Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: L'Equipe Claims He's Coming To Chelsea On Five Year Deal

Open Letter to the Rangers re: John Rhadigan


Mr. Ryan and Mr. Blake,

As an individual Rangers fan, I realize that my opinion is but a solitary voice in the aggregate that is the realm of Texas Rangers fandom.  However, I also understand that much like every extra ticket sold is important, every additional fan of your wonderful organization has a similar importance.  This is why I am writing to you today with this unsolicited, but unfortunately incredibly warranted, opinion on the state of the television broadcast team.

John Rhadigan is an exceptional pre- and post-game leader for the Texas Rangers, and seemingly an incredibly well-respected and liked individual both within the organization and throughout the Dallas/Ft. Worth media.  That makes the criticism presented in this letter something that cannot be laced with vitriol, as is often the case when issuing displeasure with someone's performance.  Mr. Rhadigan has done nothing to warrant any disrespect; however, valid criticisms and significant issues exist with his performance.

Quite simply, John is a veritable beating to listen to on a daily basis as the voice of the Texas Rangers.  He sounds uninspired, uninterested, and seemingly detached from the game that he is presenting.  His lack of basic baseball knowledge (that Mr. Grieve has had to correct on air) is supplemented by a shockingly common confusion over which players he is witnessing on the field.  The following is just a short list of issues:

  • Mislabeling Jackie Robinson Day as Martin Luther King Day
  • Confusing Elvis Andrus and Julio Borbon, Magglio Ordonez and Miguel Cabrera, Elvis Andrus and Andres Blanco, Elvis Andrus and Julio Borbon, Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez
  • Calling for an RBI on a double play, to which Tom Grieve corrected him on air
  • Calling a strike out immediately after calling a 3-1 pitch
  • A ball was hit to "left right center field"
  • Incessantly repeating "the side is retired" at the end of every half inning
  • Incessantly repeating "payoff pitch" on most 3-2 counts
  • Inability to modify his playcalling in any way and overusing "makes the play"
  • Inherently disingenuous "let's play ball, y'all" and "there ya go, boys"

I hate criticizing someone so robustly, but the plain and simple truth is this: the broadcast has become downright painful to listen to and is driving this viewer away from the television medium of enjoying the game.

It is grotesquely unfortunate that we have had to endure such a precipitous decline in the quality of the television broadcast from Josh Lewin to John Rhadigan.  The common rhetoric has been to "give John time" from fellow media outlets, and this is the reason that this letter did not come sooner.  However, there has been no trend indicating improvement.  Quite the contrary, the broadcast has stayed consistently painful.

This is an appeal, a plea... a humble request, if you will... to rectify this situation as quickly as possible.  It is upsetting to me, and to many other Rangers fans, that attempting to enjoy watching our favorite team is met with such frustration in how it is conveyed to us.

I sincerely hope you give this letter, and the others you undoubtedly receive, credence.

Thank you for your time,

Benjamin Taylor

Comment 448 comments  |  48 recs  | 

Do you like this story?

Comments

Display:

Good job.

Like most, I like Rhads, but obviously not as a PBP guy. Why they wouldn’t hire a professional for such an important job is beyond me.

There hasn’t been a homer hit this season that Rhads knew was gone prior to it landing in the OF seats. It’s like he’s watching the game on a 2 second delayed monitor while studying his notes or something.

"I think that Rangers is good team." ~ South Korean Ranger Nation

by hubcityraider on Apr 19, 2011 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions  

Very good letter.

I completely agree.

Ever been in a boardroom, or a gang fight? Ever save a life? Ever won a court case against the odds? Ever held a dying buddy in your arms?.- jackanape on "perspective," 11/8/2010.

by Aqua on Apr 16, 2011 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions  

Thanks Aqua

I really do appreciate it.

by benjihana on Apr 18, 2011 5:28 AM CDT up reply actions  

you are the new letter writer

plz write a letter to sbn about the z key not working. it’s a very similar problem, so maybe you can just modify this letter slightly

by sam in so cal on Apr 17, 2011 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions  

Damn that is annoying!

Just stopped working for me.

"He’s the boomstick, you know what I mean?" -Ian Kinsler

by selke99 on Apr 17, 2011 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

Herbie,

Benjamin isn’t a lone voice of descent here.

by beaudog on Apr 16, 2011 4:16 PM CDT reply actions  

I gave him a 'D' in the poll.

Rangers brass (if you bother reading this):

At least he’s not a Rex Hudler, cocaine-fueled sort of announcer. That’s all I can say for him except that I’m sure he’s a nice guy and he’s probably doing his best. Definitely belongs in broadcasting but I don’t think calling plays will ever be his strength. He’s more of a journalist/anchor type and there’s nothing wrong with that. This is the team’s mistake. You win the AL pennant and let a good play-by-play guy go, then replace him with someone who has no experience? Really? I mean if it were the mid-Aughts, the team was bad, and Josh Lewin had bolted for a new gig, sure…try a John Rhadigan. But not when you’re in the spotlight.

I want to add that I think Tom Grieve is excellent at his job. Can’t speak for everyone but I bet most people would agree.

by Black Francis on Apr 16, 2011 4:55 PM CDT reply actions  

Well they let Lewin know he was gonna be gone before we even won the division

and let us know before we even got out of the first round, I believe. But yeah should’ve never happened to begin with. Fn ridiculous. >.<

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 17, 2011 1:11 AM CDT up reply actions  

Thank you, very much.

I should have clarified in my letter that these phrases are certainly disingenuous, but I’m not implying that he is being malicious by using them. Someone higher up could be pushing this as a greater sense of the new marketing that the Rangers have been pushing to target the “Texas” side of things.

I like John. He seems like a great person, but his efforts here are misplaced, be them his or others.

by benjihana on Apr 18, 2011 5:31 AM CDT up reply actions  

Bravo! Bravo! Well done sir, hope it does the trick!

At the very least should open some eyes.

Ventura::Lewin::Greenberg

If hating Rhads is wrong I don't want to be right.

by BigGuns on Apr 16, 2011 5:24 PM CDT reply actions  

While well written,

I think even if every member of LSB emailed them, it still wouldn’t change their minds.

Glad to see Herbie responded.

by lost in space on Apr 16, 2011 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

This

The guy is going to get a year at least. I would be willing to guess the TV ratings are great no matter who is calling the games just because this team is badass right now.

I think he should just crack and go straight Hawk Harrelson that dude is crazy as hell but after watching 2 innings of CWS baseball I walk around the house yelling HE GONE!!1 like a fuckin crazy person

by SneakerNut on Apr 16, 2011 10:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

Very well written

I’d almost say you got two for the price of one by posting it here too.

I'm an F-18, bro. And I will destroy you in the air. I will deploy my ordinance to the ground

by Witt(less) on Apr 16, 2011 5:45 PM CDT reply actions  

Appreciate it Witt

Somehow thinking of Bobby Witt made me think of Mad Hatter Todd Burns

Don’t ask me why

by benjihana on Apr 18, 2011 5:33 AM CDT up reply actions  

Gotta say

that this is very, very well written. Covers the main issues while maintaining a tone of respect and admiration. Appropriately concise without missing any important points. Not sure how much you edited this before sending/posting – you did a very good job with this. Couldn’t have put it better myself. (and I’m a top 1-2% person (kidding))

Section 239, Row 1

by JayAhre on Apr 16, 2011 5:48 PM CDT reply actions  

heh. match

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 17, 2011 1:13 AM CDT up reply actions   2 recs

Pretty much a straight shot from the gut without much revision

And thanks for the commentary.

I’m whatever match is, but a little higher.

Just kidding.

by benjihana on Apr 18, 2011 5:33 AM CDT up reply actions  

Good stuff.

Move him into the studio for the post-game wrap ups and get Renner off of my TV. But get Rhadigan out of the booth already, he’s drowning in there and it’s embarrassing to watch.

"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel

by TXHC on Apr 16, 2011 6:03 PM CDT reply actions   1 recs

I wouldn't even mind him taking a Knox type role

when he travels with the Rangers in years past and did it while they were on the road I didn’t mind him at all.

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 17, 2011 1:14 AM CDT up reply actions  

Maybe Renner could become the play-by-play guy.

Innovators look at the same thing as everyone else, yet see something different.

by K. Scott Bailey on Apr 17, 2011 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

I have a feeling we're going to be adding many more transgressions to the list you've compiled.

Great letter. Thanks for representing us.

Photobucket

"We’re not about sending messages. We’re about winning ballgames." - Ron Washington 04/03/11

by erudy on Apr 16, 2011 6:46 PM CDT reply actions  

Thank you erudy!

I really did try to stay away from quirks and focus on things that I deemed troublesome…

That’s why there wasn’t a troika of “It’s a caught”, teletubbies, and warming A-Rod up.

by benjihana on Apr 18, 2011 5:34 AM CDT up reply actions  

You kept it professional

which is more than some can say…

"We’re not about sending messages. We’re about winning ballgames." - Ron Washington 04/03/11

by erudy on Apr 28, 2011 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

Well thanks

Despite being an idiot on here, I’m actually a fairly focused/professional dude.

LSB is a guilty pleasure.

by benjihana on Apr 29, 2011 12:49 AM CDT up reply actions  

Heh, as for many of us.

