SI.com's Richard Deitsch noted Fox has hired former MLBer Nick Swisher as an MLB studio analyst for the '17 season. He will "appear on FS1’s 'MLB Whiparound' in April and regularly as a studio analyst during Fox’s pregame coverage on Saturdays during the regular season" (SI.com, 2/19). In N.Y., Phil Mushnick writes Swisher "seems like a good get" as a studio analyst. As a player, Swisher was a "go-to guy, an attention-keeping interview" (N.Y. POST, 2/20).
ROCKET SHIP: Virgin Group has “made a strategic investment in Sportsrocket, the digital video distribution venture started" by Bedrocket Media Ventures Founder & CEO Brian Bedol. Virgin’s investment will “accelerate Sportsrocket's global rollout,” as Sportsrocket is “exploring partnerships with Virgin properties, including Virgin Sport, which stages sports festivals" in London and S.F. The “value of the investment was not disclosed” (BROADCASTINGCABLE.com, 2/16).
CROSSING ENEMY LINES: In DC, Dan Steinberg noted longtime DC-area sports radio commentator Andy Pollin, whose contract at ESPN Radio 980 DC was not renewed after nearly 25 years at the net, is "already back on air -- and working for his former station's rival." Polin made his debut on WJFK-FM The Fan Friday morning in an "appearance with the Sports Junkies." Polin will now "serve as a regular guest and fill in host" for WJFK. It will be his "first regular gig on FM radio during his lengthy radio career" (WASHINGTON POST, 2/18).
NOT COOL: In N.Y., Bob Raissman dubbed former NFLer Chris Cooley his "Dweeb Of The Week" for his alcohol-related comments on Redskins GM Scot McCloughan. Raissman: "Cooley’s commentary is inappropriate, careless, and reckless. His words not only revealed a tremendous insensitivity but were issued without any documentation" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 2/19).
