Batter's Box Interactive Magazine - An Open Letter to Rob Faulds

I was reading last night's game thread on the train this morning and I saw that you have apparently abandoned your home run call, "What do you think about that". I would hate to think that it was because of the ribbing you get for it here on the Box.

"What do you think about that" was just starting to grow on me.

Personally, I think the key to a good home run call is how you sell it. Jerry Howarth's "Let's admire that one" is not a magical phrase without his delivery. I think that you've been giving "What do you think about that" a genuine bolt of enthusiasm this year that has elevated it.

Frankly, I think you've been really good this year. Cerutti too. The two of you sound like you're having a lot more fun and the comfort level seems to be much higher.

Here's the thing: you guys have a really tough road in Toronto, because we've been spoiled with a quarter century of Tom and Jerry. I didn't realize how good we've had it until I went on a road trip to Boston this summer and caught a bunch of different baseball games on the radio in the car on the way there and back. Plus we watched all kinds of games on ESPN and NESN while we were down there, and my wife and I agreed that we'd take you and Cerutti any day over whoever those guys were.

Candiotti has also been a lot of fun. In fact, the moment that it dawned on me that something was different this year was during a telecast early in the season from Minnesota with Candiotti. I don't remember the final score of the game or even who won, but I remember that you guys were absolutely electric. One call stands out in my mind, on a ball that looked like it was going to be a home run, where you said "it's going...going...it's...IT'S...FOUL!" with such delirious relief that I could feel just how into the ballgame you were.

The problem is that no matter how good you are, you are going to be compared to a team that we've been listening to for 25 years. That's a little unfair to you, to say the least. I know that sixty years from now I'm going to be sitting in some rocking chair on some porch listening to a ballgame and saying, "Things were better in the old days when we had Tom Cheek and Jerry Howarth" no matter how good the current broadcast team is.

When we take digs at you in the game threads, or at least when I do, please know two things: first, it's because we see you so often. We're the kinds of fans who watch every single game and pick it to pieces, and you're part of virtually all of them. It has to be at least a little flattering that one of your ball or strike calls can merit as much attention as a pitching change. Second, I'm of the opinion that because we see so much of you we start reacting to you like you're part of the gang. I take a fair amount of abuse for my shoes, my obsessive-compulsive behavior and my general goofy optimism from the crowd that populates Batter's Box, but none of it is meant to hurt me. It's like some kind of crazy badge of honour, really. Up in 518 we've taken to shouting "What do you think about that" in unison to celebrate home runs.

Finally, I'd like to address the "watercraft" issue. There is an ongoing joke on Batter's Box where we descend into fits of giggles when Cerutti says "watercraft" during the opposing pitcher's scouting report. The word "watercraft" is such a novelty on Canadian television that I'd bet twenty bucks that you'd hear the f-word more times in a year on the CBC than you'd hear "watercraft" on all channels put together. And I'll tell you, before I went to bed last night I stayed up late enough to see the opposing pitcher's scouting report because I wanted to hear Candiotti say "watercraft". Really, this is completely true. My wife and I turned to each other and said "Where's the watercraft?" when we realized that the report was no longer sponsored by Sea-Doo. It was a real letdown.

I'm kind of glad I didn't stay up to watch the whole game, because I'd have missed "What do you think about that". I believe that it is a good homerun call when you deliver it the way you have been this year, with energy and genuine excitement, and I'd hate to see it shelved just as it was being perfected.

Sincerely,

Aaron, a.k.a. Named For Hank, the guy with the banners.

Bauxites, do you have anything to add? I challenge those of you opposed to "what do you think about that" to come up with something that is both better and different from everyone else's homerun call.

Posted by Named For Hank on Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 11:56 AM EDT.

An Open Letter to Rob Faulds | 53 comments | Create New Account

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_Sneeps - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 12:09 PM EDT (#50849) #

I propose this for a homerun call:

(insert pitchers name) followed by: "put that in your pipe and smoke it"

_Sneeps - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 12:20 PM EDT (#50850) #

Seriously though, whaddya think about that?

