In Houston, former Astros Owner Drayton McLane in a special writes, "I decided Wednesday to support a reorganization plan for the Comcast Sports Net Houston, even though that decision will likely cause a significant financial loss for me and my company. Why make a decision with those consequences? I truly believe it's in the best interest of the Astros, Rockets and, most important, fans. I sold the Astros, but I did not lose my love for Houston" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 9/26).
CLOSE TO A DEAL: In L.A., Lance Pugmire reported despite a TV rights deal still not being signed, the Ducks were "far along enough in negotiations with Fox to reveal" the club's full TV schedule on Wednesday. The schedule calls for "all 82 games to be televised," including 71 games across FS Prime Ticket and FS West. The Ducks' talks "have progressed to the point that Fox has guaranteed the games will all air as discussions continue to fully negotiate the rights deal." Play-by-play announcer John Ahlers and color analyst Brian Hayward "will return to call the game action, with Mark Rogondino hosting pre- and post-game shows and Kent French reporting" (LATIMES.com, 9/25).
END OF THE ROAD? In St. Louis, Dan Caesar notes Tim McCarver, who "served as analyst on 30 Cards tailcoats" on FS Midwest this season, "had his farewell appearance Wednesday and still is not sure if he will return next season." But one thing that is certain is McCarver "added insight and a refreshing no-holding-back approach to the mix" (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 9/26).
SECOND CHANCE SHOT: On Long Island, Neil Best reports former NHLer Rick DiPietro's "budding radio career began Aug. 11, when he first joined" analyst Alan Hahn on ESPN N.Y. Radio, and the station is "set to announce a new daily lineup Friday that includes Hahn and DiPietro as the 7:00-10:00pm ET co-hosts. On many nights this season, Hahn and DiPietro "will be pre-empted by Knicks or Rangers games as well as other events" such as the MLB playoffs. But the assignment "culminated a rapid ascension that began with the pair getting positive reviews from their first week on the air" (NEWSDAY, 9/26).
