TBS MLB analyst Dusty Baker said that there is a "mutual option" if both sides "want to continue the partnership" in '16. SI.com's Richard Deitsch noted Baker will "sit alongside Pedro Martinez, Gary Sheffield and host Casey Stern for pre- and post-game shows" during TBS’ NL coverage for the rest of the season and postseason. Baker was "approached by multiple television networks after he was fired by the Reds" in '13, but he "needed to take some time away from the game" after 20 years of managing. But when Turner execs "approached his broadcasting agent Lou Oppenheim a couple of months ago Baker was interested." Baker: "Last year was too early for me to consider because I had to get over the initial shock of being fired" (SI.com, 9/21).
CHANGE IT UP! NHL Network on Tuesday announced the on-air talent lineup for its three signature studio shows: "NHL Live," "NHL Tonight" and "On The Fly." Beginning Oct. 5, "NHL Live" will be anchored by returning hosts Steve Mears and E.J. Hradek. "NHL Tonight" will be hosted by former NESN anchor Jamison Coyle and former CBS Sports Radio voice Tony Luftman. "On The Fly" will be hosted by former FS North host/reporter Jamie Hersch, and NBC's Kathryn Tappen will appear across NHL Network programming after the new year. Other on-air personalities at NHL Network will include former NHLers Martin Biron, Brian Boucher, Mike Johnson, Dave Reid, Mike Rupp, Kevin Weekes, John MacLean, Hockey HOFer Scott Stevens, former Rangers GM Neil Smith and former NHL coach John Tortorella (NHL).
COACH TALK: ESPN.com's John Weinfuss reported former Cardinals coaching intern Jen Welter has "been hired by a Phoenix TV station as an NFL analyst." KPNX-NBC News Dir Sandra Kotzambasis said the net will have Welter "contribute to its Sunday night sports show during the NFL season and to other sportscasts throughout the week." Kotzambasis in an e-mail wrote, "We're excited to have Jen share her unique perspective and expertise with our audience, both on-air and with articles on 12News.com" (ESPN.com, 9/23).
NOTES: TSN yesterday announced that Winnipeg Free Press columnist Gary Lawless has signed an agreement to work with the net on a full-time basis, appearing exclusively on TSN platforms, including writing exclusively for TSN Digital Properties. Lawless had been at the Free Press since '99 (TSN)....Fox Deportes named Telemundo host Jesse Losada play-by-play announcer for NFL and college football broadcasts and blow-by-blow announcer for Premier Boxing Champions (Fox).