We’re not about sending messages. We’re about winning ballgames.-Wash, 04/03/11

by Rodney on Apr 29, 2011 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions  

He's new

Seems like I’m way outnumbered, but I say give him some time to improve…. I will admit, the “let’s play ball, y’all” has to go and has to go now. The other mistakes, maybe it’s nervousness? Surely he can’t be is dumb as he sometimes seem.

I have come here to chew bubble gum and kick ass, and I am all out of bubble gum.

by Tex Pantego on Apr 16, 2011 7:50 PM CDT reply actions  

Only 30.

There are only 30 MLB play by play jobs n the country. We are the largest single team market. We deserve someone truly great.

by ryanpaulsmith on Apr 20, 2011 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

I honestly think he's this dumb.

Watching him previously while he was reporting from the bleachers with that goofy ass smile and slow speech pattern, along with a never-changing expression on his face just gives me the impression that he’s not the sharpest tool in the shed.

So far he’s done nothing to change my mind.

"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel

by TXHC on Apr 16, 2011 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions  

It's pretty obvious extemporaneous speaking is not his forte.....

which seems to be a very necessary prerequisite of a good PBP man….Nolan needs to give him a bunch of tapes of old games and make him practice nonstop. Maybe hire a tutor to travel with him on road trips…

by CW13 on Apr 16, 2011 10:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'd feel better if i knew he was sitting in the booth watching batting practice for 2-3 hours

and getting a feeling for how the ball carries. this is his first road trip but his ability to discern where a ball off the bat will land is absolutely horrendous. it is killing him and completely affects his call. not to mention it appears he has so much on his plate during a broadcast that he is unable to figure out when to have enthusiasm during a play. it’s just really sad to listen to and makes me question his overall baseball acumen.

by CW13 on Apr 17, 2011 1:42 AM CDT up reply actions  

I know for football the announcers practice on taped games...

I cannot imagine anyone listening to Rhads doing a game and thinking this would work out. Wonder if he was just handed the job with no audition.

"He’s the boomstick, you know what I mean?" -Ian Kinsler

by selke99 on Apr 17, 2011 3:24 AM CDT up reply actions  

from The Ticket

A few weeks before the season started he was filling in on one of the shows and was talking about how he got the gig. Apparently he auditioned years ago when the position was open bu didn’t get it, but the Ranger’s liked him. He said he got the offer out of the blue and accepted without having to do another audition or submitting any audio reels.

So to answer your question, there was no audition, he was just well liked by Nolan and the other front office types.

by TequilaMockingbird on Apr 18, 2011 7:37 PM CDT up reply actions  

Nice letter.

Well said.

Expectation is the root of all heartache. — William Shakespeare

by TheDutchOven on Apr 16, 2011 8:01 PM CDT reply actions  

heh

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 17, 2011 1:15 AM CDT up reply actions  

My 2 cents

I think this might be one of the few times where someone from this site could do better than the guy in the booth. I just don’t think John has actually watched all that much baseball. IMO he seems like a casual fan who just so happens to be in the booth. I don’t think he has seen enough baseball to understand what a routine play looks like.

Regardless of what we say I think he will get to at least finish this year. During that time I think he will become decent at PBP simply due to the amount of baseball he is going to have to watch.

 I turned the volume up for a couple of innings today and his calls of the mundane are better than they used to be. My biggest problem right now is he seems to be just as excited when the bad guys do something good as when the Rangers do. It’s very odd having someone who should be on our side sounding excited when a Yankee or Tiger hit a dong it really bugs me.

FWIW I have just moved over to syncing up the MLB at bat stream with the TV and it works well I even piped it into my stereo so I still get good sound.

by SneakerNut on Apr 16, 2011 10:31 PM CDT reply actions  

Synching

What is the best way to do that?

by Dirk Diggler on Apr 16, 2011 10:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

X

I let the MLB at bat app take the lead and get it synch’d up with the pause function on my DVR works pretty damn well.

by SneakerNut on Apr 16, 2011 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

I did this during the Directv free week...

I felt like fucking Einstein.

"He’s the boomstick, you know what I mean?" -Ian Kinsler

by selke99 on Apr 17, 2011 3:25 AM CDT up reply actions  

This is exactly what I started doing this weekend.

I didn’t even own the app, but downloaded it and paid the price JUST so I don’t have to listen to John F’n Rhadigan.

Your signature makes your agreement somewhat conflicted. - FuturePants 03/25/11

by spaceblues on Apr 18, 2011 8:31 AM CDT up reply actions  

I did it last night

When the ESPN guys started to make me lose my mind.

Nadel is sooooo much better than them or Rhadigan.

by Dirk Diggler on Apr 18, 2011 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions  

Well, in fairness to Rhadigan, Nadel is an unfair standard by which to hold him in first year

Nadel is better than just about everyone whose name doesn’t rhyme with Schmully.

"It has been said that baseball is to the United States what revolutions are to Latin America, a safety valve for letting off steam. I think baseball is more serious than any Latin American revolution. But, then, I am a serious fan." -- George F. Will

by WestTxAg06 on Apr 18, 2011 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions  

Well ok

Doesn’t mean I have to listen to Rhadigan when he is clearly terrible at his job.

by Dirk Diggler on Apr 18, 2011 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions  

This is exactly what I've been doing.

How pathetic that such a PITA has become worth the effort.

by bhudson on Apr 18, 2011 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions  

Gotta disagree with you respectfully here

Any sort of live or off-the-cuff commentary is NOT simple.

by benjihana on Apr 18, 2011 5:37 AM CDT up reply actions  

Good fucking Christ

It’s been 14 fucking games. Give the guy a chance, people.

You think it’s some kind of easy skate, calling MLB play by play?

LSB seems to think every commentator other than Lewin, Grieve, and Vin Scully are brain dead stumblebums.

"Don't argue with an idiot (JW); people watching may not be able to tell
the difference."

Adam J Morris, halfassedly pretending to be interested in my thoughts, goals, and overall self esteem since late 2005.

by Brian Thomas on Apr 17, 2011 12:02 AM CDT reply actions   1 recs

I think i could count on one hand the things i have learned about baseball from Josh Lewin

Very nice guy, and a knack for play by play (he did an even better job w/ the Chargers, imo), but his commentary was far from “smartened up.”

"Don't argue with an idiot (JW); people watching may not be able to tell
the difference."

Adam J Morris, halfassedly pretending to be interested in my thoughts, goals, and overall self esteem since late 2005.

by Brian Thomas on Apr 17, 2011 12:48 AM CDT up reply actions  

True, but that means he at least had one good quality in his knack for PBP.

I guess my issue with Rhadigan is that he brings NOTHING to the table. What is he good at? If you aren’t a wordsmith (which Rhadigan will most likely never be), fine, you better know baseball or provide us with some insight to keep us interested. I guess Rhadigan could eventually become knowledgeable about baseball, but it will take years and years. With a team coming off a World Series appearance, you would think the team could find a candidate that had at least one talent (either a knack with words or baseball knowledge) that he could immediately bring to the TV booth. Instead they hired someone with neither…

"Certainly, we were penalties, and we stopped ourselves." - Les Miles

by e2drummer on Apr 17, 2011 1:09 AM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Well, I took a valium about 20 minutes ago, so this may not make as much sense as it does in my head

Bear with me.

But i find it hard to believe that Rhadigan is that much of a baseball ignoramus. The club MUST have given him some kind of audition, both radio pbp wise and Baseball IQ wise, doncha think? Just because he is saying stupid shit, doesn’t necessarily mean that’s how he’d converse pressure free, like in an LSB living room.

For instance, I represent a community of about 200 engineers on this one weekly telcon, and this meeting can just zap me out of nowhere with a question about some obscure pub or spec, and, even 3 years later, sometimes I am essentially “hummana…hummanna…I’ll have to get back to you on that.” When in reality, I knew the answer cold. I just choked.

Rhadigan may be a bit gunshy, and playing it really safe. I dunno.

"Don't argue with an idiot (JW); people watching may not be able to tell
the difference."

Adam J Morris, halfassedly pretending to be interested in my thoughts, goals, and overall self esteem since late 2005.

by Brian Thomas on Apr 17, 2011 1:22 AM CDT up reply actions  

It doesn't matter if he's knowledgeable off-the-air

if he can’t convey his knowledge in words on-the-air. Isn’t it the job of a PBP announcer to effectively put what he’s seeing or thinking into words? If he can’t do that, then he’s not a good at his job.

"Certainly, we were penalties, and we stopped ourselves." - Les Miles

by e2drummer on Apr 17, 2011 1:34 AM CDT up reply actions  

No disagreement

How good were you the 1st 2 weeks on the job?

"Don't argue with an idiot (JW); people watching may not be able to tell
the difference."

Adam J Morris, halfassedly pretending to be interested in my thoughts, goals, and overall self esteem since late 2005.

by Brian Thomas on Apr 17, 2011 1:36 AM CDT up reply actions  

No one is good at first, but then you learn and improve.

So far, there has been no improvement from Rhadigan.

