Bob Raissman of the NEW YORK DAILY NEWS reported last weekend that ESPN may be considering breaking up the Sunday night baseball broadcast team of Jon Miller and Joe Morgan after 19 years.
Raissman claimed in the report that ESPN staffers, on and off-air, had tired of Morgan’s arrogance and lack of preparation and were pushing for a change.
Prior to Game 5 of the World Series on Monday, Miller guested on ESPN 710 in Los Angeles on “Mason and Ireland“ and was asked about the possible Sunday night breakup.
Miller:
“The ESPN people, one of the executives, called me on Friday and said a reporter had called him an asked him about that, to let me know it was out there. He said ‘we thought it was kind of ridiculous because you both have it in your contract that you have to do Sunday Night Baseball. I don’t know the TV network can do whatever they want. Nobody said anything to either one of us about it.
“I don’t think there’s anything to it. But who knows? I’m not going to worry about it as long as they continue to pay my contract. With the stock market the way it is I’m going to be very content to get paid whether I do the games or not.” (audio link)
Sounds as though ESPN would have to make some financial concessions to make a move with Morgan. You also wonder how much the announcers really impact the ratings anyway. Usually good, competitive matchups drive viewership. A personality who can add viewers regardless of the teams playing comes along about once a generation, and we haven’t had ours yet.
I can’t see any movement unless Miller initiated it. And he doesn’t sound inclined to.
9:45 pm on October 27th, 2008
It would be a shame to break up one of the greatest comedy duos of all time.
9:48 pm on October 27th, 2008
It's a shame Fox, ESPN or TBS couldn't have somehow gotten Vin Scully to do any of the postseason. He was able to call the Dodgers games on a local radio station, but it would have been great to hear him broadcast the World Series.
9:56 pm on October 27th, 2008
The only Miller & Morgan I enjoy is Miller beer and Captain Morgan rum.
9:57 pm on October 27th, 2008
Jon's got the right outlook on the situation - it's all about the Benjamins.
9:59 pm on October 27th, 2008
SuperSC:
Blame the Dodgers for not getting past the Phillies to make it to the World Series.
10:10 pm on October 27th, 2008
I actually prefer Miller & Morgan to Buck & McCarver. Then again, who doesn't?
10:14 pm on October 27th, 2008
I heartily endorse Rick Sutcliffe for Joe Morgan's job.
10:18 pm on October 27th, 2008
I second the Sutcliffe nomination. He knows how to sweet talk the ladies. Just as Erin Andrews.
10:18 pm on October 27th, 2008
Have Sedano host it and i'll watch all the games
10:21 pm on October 27th, 2008
Bring in Bob Uecker!
10:25 pm on October 27th, 2008
Just saw an ad on Fox for that new Seth Rogen-Elizabeth Banks movie where they make a porno. But instead of calling the film "Zach & Miri Make a Porno", they just called it "Zach & Miri".
Looks like those offended L.A. viewers won:
http://www.sportsbybrooks.com/whats-wrong-with-a-little-porno-between-innings-20457
10:27 pm on October 27th, 2008
I agree with Uecker. How can you say no to the co-star of "Mr. Belvedere"?
10:41 pm on October 27th, 2008
Can't go wrong with Hawk Harrelson.
"You can put it on the boooooard, YES!"
10:44 pm on October 27th, 2008
And the tarp is out - but not before the Rays tie it up at 2-2.
10:56 pm on October 27th, 2008
Good thing, because the Colts-Titans game just got interesting.
11:11 pm on October 27th, 2008
Sure, the game's interesting - if you're a big fan of incomplete passes.
11:21 pm on October 27th, 2008
LenDale White just scored. And I am pleased - he's given me the lead in my fantasy football matchup this week.
11:25 pm on October 27th, 2008
The Rays are sooooo lucky they didn't stop play during the top of the 6th. If Pena didn't hit Upton home, the game could have been called, and since it was pass the 5th inning, the game would have been official & the Phillies would be enjoying their wet World Series trophy already.
11:50 am on October 28th, 2008
They "no" nothing or "know" nothing, wait, I'm confused, do they know or not - - this a riddle?
2:31 pm on October 28th, 2008
man, if they're going to break them up, how will i learn about basepaths and what minor league systems are for? and rick sutcliffe? LMAO, the guy is worse than "hall of famer" joe morgan
2:38 pm on October 28th, 2008
with unemployment on the horizon, think jon will cut back on the wardrobe? that should save him twenty, thirty bucks a month
5:33 pm on October 28th, 2008
Miller and Morgan know nothing…period.
9:35 pm on October 28th, 2008
Sgt. Schulz knows nothing, too.