Sources said that the decision to move on from Wingert was made in DecemberGETTY IMAGES
THE ATHLETIC's Ghiroli & O'Brien cited sources as saying FS South is "parting ways with popular sideline reporter Kelsey Wingert" in an "unexpected move." Her replacement is "believed to be" Kelly Crull, who most recently served as Cubs sideline reporter on NBC Sports Chicago. The timing of the decision is "unusual." Braves President & CEO Derek Schiller last month said that there "would be no changes to the team's broadcast lineup." Sources said that the decision was "made in December," but Wingert "wasn’t told until later." Sources added that the Braves have the "final say in the hiring and firing of broadcasters who call their games" on FS South. Wingert also hosted "Braves Live" pre- and postgame shows (THEATHLETIC.com, 2/19).
FUTURE SOUND: Twins President Dave St. Peter said that for now, the "vast majority of teams, including the Twins, 'kind of have a foot in both places' when it comes to streaming and traditional radio." With the A's deal to move their games off local radio, St. Peter is aware that the "'foot in both places' approach figures to shift as the years go on, with increased attention paid to the viability of streaming." St. Peter said, "That’s the question: When does traditional radio just become streaming. I expect that’s going to converge at some point" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 2/20).
NEW VOICES: Some "new voices will be presenting Orioles games" on TV and radio this year, including Scott Garceau, Geoff Arnold and Melanie Newman. These three will "appear across platforms in multiple roles," as the team will "embrace an innovative approach." Meanwhile, play-by-play announcer Gary Thorne will return to MASN, and Kevin Brown will be "back in the radio booth." The Orioles said that longtime announcers Jim Hunter and Tom Davis will "move to new roles as regular on-air contributors" (BALTIMORE SUN, 2/20).
CHICAGO CALLING: Sources said that the Cubs' new Marquee Sports Network "plans to enlist" WSCR-AM reporter/host Bruce Levine. Levine is "expected to contribute features for Marquee’s website, be involved with a roundtable program with other reporters and fill other roles." He also will "continue to report on and write about the Cubs and White Sox for The Score and its website" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 2/20).