I’m most pissed off that I honestly don’t know if the Rangers put him through any sort of audition. It could have been that Nolan liked him, so he got the job. It’s like a company playing favorites and hiring an under-qualified applicant. Rhadigan will take significantly longer to learn the ropes (if he ever does) than someone who is more qualified.

"Certainly, we were penalties, and we stopped ourselves." - Les Miles

by e2drummer on Apr 17, 2011 1:46 AM CDT up reply actions  

I don't disagree with any of that

I say something along those same lines in a post below.

The initial decision was a poor one. That’s when all the wailing should have occurred, though, not 2 weeks into the season.

I will say this: despite the fact that we are the AL champs, i doubt we are really considered the plummiest of plum jobs.

"Don't argue with an idiot (JW); people watching may not be able to tell
the difference."

Adam J Morris, halfassedly pretending to be interested in my thoughts, goals, and overall self esteem since late 2005.

by Brian Thomas on Apr 17, 2011 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions  

Theres only 30 of these jobs

Shouldn’t be hard to find someone who doesn’t need a few weeks to get from being absolutely terrible to just passable

by Dirk Diggler on Apr 17, 2011 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

For a high-profile job like the one he has,

the team should have hired someone who could be good from the jump. What they did was the equivalent of hiring a guy from the accounting department of a major company to run the PR department. It makes no damn sense.

Innovators look at the same thing as everyone else, yet see something different.

by K. Scott Bailey on Apr 17, 2011 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions  

And you peaked then, of course, too?

"Don't argue with an idiot (JW); people watching may not be able to tell
the difference."

Adam J Morris, halfassedly pretending to be interested in my thoughts, goals, and overall self esteem since late 2005.

by Brian Thomas on Apr 17, 2011 1:37 AM CDT up reply actions  

Actually, many have implied it is easy

In this very thread, one person calls him dumb, and another claims that anybody from LSB could do a better job. I recall probably dozens of similar sentiments in other threads.

But that’s beside the point. I would have been happier to have a seasoned pro in here, too. I’m not defending the choice, nor his performance to date.

But he’s got the job. Shitcanning him 14 or 20 games in would be pretty damn kneejerky premature. Josh lewin was an absolute beating to listen to when he first started, too. I hated the guy initially.

Most everybody here thinks they know more than the guys calling the game, anyway, so why the daily fucking moans? I guess I don’t pay as much attention to the announcers as everybody else. And i also just think it is such a tiny portion of the Ranger experience. Most LSBers watch the game in real time anyway. Turn on Nadel. He’s got chunks of Lewin and Grieve in his stool.

"Don't argue with an idiot (JW); people watching may not be able to tell
the difference."

Adam J Morris, halfassedly pretending to be interested in my thoughts, goals, and overall self esteem since late 2005.

by Brian Thomas on Apr 17, 2011 12:45 AM CDT up reply actions  

There are a lot of people whose comments I don't bother digesting

Anyone who’d say that play-by-play would be an easy gig and that anyone can do it…well that’s stupid. But, still, there’s nothing wrong with people not liking Rhadigan’s work. I didn’t like Lewin way back when he started with the Rangers but he wasn’t this bad. He’d called baseball games before, at least. To me if you’re a big league team you don’t hire some guy with studio experience but no play-by-play experience. You’re above that. I’m willing to bet there are minor league guys who could do a better job. Probably quite a few of them. I don’t know why the Rangers didn’t trawl the bush leagues for someone who had at least done this job before.

And if John Rhadigan wants to do play-by-play, that’s where he should be: some minor league radio booth getting a feel for the game.

Anyway, yeah I can see now that some people have actually suggested that they or some random hypothetical person could do a better job than Rhadigan. I don’t agree with that, but it shows how frustrated people are, and they do have a right to be frustrated.

by Black Francis on Apr 17, 2011 1:04 AM CDT up reply actions   2 recs

This is pretty much how I feel about it.

The problem here is that Rhadigan has never done this before, and it shows. A major-league team, a team that went to the World Series last year—should not be hiring someone with zero experience at PBP for their broadcast. A major-league team’s broadcast should be more professional than this.

by Stormwalker on Apr 17, 2011 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions  

That's not true at all.

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 17, 2011 1:17 AM CDT up reply actions  

Which?

"Don't argue with an idiot (JW); people watching may not be able to tell
the difference."

Adam J Morris, halfassedly pretending to be interested in my thoughts, goals, and overall self esteem since late 2005.

by Brian Thomas on Apr 17, 2011 1:23 AM CDT up reply actions  

People here like other broadcasters

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 17, 2011 1:27 AM CDT up reply actions  

So name em

"Don't argue with an idiot (JW); people watching may not be able to tell
the difference."

Adam J Morris, halfassedly pretending to be interested in my thoughts, goals, and overall self esteem since late 2005.

by Brian Thomas on Apr 17, 2011 1:28 AM CDT up reply actions  

Hasn't done PBP since 2004

And the Hawk comment is seriously, hyperbolically dumbass.

"Don't argue with an idiot (JW); people watching may not be able to tell
the difference."

Adam J Morris, halfassedly pretending to be interested in my thoughts, goals, and overall self esteem since late 2005.

by Brian Thomas on Apr 17, 2011 6:28 AM CDT up reply actions  

Love him.

He’s doing MNB for ESPN now. He’s easily one of ESPN’s best announcers and he seldom called games for them until this year.

by mizzou918 on Apr 17, 2011 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'm actually okay with most MLB PBP guys, and genuinely like several.

Not knowing names off the top of my head, the Twins, Mets, and Reds come to mind quickly. In addition to Scully and Lewin.

by philkid3 on Apr 17, 2011 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions  

I am too

I think we are in a very small minority, though.

"Don't argue with an idiot (JW); people watching may not be able to tell
the difference."

Adam J Morris, halfassedly pretending to be interested in my thoughts, goals, and overall self esteem since late 2005.

by Brian Thomas on Apr 17, 2011 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

Most are fine by me.

I have complained about Barnett, but he’s not all that terrible. It’s just when you put him next to Nadel he sounds as bad as Edith Bunker’s singing.

by Black Francis on Apr 17, 2011 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

Bob carpenter

Of the Nats and former ranger broadcaster is terrific. Heard him do lee’s gem this week and longed for him to work rangers games.

Jack Daddy

by Jack Daddy on Apr 17, 2011 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

I love Jon Miller, too

And I’ve heard him get shit on here many a time.

The other guy is a homer pick who only did TV for 2 years. I loved him, too, but that hardly refutes my point.

"Don't argue with an idiot (JW); people watching may not be able to tell
the difference."

Adam J Morris, halfassedly pretending to be interested in my thoughts, goals, and overall self esteem since late 2005.

by Brian Thomas on Apr 17, 2011 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions  

Off the top of my head...

Vin Scully is a treasure. I actually don’t mind the Sunday Night game these days. Jon Miller is one of the best in the business. Gary Thorne and Jim Palmer are pretty good in Baltimore. Pittsburgh’s broadcast is pretty good. If you can get past the fact that you’re listening to a Red Sox broadcast, Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy are ok. Dick Enberg doing baseball is pretty neat. Dick Bremer and Bert Blyleven are pretty awesome in Minnesota. The guys on the YES network aren’t perfect but they aren’t bad, either. Mark Grace is kind of a douche on the FOX broadcasts but he’s alright on the Diamondbacks broadcasts. Glen Kuiper and Ray Fosse are kind of milquetoast but they have their moments. I hear them a lot and I’ve never wanted to turn them off because they are bad broadcasters, though, when they make fun of the Rangers, that’s a mood killer. Thom Brennaman is good in Cincinnati, although, if he is paired with Jeff Brantley it kind of blows. Milwaukee has a good group, but they’re in Nadel territory because you’re only going to want to hear Uecker. Gary Cohen is excellent for the Mets…and he calls Mets games. Duane Kuiper and Mike Krukow are awesome. Two of the best in the game. The Giants have an awesome group calling games. It’s too bad that they are with the Giants.

The best thing the Rangers have going for them is Jim Knox.

by ghostofErikThompson on Apr 17, 2011 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions  

You like Jim Knox more that TAG or Eric Nadel?

"...out of the shadows of unprecedented success, the sun shines down upon this team waiting to thrill anew." - ghostofErikThompson

by jam0152 on Apr 17, 2011 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions  

See...

I had to listen to Gary Thorne the entire playoffs, and couldn’t stand him.

A lot of the other guys I tend to agree with, though… save the TAG hatred/Knox love.

I’m sure, beyond the regular TV broadcasters, there are a ton of guys calling minor league games, or games for other sports, who have experience, are comfortable in a PBP setting, and know baseball better than Rhads.

by vfn on Apr 17, 2011 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

ESPN Americas

I didn’t mind him at all.

We’re not about sending messages. We’re about winning ballgames.-Wash, 04/03/11

by Rodney on Apr 21, 2011 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yes, Thorne and Palmer are good.

Disagree ono Orsillo and Remy being okay, mostly for Remy’s accent.