Really, it doesn't matter, as long as its done with enthusiasm. Chip Carey (Cubs broadcaster) doesn't have a catchy phrase or anything. He just does his calls with so much excitment and enthusiasm... you can tell how much he loves the game.

Named For Hank - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 12:22 PM EDT (#50851) #

Exactly!

_Fozzy - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 12:29 PM EDT (#50852) #

Great letter NFH; I hope one of the members of the Sportsnet team gets a chance to look at it.

I too enjoy, along with the lady of the house, the "whaddya think about that?" call. Of all the great moments during Jays games this year (and there have been some), there was none greater than Delgado's walk-off shot. Making it classic though was Mr. Faulds, whose infectious tagline was so coupled with excitement I thought he had wet himself. The electricity of the call with the action, the fireworks and the malaise that ensued made it even more special, and it reminded me of why I like Faulds and Cerutti more than any other broadcasters (I know I'll get flamed for that one).

They bring a youthful sense of energy into the game; it's not always so buttoned down and serious like with old-school radio announcers. They don't get into the meticulous details of the game like the old-schoolers because they understand that it's on TV - you can see it with your eyes and no one needs to explain the nuances that are missing with radio. F&C approach the game not like announcers, but like fans. They have fun calling the game, like being in the minds of two kids in the bleachers watching the action. Sure they make mistakes sometimes, but it's a moot point when they're obviously so transcended into the game.

That's my rant, the soapbox is now vacant again...

Thomas - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 12:31 PM EDT (#50853) #

That was nicely said Aaron, and I echo many of the sentiments in the thread. Rob and John have improved this year, and while there may some tandems out there that are better, there are many that are worse. Every time I see a White Sox highlight with Ken "Hawk" Harrelson in the background saying, "You can put it on the board! YES!!!" I am reminded of how much worse things could be.

I think you two tread the line quite well between being supportive of the team you cover and blantant homerism (Hawk, I'm looking at you again). You're not afraid to be critical when needed, but even the disappointments of this season have not stopped you two from seeing the whole picture, which is still positive.

Aaron makes a good point with Tom and Jerry, who are an institution here and I can't imagine baseball without them. We also had a very good pair on TSN years back, Dan Shulman and Buck Martinez, and it was again unfair issue comparisons when you guys were just begginning.

One last point is that its easy to sit here and criticise when one of you say something that we don't agree with or consider inane. And I'm not going to say you've never said such things. However, I think peoeple often forget how difficult it is to do a broadcast for three hours, and fill the air with interesting commentary and anecdotes. Additionally, you guys have to do that for 140 or so games a year, and have to find a way to avoid becoming too repetitive for the fanatical supporters who tend to watch most games on TV.

"What do you think about that," was kind of growing on me in a way, as well. Another suggestion might be to keep that saved for "key" homers, and use some other call(s) the rest of the time. But I don't have any specific suggestions, so there you go.

_Fozzy - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 12:32 PM EDT (#50854) #

And to anyone that says Sportsnet's baseball coverage sucks, put in a tape of FOX's all-star game. When we see members of the Jays super-imposed of characters from The Snow Walker, then I'll be worried. Or using up an entire catalogue of sound files for screen transitions. Or cartoon baseballs. Or Joe Morgan. Yech.

Named For Hank - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 12:36 PM EDT (#50855) #

Foz, I'm with you on that. The Fox All-Star game coverage was a disgrace. Scooter, the talking baseball? Come on.

_jason - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 12:37 PM EDT (#50856) #

I don't think Tom and Jerry have spoiled it for us as much as Schulman and Martinez; those two are among the best in the business. That said, I do think Foulds is coming along. As a prospect, last year was full of rookie mistakes, this year less so. I also find it heartening that when there is less to be enthused about this year the two are making an effort to bring more emotion to the game.

_Sneeps - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 12:42 PM EDT (#50857) #

Does anybody like Joe Buck?

