January 2nd

Cotton Bowl: 25 Mississippi v. 7 Texas Tech (FOX, 2pm)- Pat Summerall, Brian Baldinger, Jeanne Zelasko, Krista Voda
Liberty Bowl: East Carolina v. Kentucky (ESPN, 5pm)- Mark Jones, Bob Davie, Todd Harris
Sugar Bowl: 4 Alabama v. 6 Utah (FOX, 8pm)- Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Charissa Thompson, Chris Myers

Saturday, January 3rd

International Bowl: Connecticut v. Buffalo (ESPN2, Noon)- John Saunders, Jesse Palmer, Doug Flutie

Monday, January 5th

Fiesta Bowl: 3 Texas v. 10 Ohio State (FOX, 8pm)- Matt Vasgersian, Tim Ryan, Laura Okmin, Chris Myers

Sunday, January 6th

GMAC Bowl: Tulsa v. 22 Ball State (ESPN, 8pm)- Dave Pasch, Andre Ware

Monday, January 7th

BCS National Championship Game: 1 Oklahoma v. 2 Florida (FOX, 8pm)- Thom Brennaman, Charles Davis

Normally this is a Doctor Z thing, and I won't now how much he contributed until I receive the issue, but SI forwarded me a snippet of their Media Reviews for 2008 and I wanted to pass it along. They handed out awards for various things like best books, movies and documentaries, but here's the important one....Who are America's favorite announcers....

NFL - Bob Papa and Ron Jaworski
NBA - Mike Breen or Kevin Harlan and Doug Collins
MLB - Vin Scully and Vin Scully
NHL - Jim Hughson and Brian Hayward
NCAA Hoops - Gus Johnson and Bill Raftery
NCAA Football - Ron Franklin and Kirk Herbstreit

I have no idea why they listed Vin Scully twice, or if someone's missing, but other than that....I can't really find anything wrong with the list. I wouldn't personally say that Bob Papa is my favorite NFL announcer, but people seem to be taking a shine to him on the NFL Network.

I'll have more on SI's reviews when the issue comes out, and I'll have my own end of the year post up soon.

It's rare that I see any of the new Simpsons episodes, so I missed this little cameo during last night's episode. Marv Albert made an appearance as himself, well his voice did, and I wanted to pass along the clip. First though, Marv did an interview with USA Today, and had this to say about his experience tapping the show.

While the breadth of Marv Albert's cinematic oeuvre is substantial, he's been narrowly typecast: He always plays a sportscaster — specifically, always himself.

But still, the TNT NBA analyst and longtime sportscaster doesn't feel Hollywood has overlooked his potential versatility: "I was up for the lead in Quantum of Solace, but I passed. You have to know your limitations."

But even always playing yourself doesn't mean you can't stretch. On Fox's The Simpsons Sunday, he played himself calling a game while being attacked by bees. The show's star, he says, generously helped him with back story and motivation — "Homer was on the phone talking me through it."

I still think Al Michaels performance on Hawaii Five-O was better, but not bad at all. So with that cameo, you can add an appearance on "The Simpsons" to Marv's long illustrious Movie/TV career which includes such classics as: The Cookout, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins, Sesame Street, Saved By the Bell, The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh, Frasier, The King of Queens, Everybody Loves Raymond, Eddie and The Game Plan!

Marv of the movies: Always in character (USA Today)

CBS is kicking off their coverage for the year next weekend, and it'll be our first look at the teams of Nantz-Kellogg and Lundquist-Anthony. Jim and Clark will be on the call of Memphis-G'Town this Saturday, while Verne and Greg will be in Kentucky as the Wildcats take on Indiana. Hopefully the photo above is the last time we'll have to see Bill Packer in these parts!

Here is your schedule and as always, thanks to the work that The 506 puts in on these. If you have something or someone to share, please add it or them in the comments....

Monday, December 8th

Lamar @ Louisville (Big East Network, 7pm)- Ari Wolfe, Bob Valvano (Will Air on MASN, SNY, WHAS)
Farleigh Dickinson @ Monmouth (NEC, 7pm)- Dave Popkin, Tim Capstraw, Paul Dottino (Will Air on MSG, FCS Atlantic)
Hawaii @ Illinois (BTN, 8pm)- Gus Johnson, Jim Jackson
Wichita State @ Texas Christian (MTN, 9pm)- James Bates, Steve Wolf

Tuesday, December 9th

Davidson v. West Virginia (ESPN, 7pm)- Dan Shulman, Jay Bilas, Doris Burke
Northern Iowa @ Iowa (ESPNU, 7pm)- Dan McLaughlin, Mike Kelley
Virginia Tech @ Georgia (SEC, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS South, Florida, CSN Mid-Atlantic, NESN)
Idaho State @ Wisconsin (BTN, 8:30pm)- Craig Coshun, Doug Altenberger
Texas v. Villanova (ESPN, 9pm)- Dan Shulman, Dick Vitale, Doris Burke
Drake @ Iowa State (ESPNU, 9pm)- Dave Armstrong, Reid Gettys

