On Long Island, Neil Best notes WFAN-AM's Mike Francesa "finished second" among all stations in the N.Y. market from 3:00-6:00pm ET among men ages 25-54 for the first month of the fall ratings book. Francesa's on-air rival, ESPN Radio 98.7 N.Y.'s Michael Kay, "finished fourth," continuing his "long run as that station’s highest-rated show." The ratings gap between Francesa and Kay was "roughly similar to what it has been in other recent ratings periods" (NEWSDAY, 10/30).
TAKING A STEP BACK: Bert Blyleven’s "steadily declining role as a Twins TV analyst on Fox Sports North broadcasts will decrease again" next season. The Baseball HOFer, who did 80 games in both '17 and '18, "will do 50 games" in '19 and just 30 in '20. Twins President Dave St. Peter said that Blyleven’s role as a special assistant with the team "should expand as he does fewer games on TV." St. Peter added that the full analyst lineup "isn’t set yet for next season." Jack Morris, Roy Smalley, Torii Hunter, LaTroy Hawkins and Justin Morneau all "did work as analysts last season," and the Twins and FS North "want to hear more of their voices" (STARTRIBUNE.com, 10/29).
BIG RED MACHINE: The official Facebook page for Reds radio play-by-play announcer Marty Brennaman confirmed that he "will return to the booth" in '19. Brennaman's wife Amanda, who runs the page, "made the announcement over the weekend." Brennaman hinted in October that he "would return for his 46th season" (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 10/30).
