Buck Martinez Returning To Blue Jays As TV Play-By-Play Voice

Martinez Will Do Play-By-Play For 110 Blue Jays Broadcasts

Rogers Sportsnet Thursday announced TBS and Orioles analyst and former Blue Jays analyst Buck Martinez "will do play-by-play for all 110" of its Blue Jays broadcasts, according to Chris Zelkovich of the TORONTO STAR. Martinez replaces Jamie Campbell, "who was reassigned after five years in the job." It is "not clear who Martinez will work with," as the contracts of analysts Pat Tabler, Rance Mulliniks and Darrin Fletcher are "all up for renewal." Martinez has "done only a handful of play-by-play assignments, but believes he is prepared for the job (THESTAR.com, 12/10). Martinez said, "Obviously it's a different role, but because I've been blessed with so many great play-by-play partners ... I think I can take something from all of them." Zelkovich writes no matter who "works beside Martinez," Sportsnet "already has upgraded its broadcasts" (TORONTO STAR, 12/11). The GLOBE & MAIL's Bruce Dowbiggin noted the shift marks an investment by Blue Jays Owner Rogers Communications in "firming up the Blue Jays' brand on television at a time when its investments on the field have not paid off." The move to Martinez also will "give the Sportsnet broadcasts a credibility that Campbell was unable to establish in his five years in the booth." Martinez, who also played for and managed the franchise, can "speak to the game at every level and is an integral part of the Blue Jays' institutional culture that" President & CEO Paul Beeston has "sought to instill since returning to the club" (GLOBESPORTS.com, 12/10).

FILLING THE VOID: In Baltimore, Peter Schmuck noted former Orioles Exec VP/Baseball Operations Mike Flanagan "would seem like an obvious candidate" to replace Martinez on MASN's Orioles broadcasts. Orioles pre- and postgame analyst Rick Dempsey "probably would like to be considered" and Sirius XM host and former Mets GM Jim Duquette is "still living in the area." Schmuck wrote it is also possible MASN could create "more play-by-play responsibilities for Jim Hunter" and add "more games to Jim Palmer's schedule" (BALTIMORESUN.com, 12/10).