Named For Hank - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 12:43 PM EDT (#50858) #

I also find it heartening that when there is less to be enthused about this year the two are making an effort to bring more emotion to the game.

I agree -- this year has to be a lot harder, and the fact that they're noticably improved over last year means that they've improved even more than is apparent. That's not a very good sentence but I think you get what I mean. ;)

_BCMike - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 12:50 PM EDT (#50859) #

Both Faulds and Cerutti have been much better this year(Ive enjoyed Candiotti as well).

"Whadya do you think about that" was starting to grow on me, especially after the Delgado walk off, but like any homerun call I don't think it should be used all the time. Like the Seattle guy who uses "Goodbye baseball," it starts to get annoying when every mundane homerun is followed by "Goodbye baseball!" or "Whadya do you think about that".

As for the allstart game I thought the whole thing was brutal, especially the homerun derby. Nothing like shots of the crowd and announcers as someone is bashing homeruns out of the park. Could fox use anymore soundeffects?

_Gwyn - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 12:50 PM EDT (#50860) #

Sneeps I like Joe Buck a lot as a football commentator, far less so when he does baseball. With his fotball commentary he is helped a lot by having Collinsworth along-side him, his baseball commentary probably suffers just as much by working with McCarver.
Really good piece NFH, and well worth saying. Faulds and co. are a lot better than they were last year, and after subscribing to Extra Innings I can say that I'd take them over most of the commentary teams that work for the other teams.

_coliver - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 12:51 PM EDT (#50861) #

Unfortunately, I live just on the other side of the Canadian Border, in Western New York State, so I cannot get the Sportsnet nor the TSN coverage of the games.

However, my wife and I were on vacation at the SkyDome Hotel recently and I was able to watch that "Game in An Hour" and was impressed with both Rob Fauds and John Cerutti. Cerutti has really developed since his early days at the CBC.

The guy who is burning the candle at both ends these days is Jerry Howarth. During our stay in Toronto (five games) he did every single inning. Maybe you can answer a question for me. I know that Mike Wilner is a very popular person here, and he does a very good job, both doing game color/scoreboard and doing his weekly interview show. My question is: Why doesn't Rogers allow Mike to do the play-by-play for a few innings per game? This would give Jerry a much deserved break.

I am not a big fan of these guest announcers. The AAA guy from the Oakland system yesterday was terrible. Wilner would do much much better.

In the long run, let us hope that Tom Cheek regains his health. We are all looking forward to hearing him say--"infield back, outfield straight away..."

_Marc - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 12:52 PM EDT (#50862) #

Nah, good letter but I still hate "What do you think about that?" Faulds has improved but he still will never be Shulman (or Tom and Jerry for that matter). Faulds, though, IS still better than 90 per cent of the American announcers I've heard on both TV and radio.

I do like both Candiotti and Cerutti.

_BCMike - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 12:53 PM EDT (#50863) #

I like Joe Buck its just too bad he is stuck with McCarver. Him and Buck Martinez would be a good pair.

Named For Hank - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 12:55 PM EDT (#50864) #

Could fox use anymore soundeffects?

I was expecting to hear NYYYEEEERRRRMMMMMMMM-kaBOOM every time someone hit a home run.

_coliver - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 12:56 PM EDT (#50865) #

I get to hear Buck Martinez through my MLB Extra Innings Package. He does the Baltimore games. Outstanding as always, but it was hard to listen to him cover games last season between Baltimore and Toronto. At that point he had not gotten over being fired by J.P. and it showed.

_coliver - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 12:58 PM EDT (#50866) #

Ah, what the heck, bring back Fergie. He was the man!

_David Paul - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 12:58 PM EDT (#50867) #

...it starts to get annoying when every mundane homerun is followed by "Goodbye baseball!" or "Whadya do you think about that".

Thank you. This was exactly my objection or main irritation. I don't actually think you deserve a wedgie, Mr. Faulds, as I stated in the other thread. I just wasn't buying it except after really exciting home runs. If the call shouted after every home run was "Hippety Dippety Doo!!!", it would be a bit ridiculous for a late inning solo shot in a 10-0 blowout. Choose your spots. Feel it.

