ESPN MLB analyst and former Dodgers P Orel Hershiser "is returning as a team television broadcaster" for Time Warner Cable's new SportsNet L.A. RSN, according to sources cited by Steve Dilbeck of the L.A. TIMES. The Dodgers last week also added ESPN's Nomar Garciaparra as a commentator and are "adding Alanna Rizzo from MLB Network to their pre- and post-game shows." The hires are "expected to be announced this week." Hershiser will "take over an expanded version" of the role former color analyst Steve Lyons had. ESPN had an "option to equal any offer Hershiser received, but reportedly elected not to match." There are "expected to be several Dodgers-themed shows Hershiser will also be a part of" (LATIMES.com, 12/8). Meanwhile, the AP's Ronald Blum reports former MLBer Curt Schilling is replacing Hershiser on ESPN's "Sunday Night Baseball" next season (AP, 12/9).
BIRD ON A WIRE: MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch reported FS Midwest is "nearing completion of a deal" that would add former Fox analyst Tim McCarver to the Cardinals' broadcast booth "in a limited role next season." Sources said that the Cardinals are "supportive of the addition ... and the structure of McCarver's deal is expected to include a workload of around 20-25 games." FS Midwest has "not announced any of its broadcast plans for next season, but the network does plan to return all the members" of its '13 broadcast team. If Mike Shannon "reduces the number of games he calls on radio, television analysts Rick Horton and Al Hrabosky may again be asked to fill in alongside John Rooney." That would "create opportunities for McCarver to slide into the television broadcast booth" (MLB.com, 12/8).
MEDIA MOVES: The MLB Rangers last week announced Steve Busby will return for his second full season on play-by-play for FS Southwest, while former MLBer Tom Grieve will return for his 20th year as analyst for the majority of games on the RSN and TXA-CBS. Former MLBer Mark McLemore will work as an analyst with Busby for approximately 25 regular-season games. He spent the last several seasons as the lead analyst on FSSW and TXA's pre- and post-game coverage and filled in for several games in '13 (Rangers). In Dallas, Barry Horn noted Grieve is "scheduled to get 25 games off next season to spend more time with his family." McLemore will "replace Grieve on extended road trips in May and July and during assorted home games." Former FSSW host Emily Jones also has "signed on with the Rangers as an in-house television correspondent" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 12/7).
