In Philadelphia, Jayson Stark reports that MLB's next TV
deal "will be a vast improvement over the current mess and will
be modeled after the one struck by the NFL, with two over-the-air
networks and two cable networks sharing the package"
(PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 8/20). In Boston, Jack Craig writes that
MLB "could be in a strong bargaining position with TV next
season" because of NBC's Olympics bids. NBC's expenditures
"freed up money and perhaps desire for Fox to retaliate by
claiming baseball." CBS and ABC may also have "renewed interest"
(BOSTON GLOBE, 8/20).
SCOOTER RETIRES: Yankee announcer Phil Rizzuto resigned
Friday from his post at WPIX claiming he was disappointed that he
couldn't make Mickey Mantle's funeral. WPIX officials say they
didn't force Rizzuto to stay and cover that night's game, but
that they did want his voice on a WPIX Mantle tribute. Brandon
Steiner, Rizzuto's agent: "The WPIX thing upset him. But I
spoke to him and it was more the funeral that made him take
stock. He's 77, the schedule is tough and he wants to spend more
time at home" (Steve Zipay, NEWSDAY, 8/19). The DAILY NEWS has
launched a "Save our Scooter" campaign (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 8/20).
Richard Sandomir reports that since his statements Friday,
"Rizzuto is wavering" (N.Y. TIMES, 8/20).
