In N.Y., Karen Crouse writes if the objective of the LPGA -- which is near a rights extension with Golf Channel -- is to "expose the largest possible audience to women’s golf," there would "seem to be better outlets than a cable network catering to an existing market." LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan conceded that "not getting the LPGA more network exposure is one of his failings." Whan said that the Golf Channel extension "made sense because it allowed the LPGA to pursue long-term broadcasting rights at the same time as the PGA Tour, which will negotiate on behalf of both entities." He expressed "confidence that the PGA Tour would leverage its star power to gain better TV exposure for the LPGA" (N.Y. TIMES, 6/25).
TALKING POINTS: SPORTSNET.ca's Jeff Blair wrote of Blue Jays P Marcus Stroman taking issue with NESN Red Sox analyst Dennis Eckersley: "Good on him for rounding on ... Eckersley on Sunday after Eckersley, famous as a fist-pumping, finger-pointing and trigger-pulling reliever with the Athletics, called out Stroman for his expressiveness on the mound." Blair: "While I’ll listen to Eckersley talk pitching, I won’t let him get off calling out someone else’s mound demeanour as being excessive" (SPORTSNET.ca, 6/24).
STEPPING IN: THE BIG LEAD's Bobby Burack noted ESPN's Marty Smith "will fill in for Laura Rutledge as the host of 'SEC Nation' this season when Rutledge takes time off for maternity leave" this fall. Rutledge announced on social media Friday that she and her husband are "expecting a baby girl and as a result will miss time this football season." The plan is "still for Rutledge to work sidelines" for the Broncos-Raiders "MNF" matchup as part of the traditional Week 1 doubleheader (THEBIGLEAD.com, 6/23).
