Fox Sports sucks.
I hate to beat the same drum repeatedly, but it’s hard not to do so when I’m constantly reminded of this fact. And it didn’t take too long today.
My remote clicked me over to the local Fox affiliate at 2:44 so I’d be just in time for the first pitch of the Cubs-Cards game. I figured that would save me from the pregame bumblings. Still, I wasn’t saved entirely. The exact moment I tuned in, I saw the Cubs starting lineup being introduced to viewers. And it wasn’t just introduced. It was recited by Cubs pitcher (and prankster) Ryan Dempster who was full into his Harry Caray impersonation. Seriously, aren’t we long past the days of Harry Caray impressionism?
Dempster is largely at fault for volunteering such services, but forgive me for assuming some hack from Fox didn’t suggest it. At the very least, the network accepted it with arms wide open. I think Joe Buck peed his pants, quickly commenting that tape of Dempster’s high comedy should immediately be sent to the broadcasters’ wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. So this is how low we have sunk these days? What compelling television.
Of course, several times during the game I was also reminded of how bad Ken Rosenthal is as a sideline reporter. Stiffs like Rosenthal are writers for a reason: They write well. They don’t broadcast well. And Buck tried his best to throw in a couple of his lame one-liners as if he were trying out his new stand-up routine.
But, hey, the Cubs beat Buck and McCarver’s favorite team. The day was a success in that sense, and even Fox couldn’t spoil it.
1 Comment
May 6, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Ironic that I find Joe Buck better at football than baseball, considering his dad is so well-known for the latter. Perhaps it’s working with TIMMY, whose cliches wore out years ago. And as for writers being sideline reporters, as you say – they make great writers.