Enberg is weird because he’s kind of out of it, but something about listening to him is soothing.

by philkid3 on Apr 18, 2011 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions  

Aye

We’re not about sending messages. We’re about winning ballgames.-Wash, 04/03/11

by Rodney on Apr 21, 2011 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

Thumbs up

On the Dick Bremer/Bert Blyleven love. They’re quite good.

by sportsnight on Apr 19, 2011 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions  

Jon Miller is great

Morgan brought that broadcast down a few pegs. Miller’s very good. I have liked most of the Rangers’ radio play-by-play guys who probably weren’t that popular around here. Cotroneo, the Angels defector Rojas. It would be awesome to have a Jon Miller but you don’t necessarily have to have one to have a professional, interesting to listen to broadcasting team.

by Black Francis on Apr 17, 2011 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions  

His contract is up after this year.

I want him.

"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel

by TXHC on Apr 17, 2011 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

Maybe that was the plan all along

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 18, 2011 12:08 AM CDT up reply actions  

I suggested that earlier in the offseason.

But if Rhadigan got a multi-year deal that kinda muddies up the water a little.

"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel

by TXHC on Apr 18, 2011 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions  

Did he?

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 18, 2011 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions  

I've seen that he did flying around on here.

I’m not sure…

"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel

by TXHC on Apr 19, 2011 3:12 AM CDT up reply actions  

You see...

thats a fastball. Thanks for clearing that up, Joe.

by stormdude3603 on Apr 19, 2011 12:54 AM CDT up reply actions  

I would have gladly taken Victor Rojas.

He’s probably sold his soul to the Angels organization, but whatever.

I would also die if they promoted Nadel to a Vin Scully style role and had him do TV and radio PBP simultaneously with TAG in the booth as well. I know Tom isn’t a PBP guy, so they’d probably have to get a third person, but I just don’t care.

by jwiscarson on Apr 23, 2011 12:23 AM CDT up reply actions  

Meh, Rojas is dead to me after his Angels d-baggery and blocking of AJM last year

"It has been said that baseball is to the United States what revolutions are to Latin America, a safety valve for letting off steam. I think baseball is more serious than any Latin American revolution. But, then, I am a serious fan." -- George F. Will

by WestTxAg06 on Apr 23, 2011 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

blocking of AJM?!?

Damn, I’m sorry I missed this.

No idea what this is referring to.

"...like some Russian priest fresh off a bottle of potato vodka and a box of cigars." -t ball

by rangerdanger on Apr 26, 2011 7:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

Rojas was mocking the Rangers on Twitter early last season about how division titles werent decided in May or somesuch

Then when the Rangers pulled away from the Angels, AJM asked Rojas about it on Twitter. Rojas promptly blocked him.

"It has been said that baseball is to the United States what revolutions are to Latin America, a safety valve for letting off steam. I think baseball is more serious than any Latin American revolution. But, then, I am a serious fan." -- George F. Will

by WestTxAg06 on Apr 28, 2011 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions  

Wow. That's umm... wow.

Innovators look at the same thing as everyone else, yet see something different.

by K. Scott Bailey on Apr 28, 2011 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions  

Well, Rojas is correct...

that was still kind of douchey to block him because of that. Too bad, Rojas sounds like an even keel guy on radio/TV.

"He’s the boomstick, you know what I mean?" -Ian Kinsler

by selke99 on Apr 28, 2011 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions  

So basically, you got nuthin?

"Don't argue with an idiot (JW); people watching may not be able to tell
the difference."

Adam J Morris, halfassedly pretending to be interested in my thoughts, goals, and overall self esteem since late 2005.

by Brian Thomas on Apr 17, 2011 6:29 AM CDT up reply actions  

If you're not Howard Cosell, fuck off!!!

"He’s the boomstick, you know what I mean?" -Ian Kinsler

by selke99 on Apr 17, 2011 3:26 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yep.

And unless someone’s a complete asshole, to campaign to get him fired is just wrong. I hope Herbie asked for the emails so he can bury them.

Getting rid of Lewin was dumb. Rhadigan has had stumbles. But fuck, this is not that big of a deal. We’ve got 90% of the season left, yet people are saying “I’ve already given him a chance”.

Que sera, sera.

by scoop16 on Apr 17, 2011 6:57 AM CDT up reply actions  

I agree.
Pulling out the "whatever, quit bitching your life must be awesome to bitch about this" card is almost as obnoxious as blind raging over a luxury item.

But I think it’s actually more obnoxious — and far more douche-y — to lecture people about it, as Scoop is doing.

Innovators look at the same thing as everyone else, yet see something different.

by K. Scott Bailey on Apr 18, 2011 8:17 AM CDT up reply actions  

The "it's not a big deal" line is on par with

“why are we worrying about this? There’s starving kids in China!”

The bottom line is I have to listen to Rhads for 3 hours a day for the next 140 days. That’s a lot of fucking hours. It’s worth bitching about.

by ncrangerfan on Apr 25, 2011 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions  

It isn't even about a charmed life.

Last year was the first year that the Rangers have been meaningful on a national level. There’s a much greater chance for the Rangers to pick up loads of additional fans in local, regional, and national markets. The team’s decisions matter quite a lot now, and one of their “faces” is their regular TV play-by-play guy.

This is clearly not a personal attack on Rhadigan. If he were replacing Knox, I would have loved it. Rhadigan is professional, succinct, and even-keeled. He may eventually even be cut out for play by play. However, in a critical year where it’s important that the franchise put its best foot forward, this was a mistake.

It isn’t about my personal charmed life. It’s about this team making a smart business decision to maximize revenue in every way they can, and I can guarantee you that having a mediocre-at-best TV play-by-play guy is not going to accomplish that objective.

by jwiscarson on Apr 23, 2011 12:21 AM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

get this guy a valium.

"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz

"Baseball's all that's real" - JB

by Ryin A on Apr 17, 2011 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions  

you mad Orange?

Ventura::Lewin::Greenberg

If hating Rhads is wrong I don't want to be right.

by BigGuns on Apr 17, 2011 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

This gif is underrated

I own Mickey Tettleton's couch.

by Pith on Apr 17, 2011 6:52 PM CDT up reply actions  

still mad Orange?

Ventura::Lewin::Greenberg

If hating Rhads is wrong I don't want to be right.

by BigGuns on Apr 19, 2011 7:03 AM CDT up reply actions  

LSB needs a negative rec button.

Innovators look at the same thing as everyone else, yet see something different.

by K. Scott Bailey on Apr 17, 2011 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

I have no idea who you are

Never noticed you.

But you feel free to flag all my posts for idiocy. I’ll keep on not noticing you. You’re probably aces with gifs in the game day threads or some such.

"Don't argue with an idiot (JW); people watching may not be able to tell
the difference."

Adam J Morris, halfassedly pretending to be interested in my thoughts, goals, and overall self esteem since late 2005.

by Brian Thomas on Apr 17, 2011 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions  

meanie

"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz

"Baseball's all that's real" - JB

by Ryin A on Apr 17, 2011 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

You have no idea how much my feelings are hurt that you have no idea who I am.

I will fall asleep weeping quietly tonight.

Innovators look at the same thing as everyone else, yet see something different.

by K. Scott Bailey on Apr 17, 2011 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

Sorry K. Bailey

Hutchinson

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 18, 2011 12:09 AM CDT up reply actions   2 recs

I am beginning to more fully understand why people type "/Mike E"

after random stupid comments by other LSBers.

Innovators look at the same thing as everyone else, yet see something different.

by K. Scott Bailey on Apr 18, 2011 8:19 AM CDT up reply actions  

you are doing it wrong

/Mike E

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Apr 18, 2011 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

Oh, I just figured out who you were

The won-loss guy.

That was an entertaining read. I missed that one when it came out. Thanks, neg-reccer.

"Don't argue with an idiot (JW); people watching may not be able to tell
the difference."

Adam J Morris, halfassedly pretending to be interested in my thoughts, goals, and overall self esteem since late 2005.

by Brian Thomas on Apr 18, 2011 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

I am filled with the joy of all interwebz that you figured out who I am. : |

Innovators look at the same thing as everyone else, yet see something different.

by K. Scott Bailey on Apr 18, 2011 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

All this stuff is pointless, in my opinion.

Not only is Ryan completely stubborn and hard-headed about these issues, bu he’s a personal friend to Rhaigan as well. I just don’t see anything happening for years.

This was really the only reason I was bummed that Greenberg left.. cause I really felt enough bad stuff from us then he would step in and make the change. Not Ryan though.

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 17, 2011 1:04 AM CDT reply actions  

Maybe Rhadigan will step down for the greater good

‘cuz the travel taking him away from his family so much’

I’m sure the Herbster will eventually just stop reporting this stuff to anyone cause they know and don’t want to hear it. Maybe it’ll even just start going directly to Rhadigan so he can see what he needs to ’improve on.

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 17, 2011 1:08 AM CDT up reply actions  

I don't think Rhadiagn knew what a Yankees roll call is...

or he did a really terrible job of explaining it the other day.

by coolaid on Apr 17, 2011 1:15 AM CDT reply actions  

No way the Rangers are going to step in on this situation...

It is half of a month of the baseball season, and they will want to give him a chance. Broadcasting play-by-play is not easy, and his lack of experience shows. But it just irritates me that he is not listening to TAG, and he contradicts him. It is one thing not to be able to read a fly ball off the bat. I’ve always watched the direction and the reaction of the outfielders to know where the ball is going.

