Dave Roberts said Justin Turner made the decision on his own to participate in the interviewGetty Images
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he is "not a fan" of in-game interviews, his comments coming one day after Dodgers 3B Justin Turner did one one for ESPN on Wednesday against the Brewers, according to Shaikin & DiGiovanna of the L.A. TIMES. Roberts: "That’s a decision Justin made. I don’t see that happening with our guys going forward." Shaikin & DiGiovanna note "no balls were hit to Turner during the inning in which he wore a microphone," but the concept "drew widespread criticism Thursday, when three balls were hit" to A's CF Ramon Laureano during the inning he wore a microphone. Laureano "dropped an expletive on national television, and later he was asked how long it would take him to catch his breath after a long run." ESPN’s Buster Olney has said that the commissioner’s office and players’ union "sanctioned the interviews and players can decline them" (L.A. TIMES, 10/2).
EXECUTION ERRORS: SI.com's Dan Gartland noted during the '17 All-Star Game, Fox gave players wireless earpieces so they "could be interviewed while actually playing in the game." That "gave us funny moments," because "talking to a player during a meaningless spring training game is fun." Gartland: "During a playoff game, though? That’s different. It seems like the players should have their full attention on the field. Even more baffling, it was an elimination game for the A’s." Gartland wrote having an in-game interview, "even in a playoff game, isn’t a terrible idea, but there were issues with how ESPN deployed it in both of these cases." Garland: "I’d give the earpiece to an outfielder in the first three or four innings of a game where his team is already leading the series. That seems like a safe bet" (SI.com, 10/1).
TWITTER REAX: Boston Globe's Pete Abraham: "There's a line between cool and intrusive." Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer: "'Well, Ramón, your team's season is ending before our very eyes. But while we have you, what's your perfect Sunday?'" S.F. Chronicle's Ann Killion: "god, if I was the manager I would be so pissed off right now..." CBS Sports' Adam Aizer: "OK Ramon Laureano is giving an interview while playing center field in the third inning of an elimination game. This is both very cool and very ridiculous at the same time." NBC Sports' Jessica Kleinschmidt: "ESPN broadcast says Laureano 'wanted to do it.' They've spoken to MLBPA and it was encouraged, even in postseason games."
