In N.Y., Bob Raissman wonders if the recent suspension of MLB Giants LF Melky Cabrera for PED use could impact negotiations for a new TV deal. Raissman cites a source saying, "If all of a sudden guys were dropping left and right, big stars from big teams, it could give you pause (on spending heavily on MLB TV rights). But in the long run the sport already survived the worst. It’s a huge stretch to think one positive (drug) test is going to weigh heavily on negotiations that are already going on" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 8/17).
BEHIND THE CURTAIN: In Tampa, Marc Topkin notes the Rays and Angels "are being filmed this week" for an episode of NBC Sports Network's "Caught Looking." While the Rays "are cooperating to a degree," manager Joe Maddon on Thursday said that they "are not offering unfettered access." Maddon: "All the esoteric stuff remains such. We don't unfetter anybody." The show planned to follow Rays 3B Evan Longoria and 2B Ben Zobrist "for some off-field activities" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 8/17).
JOCKS ON THE MIC: Hockey HOFer Patrick Roy will join French-language Canadian net RDS for its sports talk show "L'antichambre" (Montreal GAZETTE, 8/16)....Former NFLer and CBS analyst Boomer Esiason will serve as Senior NFL Analyst for the CBS Sports Radio Network when it launches next month (CBS).
