In Boston, Peter Abraham reports Red Sox analyst Jerry Remy next season "will remain on NESN but in a reduced role." Remy will call "at least 100" games, while Dennis Eckersley and Steve Lyons "will work a 'significant number of games' with new play-by-play voice Dave O’Brien." NESN "also will use a three-man booth on occasion." Remy "has been with NESN since 1988, working as the primary analyst." However, in recent years, he "has missed a significant number of games due to illness and was often replaced by Eckersley or Lyons" (BOSTON GLOBE, 10/23). NESN, which "decided to part ways with longtime play-by-play announcer Don Orsillo, had not determined Remy’s status until Thursday" (PORTLAND PRESS-HERALD, 10/23).
GO SOUTHWEST, YOUNG MEN: In Oklahoma City, Erik Horne notes former NBAer Antonio Daniels "was announced Thursday as the new analyst" on FS Southwest's "Thunder Live" pre- and postgame shows this season. Daniels "joins the Thunder crew following the departure of Nancy Lieberman," who was on the broadcast since '12. He "will pair with Lesley McCaslin in studio for home games, and for road games will be paired with John Rhadigan in the Fox Sports studios in Dallas." A Thunder spokesperson said that Daniels "will also be in Oklahoma City for an unspecified number of home games" (OKLAHOMAN, 10/23). Meanwhile, FS Southwest has announced that former NBAer Eduardo Najera has joined the net as an analyst on the "Mavs Live" pre- and postgame shows. He makes his debut next Wednesday prior the club's season opener against the Suns (FS Southwest).
RACIN' MASON: In Nashville, Adam Vingan noted former NHLer Chris Mason last week "made his debut as an analyst" on the Predators' radio broadcast during the team's three-game road trip. Mason said of his debut, "The first week went pretty good. I definitely know that I have a lot to learn and areas to improve on, just getting the timing down, thinking of things to say on the spot, putting my thoughts into quick sentences." Vingan noted with radio analyst Brent Peterson "wanting to lighten his schedule," Predators Senior Dir of Broadcast & Entertainment Bob Kohl "asked Mason if he'd like to join the broadcast team on a part-time basis." In all, Mason "will work roughly one-third of Nashville's games this season" (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 10/22).
NOTES: Sounders broadcaster Ross Fletcher "will leave the club at the end of this season ... bringing to an end a four-year tenure in Seattle." Fletcher "had spent the preceding decade-plus covering" the EPL and Championship, first for Derby County then with BBC Radio 5 Live. He "replaced fellow Englishman Arlo White, who left the Sounders to become the lead play-by-play voice of NBC Sports’ EPL coverage" (SEATTLE TIMES, 10/23)....The NBPA has named former Bleacher Report NBA writer Jared Zwerling Senior Multimedia Writer to enhance the content on its digital/social platforms. He will produce feature-story, video and social content that dives into the different aspects of players' on- and off-court lives/interests. He will appear on local and national TV and radio shows to discuss player stories and season developments (NBPA).
