MLB has announced that "Legends Are Born in October" will be the theme of its '11 postseason multimedia campaign. The campaign launched last weekend "across all platforms, fully integrated with MLB.com, MLB Network, TBS, FOX, and locally through all clubs." The first spot aired Saturday on Fox, and was followed by spots Sunday on ESPN and TBS. The effort "will continue with multiple TV and digital executions" on the networks, and each one will feature the song "Written in the Stars" by Tinie Tempah featuring Eric Turner "as the backdrop to memorable video moments" from past postseasons (MLB.com, 8/20). CABLEFAX DAILY wrote this year's postseason campaign features players including Yankees SS Derek Jeter, Cardinals 1B Albert Pujols and Red Sox DH David Ortiz (CABLEFAX DAILY, 8/22).
UNWELCOME DISTRACTION? Showtime's series "The Franchise" runs through the end of the month, and the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER's Tim Goodman wrote, "You have to wonder if there's a lack of focus effecting the Giants because they're in the spotlight" as a result of their appearance on the program. The team has been 16-20 since the show debuted on July 13. It would be "impossible to lay blame entirely on 'The Franchise' for the Giants not getting it done on the field," but Goodman believes "there's an element in play here that can't be ignored." Goodman: "If you're barely hitting your weight -- or in some cases under it -- how much grinding goes on wondering if the next team to be profiled on 'The Franchise' is out there watching and mocking your struggles" (HOLLYWOODREPORTER.com, 8/19).
YES, DEAR: In N.Y., Bob Raissman wrote former MLBer David Cone appeared on YES Network for the Yankees' series against the Royals last week, "again showing his ability to communicate and entertain." As a color commentator, Cone has "some edgy qualities, but doesn't come off condescending like other voices who believe they invented the game." Raissman: "With Cone, you never feel like he's talking down to you, that he thinks he's smarter than the rest of us schlubs. He doesn't just talk pitching either. Cone obviously feels comfortable dishing on all aspects of the game, which is not always the case with every analyst" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 8/21). Meanwhile, Raissman notes Yankees P A.J. Burnett offered expletives on Saturday as he passed manager Joe Girardi on the pitcher's mound, and YES Network "thoroughly covered this controversy on the fly." Raissman: "The network's crew didn't hold back. YES had the money shot" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 8/23).
TAKING A LOOK: In Denver, Dusty Saunders wrote baseball fans "have to applaud the MLB Network's superb nationwide coverage, which averages 25 live 'look-ins' nightly during games across the country." For many fans "with agile TV thumbs, clicking to the 'look-ins' has become an important way of following baseball." The "growing popularity of 'look-ins' parallels the success of the NFL Network's 'Red Zone' programming on Sunday afternoons" (DENVER POST, 8/22).
