In San Diego, Tod Leonard noted Davis Love III prepared for his CBS debut this weekend at the Farmers Insurance Open as an on-course commentator by "doing mock commentary while following his brother and friends around on the course" at Sea Island, Ga. Love has "consulted with CBS on-course veteran commentator Dottie Pepper, who shared with him her yardage books and how she works with the monitor she carries." Love said, "I'm coming right off the field. Hopefully with Jim [Nantz] and Nick [Faldo's] leadership, I can get some of that out, and tell the fans something different than what they've heard the last few years" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 1/22).
ANOTHER HAT IN THE RING: In N.Y., Andrew Marchand cites sources as saying that ESPN "has interest in signing" Baseball HOFer Chipper Jones as a game analyst. Jones did a game last year on ESPN in which he and play-by-play announcer Boog Sciambi had "very good chemistry." The cameo "piqued ESPN executives' interest." Jones "could do some weeknight games." ESPN's interest in Jones comes as the net lost David Ross as manager to the Cubs, while Ryan Howard "decided not to return" (N.Y. POST, 1/23).
WALKING IT BACK: In Winnipeg, Paul Friesen notes Jets TSN TV analyst Kevin Sawyer on Tuesday night "apologized for what he called 'unprofessional and insensitive' comments during a Jets broadcast more than two weeks ago." During a game against the Wild on Jan. 4, Sawyer "reminisced about being an assistant coach on a junior team" on which Wild D Jared Spurgeon was a rookie during the '05-06 season. Sawyer's comments "appeared to make light of a hazing incident while he was an assistant coach" with the WHL Spokane Chiefs (WINNIPEG SUN, 1/23).
TRANSLATABLE SKILLS: In L.A., Jack Harris notes former NHLer Jarret Stoll, now an analyst on FS West Kings broadcasts and a "front-facing ambassador of the franchise," was a "fan favorite and media darling during his playing days." His "affable personality has translated to his new responsibilities on the ice, in front of a camera and among the team's fans." Stoll has had a "seamless transition to broadcasting," where he "meshes a welcoming presence with expert explanation of the game." Stoll "isn't sure what the future holds." He said that TV is "one possible path," although coaching "might interest him more" (L.A. TIMES, 1/23).
