Martinez was making a little more than $1M annually for his old TBS/MLB Network dealsGETTY IMAGES
In N.Y., Andrew Marchand reports Pedro Martinez is "re-signing with TBS" for its MLB playoff coverage in a "multi-year, seven-figure deal." Sources said that Martinez is also "likely to return to MLB Network as well, though a contract has not been worked out yet." On his old TBS/MLBN deals, Martinez was "making a little more than a million dollars for what amounts to about two months on the job, as he works the playoffs for TBS and does 30 appearances for MLBN." He is expected to "receive a substantial raise when both new contracts are completed." While Martinez "did not speak with Fox about leaving via free agency, there were brief overtures from ESPN" (N.Y. POST, 12/12).
HARD TO SAY GOODBYE: In Utah, Jeff Call noted BYU radio analyst Marc Lyons will call his "final BYU football broadcast at the conclusion of 38 seasons" during the team's matchup against Western Michigan in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on Dec. 21. Lyons said, "The last game will be a little bit more significant, knowing I won’t be back in the booth again.” Since '01, Lyons has been "paired with the current Voice of the Cougars, Greg Wrubell." Wrubell "doesn’t even want to think about this being Lyons’ final broadcast." Wrubell said, “I’m not acknowledging it. I’m putting it off until the last minute. ... I’ve never called a football game with anybody else" (DESERT NEWS, 12/10).
IMPACT STATEMENTS: In L.A., Tom Hoffarth wrote it is an "understatement" to say that ESPN's Bill Walton is a polarizing basketball analyst. When Walton is "trending" online, it is "likely that a live debate on social media has spawned" from the college basketball game he is working on ESPN or Pac-12 Networks. Conversations spurred from Walton's analysis often "morph into a larger phenomenon that borders on a sociological experiment that might seem like Walton is manipulating for his own devious pleasure." The "best advice might be to say that if you can’t accept Walton’s eccentric personality, turn down the volume or find the local radio call" (L.A. TIMES, 12/11).
NOT DONE YET: In Toronto, Steve Simmons notes longtime "Hockey Night In Canada" announcer Bob Cole was scheduled to call his final game next Saturday, until he was "suddenly extended by six games." Now his final broadcast will be Maple Leafs-Canadiens on the last Saturday of the regular season, which is the "perfect ending" for Cole after serving as the "voice of hockey in Canada" for 50 years. The Oilers last weekend "chose to honour Cole" in what they believed was his last broadcast in Edmonton (TORONTO SUN, 12/11).