_Daryn - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 12:59 PM EDT (#50868) #

Rob is definitely growing on me

and I like the insight to the game that John Cerutti brings..
but I sometimes think he gets stuck in a groove like an old record...

I wonder, do you guys sit and listen to the games after you do them?
I don't know if I could do that, I wince and groan over every word when I hear myself...

But if not, how do you evaluate yourselves??
How do you know what you "wish you had said differently"??

Daryn

_Mark J - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 01:00 PM EDT (#50869) #

A few comments here from someone who has mocked the "what do you think about that?" call. I guess my "problem" with it is simply that it asks a dumb question. It's not a fun celebration like "meats and cheeses" or "grand salami" or "holy cow", or a description like "going going gone", "that ball is history", etc...

I can't come up with a better call right now, not that I've given it any thought. But, uh, I thought "Moulin Rouge" sucked and I couldn't direct a film a millionth as good as it...

A more substantive criticism is that he doesn't seem to read the ball's flight very well. How many times have we heard him call an apparent home run when it's a shallow fly ball or act surprised at a home run (maybe that's where the questioning home run call comes in). Also, he doesn't seem to have a very deep knowledge of the rules at times.

I do agree that the rapport with Cerutti is a lot better, and they have their witty moments.

Finally, I'm sure most of us would kill for Faulds' job so I'm not above admitting the possibility of a wee smidge of jealousy!

I have the Extra Innings package so I get to hear almost all the announcers and it's not like that many of them stand out. Vin Scully is very enjoyable to listen to. I like Miller and Morgan (when he's not talking about himself or his era). And of course Faulds/Cerutti are a lot better than the TSN crew (a friend and I are still chuckling over the "four-run triple").

I also grew up listening to Tom & Jerry and I'm always going to be comparing announcers to them, and it's a tough battle. I'd love a "sabermetric" announcer but they probably wouldn't be popular enough among mainstream fans.

_Four Seamer - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 01:00 PM EDT (#50870) #

I have to say that Faulds has made some strides forward this year. His feel for the game has improved, and he's developing a bit more of a natural rapport with both Cerutti and Candiotti.

I've also grown to appreciate "What do you think about that?" At first I was confused by it, but I've come to realize that it is a very interactive call. It challenges me, as a fan, to come to grips with my true feelings regarding the home run. Almost always I'm in favour of it, but it nevers hurt to go back to first principles every so often. Thanks Rob!

_The Original Ry - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 01:08 PM EDT (#50871) #

I personally hate trademark home run calls, regardless of what they are and who does them. I've always thought they were corny and gimmicky. I think home runs should be called like every other play -- spontaneously rather than canned.

Leigh - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 01:13 PM EDT (#50872) #

There is no perfect or universally-loved tagline. All catch-phrases will have detractors, and when the detractors are more vocal than the supporters, the dissent gets misperceived as popular opinion.

Woody Allen, in Annie Hall, put it much better: "I heard that commentary and dissent had merged to form dysentery".

This thread/open letter is giving the silent majority a little voice, and that's cool. Helps stop the spread of dysentery.

For my part, I like the call so much that I have incorporated "whadya think about that" into other parts of my life, such as at the conclusion of a well-done assignment at work, or when I pass a car on the highway. It even works post-coitally.

Named For Hank - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 01:18 PM EDT (#50873) #

It even works post-coitally.

I shall ask Mrs. Hank what she thinks of this.

_Brent - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 01:29 PM EDT (#50874) #

For my part, I like the call so much that I have incorporated "whadya think about that" into other parts of my life,...

Now that is funny!

_P Smith - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 01:34 PM EDT (#50875) #

I concede that it is difficult to judge Joe Buck when he is surrounded by so much crap, but he sounds to me like a servicable play-by-play man, nothing more; a guy who would be fine for a local broadcast (like Rob Faulds) but not the freakin' World Series.

