Along with his new work for NBC Sports Chicago, Thomas will continue as a studio analyst for FoxFRANK THOMAS
Baseball HOFer Frank Thomas is joining NBC Sports Chicago as a White Sox pre- and postgame studio analyst. Thomas also will make occasional appearances on the RSN's game lead-in program, “Baseball Night in Chicago.” Thomas will debut tonight (NBC Sports Chicago). In Chicago, Phil Rosenthal noted Thomas will continue to "work as a studio analyst for Fox, where his role has included playoff and World Series pregame and postgame shows." Former MLBer Bill Melton a "fixture on NBC Sports Chicago’s Sox studio show, plans to cut back on his TV workload this season while continuing to serve as a team ambassador" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 3/27).
THE NAME GAME: On Long Island, Neil Best noted YES Network's Ken Singleton is returning "for another season on the job, albeit with a reduced schedule of 25 games or so." His schedule focuses "primarily on games against the Orioles and Rays near his homes in Maryland and Florida, plus select other road cities, such as San Francisco." Singleton last year announced that '18 "would be his final year" with the net (NEWSDAY, 3/26). Meanwhile, Chris Singleton, who is not related to Ken, has signed an extension with ESPN. His primary role will be calling "Sunday Night Baseball" and postseason games on ESPN Radio (ESPN).
HAPPY TO BE HERE: Ryan Howard is beginning his first year as an analyst for ESPN, and the former NL MVP said of joining the net, "Why not ESPN? It is the greatest place to be, man. The opportunities presented themselves, being able to do stuff on other shows. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at ESPN and feelings were mutual, and here we are." In addition to working on "Baseball Tonight," Howard will make regular appearances on other ESPN TV and radio programs (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 3/27).
ADDING TO THE WORKLOAD: Former Yankees manager Joe Girardi has been "added to Fox Sports’ on-air broadcasters lineup for this season." Girardi will "join Fox Sports’ regular-season game coverage as an analyst while continuing his work in the studio for MLB Network" (NYPOST.com, 3/27).
