In DC, Jake Russell noted Fox Sports will be "debuting 'corner flag cameras' to provide a unique view of the entire field" for its coverage of the MLS Cup between the Timbers and Atlanta United on Saturday. Fox Sports Senior VP/Field & Technical Operations Michael Davies said, "We have seen the value of pylon cameras in American football from time to time, so we decided to try the corner flags ... (and) we’ll look for opportunities to use this new view to enhance our storytelling." Fox also will use 16 manned and 10 unmanned cameras to "cover the action" from Mercedes-Benz Stadium (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 12/5).
RICK ROLLS: In Chicago, Phil Rosenthal noted ESPN's Rick Sutcliffe agreed to a "multiyear contract extension" with the net. Sutcliffe will "continue to work games as a commentator with regular 'Wednesday Night Baseball' dates with Jon Sciambi." Other assignments include "postseason games on ESPN Radio with Chris Berman" (CHICAGOTRIBUNE.com, 12/5).
WON'T BE THE SAME: In S.F., Ann Killion writes this summer is "going to sound different" after the death of NBC cycling commentator Paul Sherwen. He became "well-known to American audiences for pairing with Phil Liggett to provide commentary on the Tour de France." The "easy and entertaining commentary of Sherwen and Liggett kept us watching through the scandals and beyond." The Tour de France has been "compelling entertainment, part grueling sporting event and part gorgeous travelogue, accompanied by the smart, funny and intelligent commentary of Sherwen and Liggett" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 12/6).
