In N.Y., Bradford William Davis noted the first round of the '20 MLB Draft will air June 10 on ESPN, then the "dramatically reduced draft" will finish the following day on ESPN2. MLB Network, which had "previously served as the exclusive TV home in recent years, will co-air on both days." The league "will hold a virtual draft," with clubs "using video conferences to make and announce selections" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 5/30).
FUTURES DEAL? In N.Y., Bob Raissman wrote with Peyton Manning "now saying he has not said 'no forever' to an NFL TV analyst gig, it's time for some network to sign him to a futures contract without a set start date" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 5/31).
STRAIGHT CASH: YAHOO SPORTS' Frank Schwab wrote ESPN "still needs a respected football voice" for its open "MNF" analyst role, and one ESPN employee "checks all the right boxes: Randy Moss." The role needs someone who is "immune from the immense criticism all announcers get," someone who can "entertain us, first and foremost, along with being able to explain the game to a massive audience" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 5/29).
