The Padres are "aggressively pursuing" outgoing Red Sox play-by-play broadcaster Don Orsillo for a "significant role" on FS San Diego, according to sources cited by Chad Finn of the BOSTON GLOBE. Orsillo "has spoken with the Padres about a long-term contract that includes an opportunity to broadcast some national games for parent company Fox Sports." Dick Enberg currently calls Padres games for FS San Diego, but the 80-year old on Wednesday announced that '16 "would be his final season." It is "uncertain how Orsillo would fit in next year if he lands in San Diego, but Enberg already works a reduced schedule -- he’ll call in the vicinity of 140 games this year." Brad Blank, Orsillo’s agent, said that other franchises, including possibly the Dodgers, have "shown interest in hiring the broadcaster." ESPN "also has reached out," but the Padres possibility "is the clear front-runner" (BOSTON GLOBE, 9/25).
ENBERG ENAMORED: In San Diego, Dennis Lin notes Enberg on Thursday "reflected on his choice" to retire following the '16 season. Enberg: "It’s been a struggle all year thinking about it, but I’m really happy I made the decision. I think it’s right." He added, "My dream was to die in a booth. I’d like to keep going until my head hits the table after I say, 'The Padres win the World Series.' And then on the other hand, it’s an old cliche, but the guy on the deathbed has never said 'I wished I’d worked more in my life,' and that kept resonating with me." Lin notes Enberg and the Padres "have come up with a plan" in which Enberg will "remain involved in a still-to-be-determined capacity" after he leaves the booth. Enberg: "The ballclub has been kind enough to say, OK, let’s have a soft landing. ... I really want to be a part of the team in some way, and I think I have a lot of different little things I can give, hopefully in 2017 and beyond" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 9/25). Also in San Diego, Nick Canepa writes under the header, "Dick Enberg Will Be Irreplaceable." Canepa: "We’re about to come to the end of a very brief era, but a very important one for the Padres." Enberg, a "crown jewel the baseball organization smartly put around its neck in 2009, always knowing it wouldn’t be wearing it for long ... has classed up this joint" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 9/25).
