In N.Y., Bob Raissman wondered if Yankees fans will tune into YES Network "in record numbers to see if the Bombers can turn things around” after missing the playoffs in 2023. But with the level of anticipation “even higher” for Yankees fans, viewers may “bail if the Yankees don’t get off to a fast start turning YES into a must avoid.” Yankees GM Brian Cashman has “fortified YES’ product with star power by acquiring a must-see-TV attraction,” LF Juan Soto, to “pair with another ratings magnet,” RF Aaron Judge. P Gerrit Cole brings “plenty of hardcore and casual eyeballs to TV sets expecting to see the Cy Young winner do something special." But with “so much at stake,” YES voices “won’t be able to ignore any pressure surrounding" Cashman or manager Aaron Boone (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 3/22).
TAKE A DIFFERENT APPROACH: In Boston, Chad Finn wrote he wishes NESN “would take a more streamlined approach to its Red Sox booth,” in the hopes of “not only developing more chemistry between the broadcasters, but in providing more consistency for viewers.” Color analysts Lou Merloni and Will Middlebrooks are “good listens,” Kevin Youkilis is “fine” and play-by-play voice Dave O’Brien “works to bring out the best in all of them.” Merloni “would be excellent as NESN’s main, 130-or-so-games-per-season Red Sox color analyst,” but the “piece-it-together approach is presumably better for NESN’s budget than it is aesthetically for Red Sox fans” (BOSTON GLOBE, 3/23).