It is another thing not to learn from a man that played baseball, was a G.M. and has been in the booth for a long while. Confusing players, that may be ok for a beginner. But what is a beginner doing in a major league booth? What really bugs me is the stilted Texas schtick that seems to be forced into games. Stop it…please!

I know if I had a vote on the Rangers board, I would vote to move Mike Capps up from Triple A Round Rock to the Rangers baseball radio booth, and move Eric Nadel to the television booth. That wouldl make the radio fans mad, but would make the television fans happier. Capps is not perfect, but he is definitely a radiio baseball guy with passion and knowledge. I know Nadel can be conversational in the TV booth.

by Philar on Apr 17, 2011 3:35 AM CDT reply actions  

The problem with this...

…is twofold.

1). Nadel has indicated in the past he doesn’t want to do TV.
2). Nadel is not likely to be as good on TV as he is on the radio, because Nadel’s style is uniquely suited to radio (which is probably the reason behind #1).

by Stormwalker on Apr 17, 2011 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions  

He has turned down a TV gig before, according to what he has said in chats

He will only do radio…for any team.

We’re not about sending messages. We’re about winning ballgames.-Wash, 04/03/11

by Rodney on Apr 21, 2011 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

meant as reply to Philar

Ventura::Lewin::Greenberg

If hating Rhads is wrong I don't want to be right.

by BigGuns on Apr 17, 2011 8:18 AM CDT up reply actions  

"ninnyhammer"

Heh. I’m stealing that one, BG. That’s gold.

K Scott Bailey = ninnyhammer.

"Don't argue with an idiot (JW); people watching may not be able to tell
the difference."

Adam J Morris, halfassedly pretending to be interested in my thoughts, goals, and overall self esteem since late 2005.

by Brian Thomas on Apr 17, 2011 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yes, because anyone who thinks you're full of shit MUST be one.

Innovators look at the same thing as everyone else, yet see something different.

by K. Scott Bailey on Apr 17, 2011 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions  

Not at all

I disagreed with the consensus opinion around here, which usually means a big pile on. And i got it, but most of it was substantive and fair. Your reply was neither substantive nor original. Somebody’s thrown out that tired, cheesepone line at least a dozen times at LSB, and it’s always been asinine.

“Negative rec.” Ha! Such an apropo bon mot! Almost as whackilarious as when a facebooker laments the lack of an “unlike” button. Ahahaha!

I respect the opinions of my friends here that find him unsufferable. But I think the guy deserves a little time. I think the wrath at Rhadigan himself is misplaced. I think that in the grand scheme of things, this is small potatoes. And I wouldn’t even be chiming in on the subject at all, except that the bitching has become so ubiquitous, it’s gotten tiresome for me, especially when I read hyperbolic rants claiming anyone could do a better job.

So, in summary,

Up yours, you ninnyhammering noob.

"Don't argue with an idiot (JW); people watching may not be able to tell
the difference."

Adam J Morris, halfassedly pretending to be interested in my thoughts, goals, and overall self esteem since late 2005.

by Brian Thomas on Apr 17, 2011 8:08 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Don't disagree with most of this, Brian...

Without knowing the source of direction behind John, I can’t assume that he is the sole source of the problems in the broadcast. I also agree that it is not an easy job, and that personal attacks, instead of job criticism, are misplaced.

I do, think, though, that you are discounting the number of individuals on this board who have significant and legitimate criticisms of Rhadigan as the PBP man, and instead focusing on the handful that just like to complain or whine about the wrong things.

by benjihana on Apr 18, 2011 5:50 AM CDT up reply actions  

/poke

"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz

"Baseball's all that's real" - JB

by Ryin A on Apr 18, 2011 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions  

Wasn't trying to be funny, substantive, or original.

I just genuinely wished I could have negatively rec’d your comment because I disagreed with it quite strenuously. I also didn’t happen to care enough to write a friggin’ treatise about it, so I simply noted that it would have been nice to be able to negatively rec a comment.

You seem to get your internet panties in a wad pretty easily.

Innovators look at the same thing as everyone else, yet see something different.

by K. Scott Bailey on Apr 18, 2011 10:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

Ninnyhammer.

I guffawed, and rec’d.

"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel

by TXHC on Apr 17, 2011 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

"Ninnyhammer" = gold

Innovators look at the same thing as everyone else, yet see something different.

by K. Scott Bailey on Apr 17, 2011 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

Well done.

I 100% agree. I have been waiting and hoping for improvement, but it is not there. I can add an example to Rhadigan getting a player wrong. During the Detroit series, Ryan Raburn was at bat with Ramon Santiago on first. Raburn hit the ball to left field and while the camera tracked the ball, Rhadigan said, “Raburn is rounding second and heading towards third.” I was confused about how Raburn could have gotten around second so quickly when he was the batter. Then I saw the runner round third and head for home. I was utterly confused until the camera showed Raburn standing on second. It was Santiago who rounded second and third and then scored, not Raburn. So until the camera pointed out Rhadigan’s error, I thought that Raburn had an incredibly unlikely inside-the-park homerun. This is intolerable from a PBP man.

- I survived the 2011 Opening Weekend LSB Tailgate Party -

by crazy86er on Apr 17, 2011 9:37 AM CDT reply actions  

I'd be down for Marky McLemore taking his place.

Pardon The Distraction

"I like to think of myself as Miguel Paul. Generally disappointing and a waste of space, but every once in a while, WOW."- ghtd36

by CEW on Apr 17, 2011 9:54 AM CDT reply actions  

Not too many ex-pros that do pbp

Much different skill set than color.

"Don't argue with an idiot (JW); people watching may not be able to tell
the difference."

Adam J Morris, halfassedly pretending to be interested in my thoughts, goals, and overall self esteem since late 2005.

by Brian Thomas on Apr 17, 2011 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

My Letter

To whom it may concern,

I hope that the organization can take a hard look at the job John Rhadigan has done so far this season. I realize that replacing the Play by Play man in the middle of the season and finding someone new is probably unrealistic, but something must be done. Rhadigan is painfully awkward, downright uninteresting, and makes tons of mistakes. His inexperience in the booth is obvious and noticeable. Of course, a failing play by play man will never shake my interest in watching Ranger baseball. But, I have decided to remedy the situation on my own in ways that I’m sure the organization would not be satisfied with:

1. muting the sound so that I can do work during the games
2. taping the games so that I can speed through them without listening to the broadcast for too long (and therefore bypassing the commercials)

Simply put, I do not enjoy watching Ranger baseball nearly as much this year and the main reason is John Rhadigan. I hope that at season’s end or whenever the time is right for an appropriate evaluation, the organization can find someone who can excite the Ranger fanbase during games. While I am sure ratings are through the roof this year, the organization should not interpret this increase as confirmation that Rhadigan is the right man for the job. I firmly believe that not only would ratings be higher if the play by play man was exciting and reasonably effective, but Ranger fans would enjoy watching games much more than they currently do.

by hedowhathedo on Apr 17, 2011 12:01 PM CDT reply actions  

He's not very good

but for the life of me, I can’t care enough to get upset about it.

"...out of the shadows of unprecedented success, the sun shines down upon this team waiting to thrill anew." - ghostofErikThompson

by jam0152 on Apr 17, 2011 2:27 PM CDT reply actions  

That's my initial point in a nutshell

"Don't argue with an idiot (JW); people watching may not be able to tell
the difference."

Adam J Morris, halfassedly pretending to be interested in my thoughts, goals, and overall self esteem since late 2005.

by Brian Thomas on Apr 17, 2011 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

this is where I'm at.

"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz

"Baseball's all that's real" - JB

by Ryin A on Apr 17, 2011 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

That's valid...

if you don’t care, you don’t care. But the reason some of us care is we had an excellent telecast and now we don’t and some of us, such as myself, enjoy the game of baseball more when the telecast is good instead of bad.

by ghostofErikThompson on Apr 17, 2011 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

So, assuming you could only hire a AAA type guy right now

Would you fire Rhadigan today?

"Don't argue with an idiot (JW); people watching may not be able to tell
the difference."

Adam J Morris, halfassedly pretending to be interested in my thoughts, goals, and overall self esteem since late 2005.

by Brian Thomas on Apr 17, 2011 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

Barnett would obviously be promoted if Rhadigan were let go, though.

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 17, 2011 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

No...

I wouldn’t. It’s still too early to be that drastic. But I do wish it had never come to this.

by ghostofErikThompson on Apr 17, 2011 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'd do it.

I know the radio guys for the Rangers’ minor league teams are probably not employed by the Rangers, but perhaps they could work out a deal in which Rhadigan goes to Round Rock and their guy comes up to take Barnett’s place, who moves into the TV booth. That way Rhadigan isn’t fired…he’s being sent down to get some experience just like ballplayers do. And maybe he comes back later.

This assumes that Round Rock has a decent radio play-by-play guy. I don’t know whether they do or not.

by Black Francis on Apr 17, 2011 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

except there is no way Rhadigan would do that. He should go take Renner's fucking job....

what if Rhads took Renner’s job but the deal was Rhads had to have Renner’s hair? Wonder if he’d take the job.

