Former MLBers Torii Hunter and LaTroy Hawkins will "make their broadcasting debuts this season, joining play-by-play man Dick Bremer" on FS North broadcasts of Twins games, according to Phil Miller of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. Baseball HOFer Bert Blyleven will "return for his 22nd season alongside Bremer, but will take occasional breaks during the season," allowing Hunter, Hawkins and former MLBers Roy Smalley and Jack Morris to "work in the booth on a rotating basis." Smalley and Morris will also "appear on the team’s pre-and postgame shows," along with former MLBer Tim Laudner and hosts Tom Hanneman and Anthony LaPanta. Marney Gelner, Kevin Gorg and Audra Martin also "return as on-field reporters" (STARTRIBUNE.com, 1/11).
COMING TO TERMS: Wild Owner Craig Leipold said of the team's TV deal with FS North, "Our contract is actually up at the end of the year and we are negotiating with FSN. We think we are almost there. It was a long negotiation, but we have come to agreement on the main points. Our (Twin Cities) ratings are off the charts. This month it's averaging a (4.5), the highest ever. You couldn't find a better time to be negotiating for a new TV contract. That will go in for next season. That will really help the business" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 1/11).
NO BIG LEAGUE CALL UP: In Minneapolis, Jason Gonzalez noted the Minnesota United will transition into MLS "without longtime play-by-play announcer Chris Lidholm," who called games for the team for more than two decades (STARTRIBUNE.com, 1/11).