He can't hold a candle to Dan Schulman. During the All-Star, I muted the television, and turned on Schulman on the radio, despite the 7-second delay.

I think Faulds is better off without the catchphrase. It's a sign that he's maturing, moving beyond his "Fergie Olver" stage and perhaps turning into a more confident announcer, a guy who can truly be called the voice of the team.

Let's be honest; which would we rather have heard when Joe Carter homered to end the 1993 World Series?

"Touch 'em all, Joe, you'll never hit a bigger home run in your life!"

or

"What do you think about that?"

If/When the Jays get back into a playoff race, Faulds can really make his mark. He's better off dropping the catchphrase now and moving on to better things.

_Rob - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 01:42 PM EDT (#50876) #

I think home runs should be called like every other play -- spontaneously rather than canned.

Agreed. Spontaneity before a catchphrase.

Although, Jerry's "hooking...hooking...there she goes!" can stay here for a while.

_Tassle - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 01:59 PM EDT (#50877) #

I don't think there's any question JFG joins the 40-man this offseason, unless he is traded. He's got a .216 Isolated Power and he's drawing walks. If he ever gets the average back around .270 or even .300, he'll be a major threat, and considering how he could hit for average in college, I don't see why that wouldn't happen.

_Marc - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 02:03 PM EDT (#50878) #

http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/tor/team/tor_team_40manroster.jsp
I don't think there's any question JFG joins the 40-man this offseason, unless he is traded.

JFG is already on the 40 man... COMN

_Christopher - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 02:09 PM EDT (#50879) #

Does anybody remember the homerun call that Bob Costas was trying to get going during in the early 90s? It was along the lines of "Put it on the scoreboard!" I remember thinking that he was trying way too hard.

Let's be honest; which would we rather have heard when Joe Carter homered to end the 1993 World Series?

"Touch 'em all, Joe, you'll never hit a bigger home run in your life!"

or

"What do you think about that?"

To be honest, I heard nothing. I was in residence in first year university. When Carter hit it out things went instantly nutty.

_Magpie - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 02:12 PM EDT (#50880) #

Good idea, good notion, and I agree with a lot of the sentiments. I especially second the notion that a signature HR call gets worn out, and should be saved for important dingers.

I think Faulds is one of the reasons Cerutti is better, both this year and last. Cerutti is a serious kind of guy, and he needs a partner who can loosen him up a little bit. Brian Williams was NOT the guy. Brian Williams does a nice job on the Olympics - you know, you better win today because if you blow it, your next chance is FOUR YEARS from now. It's the sporting equivalent of life or death.

But we play another ballgame tomorrow... You can have a little fun...

Absolutely the only thing that made Joe Carter remotely tolerable - he was a non-stop fount of inane cliches, mangled syntax, and astonishingly little insight into the game - was that he sounded as if he was having fun, as if he LIKED watching and talking baseball. I always thought Cerutti needed a little of that.

_Moffatt - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 02:12 PM EDT (#50881) #

RE: The 40 man roster.

I believe (but not 100% sure) that any of the college guys that the Jays drafted in 2002 will have to be added to the 40-man this off-season, or else the Jays will risk losing them in the Rule V:

Here's a list of the Jays 2002 draft picks.

_Ducey - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 02:17 PM EDT (#50882) #

I have said this a few times in the past here but I think Cerutti still needs some work. I think Candiotti is superior as he anticipates things much better than Cerutti. For instance, he predicted the hit and run the Jays put on last night with Hudson on first (8th inning I think). I enjoy it when the announcers try and get into the heads of the players, managers, GM's, Umps and explain what they may be doing.

As for Faulds :Its TV, I can see the count, score etc. The best announcers (the play by play guys) tend to set up the colour guys and get into discussions about players, the organization, strategy etc.

Overall, I like Faulds/ Candiotti. As mentioned above, I would save the HR call for big moments

_Keith Talent - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 02:18 PM EDT (#50883) #

When I see that 'Designer Rivals' poster on the Toronto Subway station walls, I always think the guy on the right looks just like Faulds.