"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz

"Baseball's all that's real" - JB

by Ryin A on Apr 17, 2011 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions  

Rhads with Renner's hair would be awesome in many ways,

but mainly because it would mean that Renner wasn’t there anymore.

Innovators look at the same thing as everyone else, yet see something different.

by K. Scott Bailey on Apr 17, 2011 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

Sending Rhads down

would necessitate putting Michael Kirkman on the 25 man roster, and the Rangers already have too many lefties in the bullpen. Think Rhads has it tough in the booth? How would he fare in middle relief?

by stormdude3603 on Apr 19, 2011 1:03 AM CDT up reply actions  

Kirkman is already on the 25 man roster..

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 19, 2011 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions  

I'd demote him into his old role and put Barnett in the booth for the rest of the season.

Then reevaluate in the offseason.

"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel

by TXHC on Apr 17, 2011 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

That is a good idea

But I would rather give Renner’s haircut to Rhads, put him back in his old role and hire the “Boom goes the Dynamite!” guy for PBP with Knox doing color from the stands and TAG taking the rest of the year off. If I have to listen to suck, I want it to be complete and total suck.

There should also be a fanpost each morning where people submit their list of boom goes the dynamite moments from last night’s game to see who has the most.

by thedudeabides on Apr 27, 2011 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions  

the point being

make it good or maximize the value of the broadcast as a drinking game

by thedudeabides on Apr 27, 2011 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

And I'd never begrudge someone that

but, as I’ve said before, for me the broadcast is always tertiary to what’s going on on the field and what’s going on around me where I’m watching it. So, as I suspected, I haven’t noticed Rhads as much as some. I doubt I’d notice him as much as I do if I weren’t made hyper-aware of all his mistakes so readily pounced upon by this board.

But, if you need a good PBP guy to enjoy the game more, then I fully understand the vehemence expressed here, and don’t have a problem with Rhad’s going in favor of a more experienced (or whatever the necessary qualification) broadcaster.

"...out of the shadows of unprecedented success, the sun shines down upon this team waiting to thrill anew." - ghostofErikThompson

by jam0152 on Apr 17, 2011 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

I appreciate you understanding this...

…there are a lot of posters here who have the suggestion to “turn it to Nadel” or “mute it.”

Discounting the fact that I’m in Houston, and can’t turn to Nadel…

Even for those that can, there shouldn’t be a requirement for this to happen… the PBP is the biggest part of the television presentation.

by benjihana on Apr 18, 2011 5:54 AM CDT up reply actions  

thanks

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 18, 2011 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions  

Mike E

I don’t get this Mike Eism

by benjihana on Apr 18, 2011 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

winner-winner

sums up my feelings too

Where's my wallet?!?!?

by hotshot215 on Apr 18, 2011 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions  

Half of your bullet point list of complaints are minor verbal slipups that every broadcaster makes from time to time

If you weren’t already looking for reasons to criticize the broadcaster, you’d never notice them or not be troubled by them.

"It has been said that baseball is to the United States what revolutions are to Latin America, a safety valve for letting off steam. I think baseball is more serious than any Latin American revolution. But, then, I am a serious fan." -- George F. Will

by WestTxAg06 on Apr 17, 2011 3:35 PM CDT via mobile reply actions  

What about the other half?

Josh Hamilton: "I just show up, look at the lineup and play where I’m told. If they want me to catch, I’ll catch."

by SonnyKoufaxLSU on Apr 17, 2011 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

try every single inning

Not likely to happen, but dreams are the foundation of baseball, so dream away. - JParks

"You know you're from Dallas if the Blue Book value on your truck goes up and down depending on how much gas it has in it."

Eric Prince, Director, Department of the Obvious

by Eric Prince on Apr 19, 2011 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions  

Sure... if "time to time" were valid...

Mislabeling Jackie Robinson Day as Martin Luther King Day – singular but very signifianct

Confusing Elvis Andrus and Julio Borbon, Magglio Ordonez and Miguel Cabrera, Elvis Andrus and Andres Blanco, Elvis Andrus and Julio Borbon, Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez – does not fit the “time to time” restraint – occurs way too frequently

Calling for an RBI on a double play, to which Tom Grieve corrected him on air – indicative of lack of knowledge of the topic he is paid to report

Calling a strike out immediately after calling a 3-1 pitch – certainly not the strongest example, but indicative of a lack of focus

A ball was hit to “left right center field” – see above… too frequent

Incessantly repeating “the side is retired” at the end of every half inning
Incessantly repeating “payoff pitch” on most 3-2 counts
Inability to modify his playcalling in any way and overusing “makes the play”
Inherently disingenuous “let’s play ball, y’all” and “there ya go, boys”

These four are admittedly style complaints. Certainly these wouldn’t be as grating as they are if the significant lack of focus and knowledge existed, but they do. I was commenting on the whole presentation, and I do see your point, but the importance of those “significant” points greatly outweighs whatever insignificance these semi-trivial complaints entail…

by benjihana on Apr 18, 2011 5:58 AM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

How about

“through the wickets and over his head” on a ball that went over the head of Elvis Andrus

by TheHuntforRedOctober on Apr 17, 2011 4:32 PM CDT reply actions  

The dude said "...bleacher creatures.."

fucking bleacher creatures. I can’t stand him as a PBP announcer. I have mlb.tv and at least have a choice as to which broadcast I listen to. I’ve given up on listening to Rhadigan. I would rather listen to water dripping on tin than Rhadigan fuck everything up about my favorite sports team.

by DevilManHammy on Apr 17, 2011 5:29 PM CDT reply actions   1 recs

For the record, that's what a group of Yankee fans are actually called.

Ever been in a boardroom, or a gang fight? Ever save a life? Ever won a court case against the odds? Ever held a dying buddy in your arms?.- jackanape on "perspective," 11/8/2010.

by Aqua on Apr 17, 2011 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions  

I see that's what they call the section that does roll call

for all of the starting yankees at the beginning of the game.

I hate that name and I hate the fucking yankees and want no association with the evil empire.

by DevilManHammy on Apr 17, 2011 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

AAA

Maybe we could send rhads down to round rock to let him straighten out his call

It's fun to do bad things.
It's not a bad for a fat kid that everyone makes fun of when he runs - Bengie

by fake nolan ryan on Apr 17, 2011 8:50 PM CDT reply actions   1 recs

This is truly sad that you, and others, have resorted to this

What I don’t understand is if Rhadigan is so bad why do you watch with sound anyway? I don’t know about all you guys but when i watch a baseball game I could watch it just as easily without any sound and know exactly what was going on in the game. As a Ranger fan I know the difference between Borbon and Elvis so when Rhadigan fucks it up I don’t even bat an eye. If you need the PBP people to enjoy a game then you are most likely watching a bad team to begin with.

That was one thing Josh Lewin was great at during the Rangers mediocre years when the summers would just drag on and on was keeping the viewer engaged during those times when the team was playing bad. Now that we have turned around the on field product I can enjoy the game regardless of what the booth is telling me. If you absolutely must listen to something turn to radio.

Rhadigan has been at the gig for two weeks of the regular season now. yes I realize he had a handful of spring training games as well. From watching, and listening, to the telecasts so far what I have noticed is Rhads obviously watches his monitors a majority of the time. I can understand that given his history. I imagine with his duties on pre and post game shows he watched a majority of the games on monitors either in a studio or on set at the ballpark. Also his “interview” or audition for the job was likely done announcing a game that was broadcast on monitors. Thats what he is likely comfortable with at this point which leads to most of his problems.

Watching the broadcast when a ball is hit hes going off what the camera is showing and can thus get confused easily. Add in having to go from monitor to scorebook to media guide for little tidbits to talk about during the dead air and its a lot more difficult than it looks like from a outsiders prospective. Hell tonight you had the PBP crew for a national audience fucking up left and right. thats on a national network being broadcast to the entire country.

I completely understand the arguments about why did we switch to a PBP guy with zero professional experience before now. Especially considering we are coming off a WS appearance and our fanbase is obviously growing and new sponsors, along with a new tv deal, have gone into place. But to bitch and moan about Rhadigan a mere 2 weeks into the season is really pathetic IMO and makes you look like a sad individual.

by bigsteve on Apr 17, 2011 10:37 PM CDT reply actions  

A tad harsh, but overall I agree

Rhad hasn’t impressed me, but I’m an into the game guy, and expect Rhad to improve. If he’s like this in September, yeah I’m a bit more peeved, but it’s April.

As for tonight, ESPN screws the pooch from the start with 3 guys in the booth. Put Vin Scully, Harry Carry and Red Barber in the same booth and they’d suck.

I have come here to chew bubble gum and kick ass, and I am all out of bubble gum.

by Tex Pantego on Apr 17, 2011 11:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

I get off on calls

And Rhads isn’t satisfying me.

It does seem he puts more enthusiaism into opposing teams, which doesn’t bother me as it does others.. I just wish he did it for us some. heh.

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 18, 2011 12:18 AM CDT up reply actions  

Me, actually

I rarely have the sound up to an audible level.

Nelson Cruz - 2011 MVP

by t ball on Apr 28, 2011 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions  

This guy?

- I survived the 2011 Opening Weekend LSB Tailgate Party -

by Mike the Grate on Apr 28, 2011 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions  

REC!

