SI.com's Richard Deitsch reported MLB Network’s Harold Reynolds, TBS' John Smoltz and SI's Tom Verducci have "emerged as the leading candidates" to replace Fox MLB analyst Tim McCarver. Other candidates being considered include Rangers C A.J. Pierzynski and Tigers RF Torii Hunter, though it is "unlikely both would retire after excellent seasons." Meanwhile, TBS' Pedro Martinez, "long one of the better interviews in baseball, has a chance to be terrific television" following his debut with the net yesterday (SI.com, 9/29).
HOT REID: The AP reported ESPN motorsports announcer Marty Reid is "no longer with the network." Allen Bestwick, who called Saturday's 5-Hour Energy 200, will "call the remainder" of the Nationwide Series races this season. Reid also was the net’s lead IndyCar announcer, and "that position will be addressed later." Reid "erred during the Sept. 21 Nationwide Series race at Kentucky when he called the win for Ryan Blaney one lap shy of the finish" (AP, 9/29).
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: SB NATION's Ben Bromley wrote Monumental Network's online MLS broadcast of DC United-Toronto FC on Saturday was "a mixed bag." The production value was "rather poor," but the combination of broadcasters Santino Quaranta and Dave Johnson was "a good match that can only get better as the two get more familiar with each other." It seemed like Monumental needed to take "more time preparing for this broadcast." It was "supposed to start" at 12:45pm ET, with "15 minutes of pregame coverage." However, that "didn't happen: what we did get was 13 minutes of silence followed by Dave Johnson mike checks and the National Anthem being played quietly in the background" (SBNATION.com, 9/28).
