MLB yesterday announced a new format for the reveal of MLB All-Star Game rosters for this year's game in Cincinnati. Instead of announcing position starters, pitchers, and reserves all at once, the league, ESPN and corporate partner Esurance have broken up the reveal into two parts, each with its own televised selection show. Position starters will be announced on Sunday, July 5, prior to ESPN's “Sunday Night Baseball” broadcast of Giants-Nationals. Pitchers, reserves and Final Vote candidates will be named the following evening, also on ESPN. Esurance, which signed a multiyear deal with the league in April, will be the title sponsor of both selection shows. The new All-Star Game roster unveiling follows another format switch for the Home Run Derby (Eric Fisher, Staff Writer).
ON SECOND THOUGHT: In N.Y., Bob Raissman wrote ESPN's decision "is strange" in opting against relocating "Mike & Mike" to Times Square from the company's Bristol HQ. Is it "not logical to think" that before ESPN announced its plan to move the show last month, it "would have worked through all aspects of a potential move?" But then came a report about hosts Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic "holding ESPN up ... demanding more money to make the move." Raissman: "The whole thing is a total embarrassment" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 6/28).
MUSIC TO THEIR EARS: On Long Island, Neil Best wrote many viewers "tuning in early to NBA draft coverage Thursday were a tad confused to see Wiz Khalifa in the middle of giving a concert in ESPN's 'SportsCenter' studio in Bristol." Wale also was "scheduled to turn up with a performance of his own" on the show's L.A. set on Friday. It was "the first two episodes of the Worldwide Leader's 'Center Stage' music series, one the network promises will include non-hip hop music genres as well." ESPN Senior VP/SportsCenter & News Rob King said, "Sports and music have always had a cool connection, and we hope 'Center Stage' will further that relationship in a way that will resonate with our fans." Best noted Spotify "sponsored the mini-concerts" (NEWSDAY, 6/27).
