Howard had been talking to ESPN about an on-air analyst role since last yearGETTY IMAGES
In Philadelphia, Rob Tornoe noted ESPN hired Ryan Howard as an analyst in a multiyear deal that will see the former MLBer appear "across many different shows and platforms." Howard had been "talking to ESPN about an on-air role since last year, and has done a handful of television hits on the network over the past few weeks." He also "did two days of guest appearances" on MLB Network last month. ESPN Senior Coordinating Producer for MLB Phil Orlins said that Howard has "poise and charisma, in addition to knowledge of the game" (PHILLY.com, 2/21).
DOUBLE DUTY: Fox' Kevin Burkhardt "will call approximately 20 Rays games" this season on FS Sun. Rays TV play-by-play announcer Dewayne Staats is "not going anywhere, but Burkhardt will take some road games to alleviate Staats’ schedule" (NYPOST.com, 2/21). Former Rays pre- and postgame host Todd Kalas was Staats' "regular fill-in" before he left for the Astros after last season. Staats said that he was “fine with the move" to hire Burkhardt and has no plans to step down anytime soon” (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 2/22).
GATEWAY TO MIDWEST: FS Midwest Cardinals analyst Brad Thompson’s schedule in the booth is “set to expand from 18 games to 35-40” this season. Thompson was added to the booth last season “when Al Hrabosky’s schedule was reduced.” Hrabosky, whose work this season “will be in the studio” only, had 30 games in the booth last year, and Thompson "has been scheduled to receive the bulk of those.” Rick Horton’s booth presence “also increases, from 28 appearances to 35-40, with Jim Edmonds also up -- from 42 to 45-50.” Tim McCarver “did 29 games last season and that number is expected to be about the same” (STLTODAY.com, 2/22).
VARIETY PACK: In Boston, Chad Finn notes WEEI “will use several broadcasters” to replace former Red Sox play-by-play voice Tim Neverett, who left in December. In the booth this season will be Dave O’Brien, Sean McDonough, Josh Lewin, Mario Impemba, Chris Berman, Tom Caron, Lou Merloni and Dale Arnold. McDonough, the “acclaimed television voice of the Red Sox” from '88-'04, is “expected to call around 30 games on the radio this season” (BOSTON GLOBE, 2/22).
