Mendoza said she has not noticed as much criticism of her broadcasting work this season ESPN IMAGES
In L.A., Randy Harvey writes ESPN "SNB" analyst Jessica Mendoza is "as knowledgeable as most in her profession about the game" of baseball. The complaint "in general about 'Sunday Night Baseball' is with the three-person booth," but Mendoza and co-analyst Alex Rodriguez are "increasingly learning when not to speak." Rodriguez during Yankees-Angels on Sunday was "particularly effective in discussing his professional relationship with some of the Yankees, especially in the segment" about C Gary Sanchez. Mendoza "hasn't noticed as much criticism of her this season." One reason is that she is "more comfortable now." The other is she "isn't paying as much attention." Mendoza: "My relationship with Twitter has changed" (L.A. TIMES, 5/1).
SIDE GIG: PRO SOCCER USA's Mike Gramajo notes NWSL Orlando Pride D Ali Krieger has been an "occasional guest during Orlando City’s pre-game and post-game shows at Orlando City Stadium." It is a role Krieger is "enjoying and considers it a hobby." Krieger said, “I love to talk about men’s soccer as well as women’s. It’s something that’s interesting to me and I really enjoy it. To talk with other people who are knowledgeable about the game that’s really fun." Krieger insisted that her commentary is "only something she enjoys doing to the side, with her main focus is on the field helping the Pride climb up the NWSL standings" (PROSOCCERUSA.com, 5/1).
NOTES: SI has hired the following: SB Nation's Charlotte Wilder as Senior Writer & Video Host; MLB.com's Editor Shemar Woods as Senior Editor; and Deadspin's Emma Baccellieri as a writer (SI)...."SportsCenter" anchor Lisa Kerney has "left ESPN after four years on the network." Kerney announced her departure Friday on Twitter, writing that she and ESPN had “agreed to part ways.” Though Kerney "does not seem to have been laid off," it is not known "what forces compelled her to leave" (AWFULANNOUNCING.com, 4/30)....Bobby Nightengale, the son of USA Today columnist Bob Nightengale, is the Cincinnati Enquirer's new Reds beat reporter. Bobby Nightengale spent the last four years at the Lawrence Journal-World (CINCINNATI.com, 4/30)....K.C. Star Chiefs beat writer Terez Paylor has joined Yahoo Sports as a Senior NFL Writer (TWITTER.com, 4/30).