Sincerely: the greatest Cerutti booster on the site, 'watercraft' enthusiast.

_Randy Winter - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 02:19 PM EDT (#50884) #

Original Ryan, I agree with you.

I don't think you can come up with a trademark call by working on it, I think it just happens. Can you picture Harry Caray sitting in a hotel room after a game going, "...Holy chicken!...no that's not it... Holy goose!...no that's even worse...Holy heifer!...hmm not bad..."

I remember Jerry running a few really bad ones up the flagpole, for example 'Calling Doctor Longball!'. Luckily no one saluted.

_Keith Talent - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 02:22 PM EDT (#50885) #

I enjoy it when the announcers try and get into the heads of the players, managers, GM's, Umps and explain what they may be doing.

Unless when Joe Morgan's doing it. Morgan has to be absolutely right all the time, no question. So when he says what he thinks a manager is trying to do, that's what the manager is trying to do, no matter what.

Joe Morgan: "Right now the batter's trying tap the ball the other way, because the defence is playing him to pull."

Moragn goes on and on about this.

Batter promptly rips one, pulling it, stands on second with a double that scored a run.

Miller: "Well Joe. Looks like he decided to give it a rip."

Joe Morgan: "No question he missed the sign."

Camera pans to the manager. Manager clapping his hands. Joe Morgan is oblivious.

Joe Morgan: "Paying attention to signs are things that are taught in spring training..."

Joe Morgan is delusional. I can't believe there was talk of someone hiring him as manager somewhere in the past.

_Keith Talent - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 02:48 PM EDT (#50886) #

Have you guys all seen ANCHORMAN? Kinda similar to what's going on here. I'd love to see a similar movie about baseball broadcasters. I once had the idea to write a novel in the voice of a baseball broadcaster. But it was exhausting. It never fails to make me laugh, though, when baseball players get in trouble with the law and you read about it in the news.

eg. The Kelvim Escobar saga:

The big 195lb. left hander then allegedly drugged the woman's drink. At the home of the one-time closer, the woman called the police. Escobar, who has regained some of his comained since rejoining the starting rotation, asserted his innocence in police interview. Kelvim Escobar (3.54 ERA) conferred with his lawyer and declined further questions. Escobar (9-7) will take the mound against Anaheim RHP John Lackey (6-7) tonight at SkyDome.

_Keith Talent - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 02:50 PM EDT (#50887) #

command not 'comained'.

'comained' is a hybrid of regained and command.

_R Billie - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 03:09 PM EDT (#50888) #

I've always been partial to "call up the travel agent Sally-Sue, we're booking a round trip!!!". No-one uses that call anymore.

_Fawaz K - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 03:32 PM EDT (#50889) #

Last night's game was actually a pleasure to watch, even when the Jays were down. I thought the rapport between Faulds and Candiotti was as good as I've heard it. Early on in the season I thought it was getting really muddled; Cerutti was doing a lot of the PBP stuff and there was very little analysis of what was going on. Now I think both pairings are getting the mix right. Granted, this may just be the Black/Romanuk/Tabler/Miller effect, but when I groan over something idiotic that leaves Faulds' mouth I do it knowing we've got one of the better broadcasts around. I really don't mind 'whaddayathinkaboutthat'; if it means the Jays are hitting it out I couldn't care less if he said 'Cerutti, lather me in honey and smack my backside, it's outtathere!'.

_BCMike - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 03:40 PM EDT (#50890) #

'Cerutti, lather me in honey and smack my backside, it's outtathere!'.

Damn, now that's a catch phrase LOL.

_Andrew Ward - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 05:15 PM EDT (#50891) #

I agree that Faulds/Cerutti/Candiotti are definitely improving in leaps and bounds (where is John, I wonder?).
My favourites are Sean McDonough and Jerry Remy (the guy on NESN with Jerry sounds just like Sean, it's amazing).
My only knock on Buck was that he never seemed to say anything positive about the Jays, and often was quite abrupt to Dan.
There are many worse, that's for sure!