Ventura::Lewin::Greenberg

If hating Rhads is wrong I don't want to be right.

by BigGuns on Apr 18, 2011 6:49 AM CDT up reply actions  

Just noticed that.

Well played.

"I don't really like pitchers." - Nelson Cruz

by AceJC on Apr 19, 2011 10:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

haha

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 20, 2011 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions  

hehe

We’re not about sending messages. We’re about winning ballgames.-Wash, 04/03/11

by Rodney on Apr 21, 2011 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions  

x
What I don’t understand is if Rhadigan is so bad why do you watch with sound anyway? I don’t know about all you guys but when i watch a baseball game I could watch it just as easily without any sound and know exactly what was going on in the game.

This is truly dumb.

by octoberty on Apr 18, 2011 8:07 AM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Oh really?

So you are a big enough moron that you need someone telling you theres a fly ball to left field for the 2nd out of the inning? You need someone up there telling you who’s at bat? You can’t figure this stuff out on your own

Yes the mistakes are frustrating and make me do a “WTF” from time to time but it doesn’t take away from the action on the field.

If hes still making the same mistakes in August and September that he is now then that would be the better time to do any type of complaint campaign but seriously two weeks…..TWO WEEKS? It makes benji here sound like a little bitch IMO.

by bigsteve on Apr 18, 2011 8:26 AM CDT up reply actions  

x
So you are a big enough moron that you need someone telling you theres a fly ball to left field for the 2nd out of the inning? You need someone up there telling you who’s at bat? You can’t figure this stuff out on your own

You’re completely missing the point. And it’s mind-boggling that you don’t get it.

by octoberty on Apr 18, 2011 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions  

Not really

It’s actually pretty much par for the course

by Dirk Diggler on Apr 18, 2011 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yup.

Benji is a little bitch for not accepting mediocrity and trying to improve his viewing experience. Makes tons of sense.

Putting the game on mute? What a fucking joke.

by behindthebag on Apr 19, 2011 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

For realz man...

I want the sound of the crowd chanting O’Day’s name, ball hitting the bat, and the crowds reactions to certain things.

by coolaid on Apr 18, 2011 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Damn - it is a dumb comment

People should just shut up and watch the game without sound? If the Rangers roll out a shitty position player we should ignore it and shut up too? Just look away from his ABs?

Look – folks have identified specific places where Rhads can improve. No more pseudo coloquialisms and do his homework on players and the rules. The only thing where I think he might lack is cadence and figuring out what the hell’s going on in a timely manner. I have a good idea if something is HR, foul ball or hit right off the bat (is that where that term comes from?). That takes years and his lack of that ability detracts from things. It’s way more exciting to hearing someone say “lined up the middle, could be a hit BUT NO Elvis is there to make the play” instead of “grounded to the shortstop whoeverthefuckthatis.”

Hobson, did you see that?
Yes.
She stole that tie! It's the perfect crime. Girls don't wear ties; although some do. It's not a perfect crime, but it's a good crime.
Yes. If she murdered the tie it would be the perfect crime.

by WyoRanger on Apr 19, 2011 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

Well Done

Rhadigan lucked into this scenario. He’s okay for his old post. But, I hope the complaints helps us find a better replacement. We went to a World Series, why do we need a guy with zero experience?

"Every noble work is at first impossible."

by 3Bagger on Apr 18, 2011 12:34 AM CDT reply actions  

Thanks 3Bagger

That isn’t safer though, you should just use one.

by benjihana on Apr 18, 2011 6:04 AM CDT up reply actions  

Appreciate the feedback, both positive and negative

Thanks to all those with the kind words.

I understand a few of the criticisms… but it seems that a bit of you spent more time getting riled up over the fact that I’m riled up (and were quite wordy with why you thought we, who think this is necessary, were ridiculous) than I actually did voicing my opinion. Kind of one of those “pot calling the kettle black” situations, no?

To the apologists… being bad at one’s job, particularly such a high profile job, is not something that should be tolerated. I certainly hope that when you take a job, you don’t expect your employer to just forgive your consistent, and glaring, mistakes during your tenure.

We are not talking about a junior learning from a sales associate down at your bank branch – we are talking about the lead voice on a network for the defending American League champions. It seems that you guys forget that this is the same network that recently pre-funded the Texas Rangers bank account on a very lucrative television deal. This is a major position, and hence requires someone who is appropriate for the job.

There is absolutely no excuse for someone in Rhadigan’s position to not be aware of the players that are on the field or the situations he is seeing and verbalizing for us. Announcing a game goes beyond the three hours in the booth – it involves homework and study of your team, and the other team’s roster. Pre-game preparation, interviews, understanding of why the team has a lineup in a particular order or anything else relevant to the team. This is his JOB, not his HOBBY, and the rampant amount of apologists who feel that no experience, and no improvement in a fairly significant amount of time (I’m sorry, but there has been no improvement in his tenure here – either he is not being adequately criticized and coached, which is quite possible, or he is just clearly not improving) is okay when you are engaging in your PROFESSION is ludicrous to me. If his issues are with guidance, then the front office and the communications team are to blame. If he has been coached and is not improving on his own, then he is just clearly an inadequate fit for the position. Either way, there exists a problem.

Quite honestly, I would have zero interest working alongside some of the commenters on this post who have such a low standard for what is deemed acceptable in a position of employment.

by benjihana on Apr 18, 2011 5:25 AM CDT reply actions  

Its two fucking weeks into the season dude thats the problem

If you want to write this and send it in in August and hes still making the same mistakes I doubt you have any “apologists” at all. But Its not even Easter yet and you want to run the guy out of town.

As has been said….yes we all agree hiring a guy with zero experience coming off our first WS appearance was a horrible mistake. But whats done is done and you cant change that now. Now you have to work with whats here and to make a conclusion two fucking weeks into the season is stupid.

IMO Rhads has improved. Not by a ton but from his first ST broadcasts to now there has been improvement. But its going to take time. Lucky for all of us we have a really good team on the field so the PBP man isn’t as important. He isn’t tasked with trying to keep viewers entertained when its a 6-2 deficit in the 4th inning like in years past. Get off your fucking high horse and give the guy a little time before determining hes the worst announcer out there.

by bigsteve on Apr 18, 2011 8:33 AM CDT up reply actions  

So you can tell me that you believe it is acceptable to confuse players?

Because that hasn’t improved.

And you would also tell me that you feel like he does game adequate game preparation?

You don’t “improve” in these areas – you either do it or you don’t.

by benjihana on Apr 18, 2011 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions  

xx
Lucky for all of us we have a really good team on the field so the PBP man isn’t as important.

wait, WHAT?

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Apr 18, 2011 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

bigsteve don't be carin'

"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz

"Baseball's all that's real" - JB

by Ryin A on Apr 19, 2011 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions  

My biggest complaint

is that Rhadigan actively makes the whole experience worse. I don’t want to mute the broadcast, I like hearing the sounds of the game (crack of the bat, the crowd, etc), and so I am forced into hearing Rhadigan. TAG has always been a kind of reluctant announcer (though I think Josh did a great job of engaging him and getting him involved), but with Rhadigan he never tries to get TAG involved, and really depends upon TAG to save him. There is insane amounts of dead air, EVEN WHILE STUFF IS HAPPENING ON THE FIELD. I shouldn’t have 40+ seconds of time where none of the pitches are mentioned.

I wish they would just simulcast Nadel’s audio feed on the TV channel.

by rexcellent on Apr 18, 2011 6:40 AM CDT reply actions  

There is no way I am muting the game

Listening to the game is part of the enjoyment. I also don’t want to listen to the radio and watch the tv because I am constantly pausing and rewinding. I don’t think it is too much to ask to get a PBP guy that doesn’t make me enjoy the game less. I liked listening to the national guys suck some Yankee wang last night more than I do our booth during a regular game…. and it sucks that I feel that way..

"Life's tough... It's even tougher if you're stupid." - John Wayne

by Texas Jihad on Apr 18, 2011 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions  

These are few and far between for you

but you get a rec for nailing it right on.

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 18, 2011 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions  

on a side note... last week, i sent Jeff Wilson a tweet about his in-game tweeting

i tried to be nice as possible and encouraged him to dig a little deeper with his in-game tweets. give us something that we don’t see (presumably b/c he’s there but also b/c he writes about the team). i don’t really want PBP tweeting; there’s never a time when someone can read tweets but doesn’t have access to PBP in some shape, form or fashion. i do think he’s tried a lot harder and done a lot better. twitter can be a really cool tool for enhancing your “viewing” experience, but it can also be a beating reading tweets from 4-5 guys with a big bag of nothing that default to one dimensional PBP.

by sam in so cal on Apr 18, 2011 12:06 PM CDT reply actions  

This is why I try to give you guys something different

I know you’re all following Andro, Newberg, Grant, Durrett, etc so I don’t need to give you play by play stuff. Sure, I’ll give you the lineups or what color we’re wearing the next day but I don’t want to be the 7th person to Tweet about who’s warming up in the bullpen. Last night’s ESPN game was an exception (sorry for the complaining I did but I’m not sorry for the Lady Gaga egg photo I posted) and I find the tweets that a lot of you send me very entertaining. So keep em comin

by hpallotta on Apr 18, 2011 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

hey

"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz

"Baseball's all that's real" - JB

by Ryin A on Apr 18, 2011 11:51 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

lol.

