The Mets-Royals World Series begins tonight at Kauffman Stadium, and if there is a "betting line on TV ratings the Series will generate on Fox, bet the under," according to Bob Raissman of the N.Y. DAILY NEWS. One "major factor placing this event behind the ratings eight ball is the week-long layoff," as it "destroyed any ratings momentum generated by casual fans." MLB’s schedule "is also not ratings-friendly," as Games 3 and 4 are scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings, "not exactly high viewership nights." While the Mets are "basking in the glow of this huge local media spotlight, their starshine is more dim bulb outside the metropolitan area." The Mets are "developing stars but don’t have one who transcends the game, resonating from coast to coast." Meanwhile, since Fox hired Yankees DH Alex Rodriguez for their studio programming, he has "generated the kind of attention we expected, which is a big plus for the suits who decided to hire him." A year ago Rodriguez was "more than a pariah" and was "referred to as Baseball’s Public Enemy No. 1." Now, he is representing MLB's "biggest TV partner" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 10/27).
A ROD OF LIGHT: SI.com’s Richard Deitsch writes Rodriguez is a “member of one of the oddest sports pregame shows in history, joining another of baseball’s famous rogues, Pete Rose, to create what has been compelling, interesting and at times trainwreck (thanks to Rose) sports television.” However, Rodriguez so far “has justified” his hiring. He offers his thoughts “in a succinct manner, he’s quickly adapted to his colleagues and viewers have learned something from his analysis.” Fox Sports President of Production John Entz said that Rodriguez’ suspension for PED use “did not enter his hiring process.” Entz: “Alex has been more impressive than we even hoped. He truly cares about doing this the right way.” Despite the praise, Rodriguez said going into TV after he retires as a player is not "something he was entertaining.” Rodriguez: “I’m a novice at this. I’m having fun at it and I was flattered to be asked. But look, this is not my strength. My strength is to play baseball” (SI.com, 10/27).
TOUCH 'EM ALL: The Royals' Game 6 ALCS win over the Blue Jays on Friday earned 5.12 million viewers on Rogers Sportsnet, making it the largest audience in network history. More than 12 million people watched some of the game. Overall, 16.8 million people watched at least part of the ALCS on Sportsnet, which is nearly half -- 48% -- of Canada's population (THE DAILY).
SERIES OF EVENTS: MLB Network's studio programming will be on the road for the World Series, starting with "MLB Tonight" before Game 1 from 6:00-8:00pm ET. MLBN's live presence begins today at 3:00pm with "High Heat with Christopher Russo," followed by "MLB Now" at 4:00pm. "Intentional Talk" airs at 5:00pm, while "MLB Tonight" will air immediately before and after each Series game (THE DAILY).