_JBR - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 06:40 PM EDT (#50892) #

I have been short of patience with Rob, only because he has said so many obviously incorrect things on the air. I think it's general frustration with the lack of established broadcasters who really know baseball. Confusing umpires with players, calling everything the "daylight play", ... it's just annoying.

Now that Mike Wilner has appeared on SportsNet with Hazel Mae -- I just happened to catch it this morning -- I can only dream that Mikey will handle the play-by-play on the TV, the way it should be. If anyone in Toronto knows baseball more than Mike, then I would be surprised. Oh yes, and he's a fine broadcaster, too.

_Matt - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 07:39 PM EDT (#50893) #

Is this thread an elaborate practical joke? Cerutti is fine but Faulds continues to show virtually no understanding of the sport he's calling and is good for a half dozen howlers a game.

The best team in the business are two ex players in San Francisco, Krukow and Kuiper.

Named For Hank - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 09:27 PM EDT (#50894) #

No, Matt, I meant it genuinely. Perhaps you're watching someone else this year? I don't see what you're describing.

_Grimlock - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 10:30 PM EDT (#50895) #

Me Grimlock agree with Matt. The Faulds/Cerutti tandem is among the most unwatchable there is. Has the season been so bad that the only thing left to praise is ROB FAULDS? Sure, he's improving... but he was pretty bad before. And he's no rookie, didn't he do the Expos for a couple seasons back in the 80s? For someone who's watched the game as long as he has, he's pretty bad.

robertdudek - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 11:02 PM EDT (#50896) #

Grimlock!

Where have you been!

_IainS - Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 11:54 PM EDT (#50897) #

Hey Fauld's is a god next to Brian Williams... or Olver or Don "Heavy as a Chevy" Chevrier.

_Daryn - Wednesday, July 21 2004 @ 08:04 AM EDT (#50898) #

Joe Morgan: "Right now the batter's trying tap the ball the other way, because the defence is playing him to pull."

Moragn goes on and on about this.

Batter promptly rips one, pulling it, stands on second with a double that scored a run.

Miller: "Well Joe. Looks like he decided to give it a rip."

Joe Morgan: "No question he missed the sign."

Camera pans to the manager. Manager clapping his hands. Joe Morgan is oblivious.

Joe Morgan: "Paying attention to signs are things that are taught in spring training..."

Joe Morgan is delusional. I can't believe there was talk of someone hiring him as manager somewhere in the past.

This is a Classic if fictional rendition of the worst of Joe Morgan.. in fact if I had any advice at all for John Cerutti, it would be to listen to Joe... understand how BAD this is and learn not to fall into that pit... (John doesn't do it as often as Joe, but it makes me want to turn off the TV when it happens)

John... if you expect something to happen and it doesn't... big deal... there were lots of options, sometimes the unexpected works because the other play IS so obvious... just say, "Oh, that's a surprise" and let it go...

and if you come up with some sort of cute thing about a celebrity in the stands or some other player or whatever, USE IT ONCE.. then let it go...

just let it go...
(repeated 3 times for emphasis but see what I mean? I need to Let it go).. if I could let it go, then you could go, and let it go too...

hehehe

_Rusty Priske - Wednesday, July 21 2004 @ 08:56 AM EDT (#50899) #

Cerutti bugged me last night. Terry Adams was pitching and C said that he had to face 3 lefties in the next 4 batters and that is the price the Jays pay for not having a lefty in the pen.

How is it that I know that Adams is better against lefties than righties, yet the Jays colour man doesn't?

(Well, maybe it is because I have Adams in my strat league...)

robertdudek - Wednesday, July 21 2004 @ 11:08 AM EDT (#50900) #

Candiotti was doing last night's game - not Cerutti.

_Keith Talent - Wednesday, July 21 2004 @ 11:09 AM EDT (#50901) #

This is a Classic if fictional rendition of the worst of Joe Morgan

What's really funny is that Jon Miller knows Morgan is full of it and toys with him in mock respect.

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