Former MLBer Jose Canseco's "outspoken nature" was a key factor in the A's and NBC Sports California hiring him "to do pre- and postgame analysis on 25 of the team’s games this season," according to Jorge Ortiz of USA TODAY. A's President Dave Kaval believes Canseco has a "chance to liven up the broadcasts and create a buzz while rekindling in fans thoughts of a happier past." Ortiz notes Canseco is "not as polished" as fellow former players Dallas Braden and Dave Stewart, who also have "joined the broadcasts" this season. However, he brings a "self-deprecating sense of humor and particularly keen observations on hitting." He is also "unafraid to rip the A’s when they perform poorly." With the team sharing the Bay Area landscape with the Warriors and Giants, "anything that helps the A’s separate themselves from the pack represents a plus." Kaval said, "People have been impressed by his knowledge of the team, the players and the league. So he’s providing a lot of insightful commentary. At the same time, there’s a shock value to some of the things he says, but there are some kernels of truth to them as well.’’ Ortiz notes Canseco did show some "nervousness" in his early TV appearances, but he has already "grown more comfortable in a role he never thought he’d perform." NBC Sports California GM Tom Stathakes said that the net is "giving Canseco plenty of leeway to be himself." Stathakes: "As long as it’s not personal, he can basically say whatever he wants" (USA TODAY, 5/16).
READY FOR HIS CLOSEUP: In N.Y., Gary Myers wrote ESPN's Rex Ryan "has the potential to be the next" John Madden as he transitions into broadcasting. Ryan "has no television experience other than playing to the cameras in his daily press conferences with the Jets and the Bills and his non-descript guest appearance on ESPN’s Super Bowl pregame show in February." However, the net is "counting on him to revive the revamped Sunday NFL Countdown show ... and perhaps be the next star in the booth." Ryan will call the Sept. 11 Chargers-Broncos "MNF" game alongside Beth Mowins, and Myers wrote Ryan "will be much better doing games than in the studio." He "has a lot of Madden in him: Entertaining, an everyman appeal, a big, jolly guy who doesn’t take himself too seriously and loves to talk football" (NYDAILYNEWS.com, 5/15). In Buffalo, Tim Graham notes Ryan is a "fantastic storyteller" and has a "humorous or historic anecdote for almost any occasion." However, he will "likely struggle in the beginning ... criticizing players and coaching decisions." When Ryan provided commentary for Florida State's spring game, he "pulled punches and provided low-quality insight on the action" (BUFFALO NEWS, 5/16).
