Media Notes

GRADING THE DRAFT ... COVERAGE: In CA, Bob Keisser writes TNT's coverage of Wednesday's NBA Draft "was one of the best `draft' shows yet, mostly because Charles Barkley speaks his mind and host Ernie Johnson does a nice job straddling information and entertainment. Sending Dei Lynam ... to China to interview [Yao Ming] was a real coup" (Long Beach PRESS-TELEGRAM, 6/28). But USA TODAY's Rudy Martzke writes except for Barkley's "outrageousness" and Craig Sager's "generally intriguing interviews," TNT's coverage "provided evidence that ESPN simply covers drafts better." Martzke: "ESPN, which will take over the NBA draft next year, manages to make the needless 15-minute break in NFL first-round picks appear more compelling" (USA TODAY, 6/28).

NOTES: In N.Y., Andrew Marchand reports Yankees manager Joe Torre last Saturday "ejected an ESPN cameraman from his postgame interview session in San Diego," while saying, "Anything with that logo on it [ticks] me off." Torre "has mostly been upset with ESPN because he felt the network has hyped the Roger Clemens-Mike Piazza saga too much." ESPN spokesperson Dan Quinn said, "We think we've covered Joe Torre and the team fairly" (N.Y. POST, 6/28)....In Minneapolis, Judd Zulgad reports FSN North officials "have rejected" Twins analyst Bert Blyleven's "attempts to discuss a new deal." But FSN North VP & GM Steve Woelfel said that "waiting until after the season [to negotiate] is standard procedure." Blyleven: "I need to get my resume out there because I'm sure other networks or clubs will be looking for a new analyst" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 6/28)....KDKA-CBS sportscaster Paul Alexander has been named to host KDKA-AM's 6:00-9:00pm weekday sports show, beginning August 5. Alexander signed a three-year contract and replaces Thor Tolo, whose contract was not renewed after seven years with the station (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 6/28).