WFAN's "Russo Replacement List" Has Some Very Interesting Names On It
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
NB of Newsday has been smack in the middle of this mess the whole Summer and now he's moved on to finding out who Mike Francesa's new partner will be. Apparently the network also has to find an update person, which is the topic of his most recent post, but he throws out some very interesting partner possibilities as well.....
The search for an update person seems to be further along than that for a new No. 2 man (or woman).Hahaha....and I want Chuck Klosterman as a weekend editor!* They have to be delusional if they think that Simmons would ever accept that job, but I guess you don't know the answer until you ask. The leading candidate from what I've heard is Sid Rosenberg, and while he's had his "issues" over the years, it wouldn't really be that bad of a pick. He's seemingly settled down a bit in his old age and has experience working in New York. Albeit with Imus, but experience none-the-less.
From what I have been able to piece together, the update list includes Bob Heussler, Jerry Recco, Sal Licata and Jonas Schwartz. Heussler, known as "Mr. Met" on the show, long has shown a willingness to stand up to Francesa and Chris Russo as well as a dry sense of humor.
As for the bigger job . . . all sorts of interesting names have been seriously discussed, from what I hear, including Sid Rosenberg, Chris Carlin, Ian Eagle and even ESPN.com's Bill Simmons.
I'm also surprised with Ian (EYE-IN) Eagle's name being among those mentioned. I'm a fan, and I think he's a pretty good announcer, but the guy comes off as being just boring as hell. Well unless he feels like he's at a Bar Mitzvah....
Mike Francesa, WFAN looking into new cast members (Newsday)
*- I wouldn't really subject you all to him every weekend. It was just an example.
9 Comments:
Simmons can't do it unless his contract is bought out or he is fired.
WFAN regularly kicks ESPN Radio's arse in the ratings in NYC. For the last couple of years, ESPN has stopped allowing their employees to even appear on WFAN as guests.
They certainly won't let them on as a co-host.
I don't think they're looking for a full time replacement, I think Mike wants this show to be his own. My guess is they'll get someone to contribute either as a sidekick (like Robin to Mike's Batman) or only for a portion of the time.
I think Simmons would be great to have on as a periodic contributor, he's a huge fan of the show and Mike likes him. He would be a good counterpoint to Mike (young and from Boston).
Btw, Sid also hosted the mid day show on the Fan for a few years with a couple partners but I don't think Mike likes him.
As for Eagle, he's a long time Fan contributor and even has filled in the M&MD and is pretty good on the air.
Kevin Slaten(formerly of 590 KFNS in St. Louis) is looking for work, and would be the perfect foil for Francesa. No, strike that; he's an even bigger asshole than Russo.
Experience in New York?
Knows how to stir things up?
Already has done radio shows in NYC this summer (with of all people Brandon Tierney)?
Yes, the man WFAN needs to co-host is Rob Parker.
/ducks
Ian Eagle is one of my favorite CBS Sports broadcasters. I think he'd be excellent. Perhaps it's just me, but I find him quite entertaining. Different strokes for different folks, I suppose.
Please let Sid go back to New York.
I'm another one who enjoys Ian Eagle's work. He's respectful to callers (a rarity) and has a dry sense of humor. Not sure how he'd do on the new Francesa show, but I always thought he deserved more airtime when he filled in on the 'FAN.
Ian has a great sense of humor and is far from boring
There is no way that Simmons would accept a job where he talks about the Yankees for 5+ hours a day.