Your 2008 Toronto Blue Jays!

[bad_philanthropy]

Re: Your 2008 Toronto Blue Jays!

Well that was a disappointing loss. BTW I've made a point to seek out the opposing team's broadcast rather then having to hear Jamie Campbell all year. I seriously think that Rogers should look at hiring an American broadcaster to do the games. In fact I'll be writing Star sports media columnist Chris Zelkovich about that.

What is the general perception of Campbell within the Toronto media? Been away for a while, and just wondering if and when they'll start giving him the Joe Carter treatment. I have really never understood how Campbell got the job. He is such an awful broadcaster, instead of actually having the skill and talent for broadcasting he creates himself to be this character with this baritone voice, it's farcical. It has been nice watching the Jays on Extra Innings since most of the games so far have been the opposition's broadcast. I agree about the American broadcaster, it would be the best option, unless anyone knows where another Dan Shulman is. The Sportsnet team still isn't as bad as who the clowns at CBC have calling the games.

[SPTO]

Re: Your 2008 Toronto Blue Jays!

Jim Hughson is a clown? He's practically the 2nd best Canadian born baseball broadcaster. He clearly had a lot of rust last year because he hadn't done a baseball game since '95 I believe. I bet he'll be a lot better this year.

I don't know how other media members perceive Campbell but I'm the same as you in that I can see right through his schtick. I have no idea how he got the job. I''ll ask those questions and see if I get an answer. If I do i'll post the e-mail reply or sum it up.

[bad_philanthropy]

Re: Your 2008 Toronto Blue Jays!

Jim Hughson is a clown? He's practically the 2nd best Canadian born baseball broadcaster. He clearly had a lot of rust last year because he hadn't done a baseball game since '95 I believe. I bet he'll be a lot better this year.

I don't know how other media members perceive Campbell but I'm the same as you in that I can see right through his schtick. I have no idea how he got the job. I''ll ask those questions and see if I get an answer. If I do i'll post the e-mail reply or sum it up.

Hughson isn't a clown the producers of baseball on CBC are, I really dislike the way they do the broadcasts, I'm not expecting Sunday Night baseball quality, but the Jays broadcasts on CBC have a very similar feel to me as the CBC track and field or skiing broadcasts. . I like Hughson for hockey but he just doesn't jive with me as a baseball guy, I really didn't like the booth last year on CBC, but maybe I should give him another chance since I didn't see some of his later broadcasts last year and maybe it was the rust that put me off.

[SPTO]

Re: Your 2008 Toronto Blue Jays!

Well here's the gist of what Mr. Zelkovich said to me. He was pretty much to the point and vague except for one thing which I will quote in full.

2) Jamie is a very nice guy and a hard worker. I feel he's mediocre and is taking far too long to break in. I can't really speak for the others.

The "others" refer to other sports media analysts as I had what is the general consensus of Jamie's performance. Also he said that to the best of his knowledge Sportsnet didn't look beyond their offices. Looks like they went on the cheap.

Oh well...

[theaub]

Re: Your 2008 Toronto Blue Jays!

I like these 1984 rosters for MLB '08. George Bell just took Jack Morris yard.

In other news, the game needs to start already

[bad_philanthropy]

Re: Your 2008 Toronto Blue Jays!

Well here's the gist of what Mr. Zelkovich said to me. He was pretty much to the point and vague except for one thing which I will quote in full.



The "others" refer to other sports media analysts as I had what is the general consensus of Jamie's performance. Also he said that to the best of his knowledge Sportsnet didn't look beyond their offices. Looks like they went on the cheap.

Oh well...

Can't really blame Sportsnet they don't have the money of a TSN or National network, they sink what they do have into their broadcast deals. But still, it's great that Campbell is nice and a hard worker but this is MLB broadcasting and it's embarrassing. I had some friends over for the A's series (they're from the Bay Area) and the Sportsnet Ontario feed was on Extra Innings and they thought Campbell was unbearable. My real question is now how much less are they paying Campbell than other regional broadcast PBP guys in the U.S.?

[SPTO]

Re: Your 2008 Toronto Blue Jays!

I'm guessing a lot less then other regional guys. Remember this is just a promotion and a slight payroll increase from what he was getting being the co-anchor on the Sportsnet news show.

On the positive side, it's nice to see the Jays whup on Steve Trashel

[Darkleaf]

Re: Your 2008 Toronto Blue Jays!

I Would take those Texas Rangers announcers in a heartbeat I enjoyed listening to them call games.
Anything is better than those White Sox homers, but hearing the different citys guys is alot better than either TSN or SN.Campbell over Rod Black anyday.

[SPTO]

Re: Your 2008 Toronto Blue Jays!

"sigh"

I hate it when the Jays waste Roy's starts like this. Also it looks like this team can't hit for bleep at home.

[Psyblast]

Re: Your 2008 Toronto Blue Jays!

Gotta say, the Blue Jays throwbacks are awesome. Right up there with the San Diego Chargers' powder blues.

[Sportsforever]

Re: Your 2008 Toronto Blue Jays!

Gotta say, the Blue Jays throwbacks are awesome. Right up there with the San Diego Chargers' powder blues.

Agreed...I really liked them.

[SPTO]

Re: Your 2008 Toronto Blue Jays!

Well Jays fans looks like we have a mini-tempest in a teapot. Frank Thomas is no longer the full time DH and Wilner's speculating that Frank could be put on waivers in 2 weeks time.

In a way this has to happen since Thomas just can't seem to warm up at the plate and we need some production. We should get some with Lind being called up.

[sabresfan]

Re: Your 2008 Toronto Blue Jays!

Well Jays fans looks like we have a mini-tempest in a teapot. Frank Thomas is no longer the full time DH and Wilner's speculating that Frank could be put on waivers in 2 weeks time.

In a way this has to happen since Thomas just can't seem to warm up at the plate and we need some production. We should get some with Lind being called up.

I don't like this one bit. Do I think he needed the occasional benching to clear his head and get him motivated? Yes. Do I think you come out and say "Hey you're pretty much benched for good" this early in the season? No way in hell. Thomas is a leader and strong veteran presence that you don't alienate like this. I think he has every right to be upset about it. Like he said, look at guys like Sheff and Thome - they haven't hit either but they aren't getting benched for good. Now the Jays are in an awful position. We face a lefty tomorrow who Thomas typically rakes against, but if you start him it looks like his anger paid off, if you don't you risk losing the game. IMO JP had something to do with this, but I don't know if we will ever know for sure.

[theaub]

Re: Your 2008 Toronto Blue Jays!

Sign Barry!

[bad_philanthropy]

Re: Your 2008 Toronto Blue Jays!

Still a lot of baseball to play, hopefully the Jays can get that DH spot sorted out. I can only imagine the circus if Bonds was signed, not only would the Toronto media be in a frenzy but the American media would form a small community around Rogers Centre. ESPN would BE camped out there all year long.