Wednesday, December 10th

Coppin State @ Loyola-MD (MASN, 6pm)- TBD
Army @ Penn State (ESPNU, 7pm)- Scott Graham, Jay Williams
Ohio @ Xavier (FS Ohio, 7:30pm)- TBD
Texas Christian @ Indiana (ESPN2, 8pm)- Terry Gannon, Stephen Bardo
Alabama A&M @ Vanderbilt (CSS, 8pm)- TBD
Florida Gulf Coast @ Florida (FS Florida, 8pm)- TBD (Will Air on SportSouth)
California @ Utah (MTN, 8pm)- TBD
South Dakota State @ Minnesota (BTN, 9pm)- Wayne Larrivee, Jim Jackson
San Diego State @ Arizona (FS Arizona, 9pm)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Pacific)
Colorado State @ Colorado (FS Rocky Mountain, 9pm)- TBD
Boise State @ Brigham Young (MTN, 10pm)- TBD
Gonzaga @ Washington State (KHQ, 10pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Northwest, FCS Central)

Thursday, December 11th

Wisconsin-Milwaukee @ Marquette (Big East Network, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on TWC Sports 32)
St. Joseph's @ Villanova (ESPN2, 8pm)- Dave O'Brien, Steve Lavin
Southern Mississippi v. Kansas State (FS Kansas City, 8pm)- TBD
Sacramento State @ New Mexico State (Aggie Vision, 9pm)- TBD (Will Air on Altitude)

Friday, December 12th

Iowa State @ Iowa (BTN, 8pm)- Steve Schlanger, Shon Morris
Delaware State @ Maryland (CSN Mid-Atlantic, 8pm)- TBD

Saturday, December 13th

Tennessee @ Temple (ESPN, Noon)- Brad Nessler, Bill Raftery
Long Beach State @ Syracuse (ESPNU, Noon)- Dave Ryan, Jay Williams
St. Francis (NY) @ Hofstra (MSG+, Noon)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Atlantic)
Butler @ Ohio State (BTN, Noon)- Tom Hamilton, Jim Jackson
Texas State @ Texas (FS Southwest, 1pm)- TBD
Austin Peay @ Louisville (Big East Network, 1pm)- TBD (Will Air on SNY, MASN, WHAS)
Memphis @ Georgetown (CBS, 2pm)- Jim Nantz, Clark Kellogg
Massachusetts @ Kansas (ESPN, 2pm)- Ron Franklin, Fran Fraschilla
Virginia Commonwealth @ Richmond (ESPNU, 2pm)- TBD
Indiana State @ Purdue (BTN, 2pm)- Tom Werme, Bob Ford
IPFW @ Marquette (Big East Network, 2pm)- TBD (Will Air on TWC Sports 32)
Indiana @ Kentucky (CBS, 4pm)- Verne Lundquist, Greg Anthony
Utah @ Oklahoma (ESPN2, 4pm)- Terry Gannon, Stephen Bardo
Mississippi @ New Mexico (Versus, 4pm)- TBD
Florida State @ Georgia State (CSN Regional, 4pm)- TBD (Will Air on CSN Mid-Atlantic, CSS)
San Diego State v. St. Mary's (HDNet, 4:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on KCAL, CSN California)
Prairie View A&M @ Baylor (FS Southwest, 5pm)- TBD
Oral Roberts @ North Carolina (ESPN2, 6pm)- Mike Patrick, Len Elmore
Alcorn State @ Michigan State (BTN, 6pm)- Mark Neely, Trent Tucker
DePaul v. UCLA (HDNet, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on KCAL)
Murray State @ Missouri (Mizzou Sports, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Midwest)
UMBC @ Pittsburgh (Big East Network, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Pittsburgh, MASN)
Xavier @ Cincinnati (ESPN2, 8pm)- Dave O'Brien, Jay Bilas
UW-Green Bay @ Wisconsin (BTN, 8pm)- Mel Proctor, Shon Morris
Nebraska @ Oregon State (FSN Regional, 8pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Northwest, Midwest, FCS Pacific)
Texas A&M @ Alabama (CSS, 8pm)- TBD
San Diego @ Oregon (OSN, 8pm)- TBD
Portland @ Brigham Young (MTN, 10pm)- TBD
Montana State v. Washington State (FS Northwest, 10pm)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Pacific)

Sunday, December 14th

Niagara @ South Florida (Bright House-Tampa, 1pm)- TBD (Will Air on SNY, FCS Atlantic)
Longwood @ Virginia Tech (CSN Mid-Atlantic, 2pm)- TBD
Wright State @ Wake Forest (FSN, 4pm)- Tim Brando, Mike Gminski (Will Air on FS Arizona, Detroit, Florida, Midwest, Northwest, Ohio, Pittsburgh, South, Southwest, West, CSN Bay Area, Chicago, Mid-Atlantic+, NESN, MSG+, FCS Atlantic
Texas El-Paso @ New Mexico State (Aggie Vision, 4pm)- TBD (Will Air on Altitude)
Gonzaga v. Arizona (FSN, 6pm)- Ted Robinson, Marques Johnson (Will Air on FS Arizona, Detroit, Florida, Midwest, Northwest, Ohio, Pittsburgh, South, Southwest, West, CSN Bay Area, Chicago, Mid-Atlantic, MSG+, FCS Atlantic)
Stanford @ Colorado State (CBS College Sports, 7pm)- TBD
Villanova @ LaSalle (ESPNU, 7pm)- TBD
Portland State @ Washington (FS Northwest, 8pm)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Pacific)