I wanted to comment to him earlier to but didn’t know what to say.

Well done.

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 19, 2011 12:59 AM CDT up reply actions  

Oh shit!

Mike E got out-Mike E’d

"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel

by TXHC on Apr 19, 2011 3:14 AM CDT up reply actions  

Going Back To Josh

I got tired of josh, at least now I can watch the game. Do you forget Josh’s little man complex. I think Tom G. got tired of Josh on the broadcasts.
Josh was good when the team was bad but he takes away from the pleasure of the game. I’m not saying John Rhadigan is the long term answer, but it is better than listening to Josh.

by stew54 on Apr 18, 2011 2:59 PM CDT reply actions  

funny how that's usually the case.

Ventura::Lewin::Greenberg

If hating Rhads is wrong I don't want to be right.

by BigGuns on Apr 18, 2011 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

56

Expectation is the root of all heartache. — William Shakespeare

by TheDutchOven on Apr 18, 2011 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions  

Old people and/or people who really like Norm Hitzges

in my experience are big Lewin haters

"Life's tough... It's even tougher if you're stupid." - John Wayne

by Texas Jihad on Apr 19, 2011 12:11 AM CDT up reply actions  

Does Norm hate Josh?

And is it impossible to like BOTH Norm AND Josh? Because I thought I did, but maybe I’m just confused.

Innovators look at the same thing as everyone else, yet see something different.

by K. Scott Bailey on Apr 19, 2011 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions  

The Lewin haters are invariably a little on the older side L.i.S.

They’re much more likely to throw out a hip then actually be called “hip”. MUCH MORE LIKELY.

Ventura::Lewin::Greenberg

If hating Rhads is wrong I don't want to be right.

by BigGuns on Apr 19, 2011 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

I will say that one positive thing has come out of the Rhadigan debacle for me

After so many years of watching the games on TV, I had forgotten the simple pleasure of listening to a game from start to finish on the radio with no pictures. I know we didn’t have Rhadigan last night, but I still spent an extremely enjoyable evening sitting out on the patio with a drink, a scorecard, and Eric Nadel on my ipod. Hell, even Dave Barnett is sounding competent this year in comparison. I’m not a fan of synching the radio and the TV for several reasons, but I definitely see myself turning off the TV and listening to a lot more games on the radio until Rhadigan is out.

by seanathan on Apr 18, 2011 3:25 PM CDT reply actions  

pluS for iShit

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 18, 2011 10:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

yeah those are nice moments

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 18, 2011 10:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

I can agree with this

It’s a totally relaxing thing to listen to an entire game on radio…then it gets all exciting like.

We’re not about sending messages. We’re about winning ballgames.-Wash, 04/03/11

by Rodney on Apr 21, 2011 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

Having listened to a few more games on radio...

…I think Barnett actually is getting better, and it’s not just by comparison to Rhadigan.

I hope I’m right about that.

That said, baseball on radio is one of life’s simple pleasures. Nadel makes it that much better.

by Stormwalker on Apr 24, 2011 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions  

Meh

I didn’t have a huge problem with Barnett as TV fill-in. He’s no Lewin (who is?) but he’s competent. The only problem there though was he doesn’t like to talk about things much other than the play going on.. may just be used to radio though.

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 18, 2011 10:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

very well written

did you send that to Herbie? You should.

by vfn on Apr 19, 2011 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions  

He's around I'm sure checking what folks are saying

And I’m sure it’s being conveyed in some way or another. Hopefully in a delicate since I’d hate to see him a Nolan Ryan headlock. In fact I’m sure Nolan’s aware of what this little niche of Rangers fandom are saying in some manner.

Hobson, did you see that?
Yes.
She stole that tie! It's the perfect crime. Girls don't wear ties; although some do. It's not a perfect crime, but it's a good crime.
Yes. If she murdered the tie it would be the perfect crime.

by WyoRanger on Apr 19, 2011 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions  

Thank You

Thanks for the compliment on my impromptu write up. I am not out to get anybody, but I am interested in keeping the common fan as interested as possible in the Rangers. If there is any detraction from my favorite team, I will let my voice be heard, as will everybody else. We owe it to the Rangers to let our voices be heard, as that is what will necessitate change. If John Rhadigan were a starting right fielder with an with an average of .081, that starting right fielder would soon find alternative scenery. Not that Rhads has any effect on the outcome of the game, but poor performances anywhere on the ballclub should be noted and dealt with. Perhaps if we kept stats on terminology, dead air, and spoken errors, it would be easier to quantify. Hopefully the team hears this dull roar, and is considering making a change at some time. I really hate watching the game on TV and feeling truly uncomfortable.

by stormdude3603 on Apr 20, 2011 8:22 AM CDT up reply actions  

Good stuff dude

We’re not about sending messages. We’re about winning ballgames.-Wash, 04/03/11

by Rodney on Apr 21, 2011 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

one of the things that bothers me most

other than what is already mentioned here is the fact that he labels practically EVERY ball hit as being ‘sliced.’ Sorry John, just because the ball was hit into play doesn’t mean it was sliced.

A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.

by NothinG on Apr 19, 2011 4:54 AM CDT reply actions  

What do people think will happen as a result?

Are there PBP guys out there that the Rangers can snap up? Seems like the easiest solution would be to promote Dave Barnett. Is that what people want? I listened to Barnett the other day and though he isn’t exactly great on radio, I’m going to say that he would be better than Rhadigan on PBP. He might be boring but he won’t get in the way of the game, which does seem to be an issue with Rhadigan.

I won’t call myself a Rhadigan apologist (I gave him an F) but I have said that people seem to be nitpicking way too much and I think calling for his head less than a month into the season seems like an overreaction. I wouldn’t be opposed to a change but I’m also not convinced that Rhadigan can’t get markedly better after only a few short months. We’ll see (most likely because I doubt he gets moved until July).

by ab03 on Apr 19, 2011 3:05 PM CDT reply actions  

The other thing I refuse to agree with

is that he ruins the game. Barnett actually does ruin the game because I can’t see what’s going on and often I have to wait 10 seconds to understand it. I don’t need that kind of help with TV. I’m sure Rhadigan could help out the moment if he was a good PBP but it’s not essential to my enjoyment.

by ab03 on Apr 19, 2011 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

He doesn't ruin the game, but he sure is annoying.

No one likes being annoyed.

"Life's tough... It's even tougher if you're stupid." - John Wayne

by Texas Jihad on Apr 19, 2011 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

you actually think that's a possibility?

him being moved…

i don’t think there is any way, even with complaints or whatever, that a change is coming this year in the booth…

the ONLY thing, maybe, is more Mac in the booth, which i would love…

by Longhorn on Apr 19, 2011 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

Well, I did when I wrote the post

but you’re right. REgardless fo the bitching, I can’t really imagine him getting shitcanned before the season’s up.

Interesting about Mac but I don’t know why that would be the case or why it would help. Seems odd that when the complaint is that nobody is calling the game, we would put in another color guy who will decrease the chances even more of any play by play.

by ab03 on Apr 19, 2011 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions  

well, when Mac is in the both

TAG becomes more active in the conversation. It’s crickets with Rhadigan and TAG in the booth. That’s one of the things that made Lewin so good, is that he brought out the best in TAG.

A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.

by NothinG on Apr 19, 2011 8:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

Mac is pretty bad in my opinion

You could make a drinking game out of how many times he says “absolutely.”

by seanathan on Apr 20, 2011 12:32 AM CDT up reply actions  

yeah man he always talks like that

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 20, 2011 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions  

Absolutely

"He’s the boomstick, you know what I mean?" -Ian Kinsler

by selke99 on Apr 23, 2011 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

It bugs me how he talks

‘It really does’ or some variety he says all the time before he continues on.

But Mac’s awesome and at least knows some things. I’m for him as the replacement to TAG whenever he leaves, as someone mentioned earlier, but not sure about PBP.

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 20, 2011 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions  

While Dolgin isn't perfect...

and a bit repetitive at times (“looked at for a…”). I think this is an uptick. However I’ll be at the game so I won’t get to hear it…

by Ranger miker on Apr 20, 2011 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions  

What's he need the night off for?

I really just want Lewin so anyone is gonna p me off. But I was fine with Barnett on TV last season and it at least didn’t kill me to hear him.

Barnett will almost certainly stay the PBP guy though for years to come if he gets it this season at all.

It’s hard letting go.. =/

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 20, 2011 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions  

No, LSB has no pull at all.

"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel

by TXHC on Apr 20, 2011 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

It was everyone

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 20, 2011 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

May be a solitary voice, but oh how it echoes!

Right on point. Listen up management. The masses are speaking. While you’re revamping the TV broadcast, get rid of the other distractions (Jim Knox and Emily Jones make me run for the mute button – they are USELESS), while you are replacing Rhad.

I wish I could get the radio reception so I could sync with video.

by mtb61 on Apr 20, 2011 4:40 PM CDT reply actions  

Emily and Knox are fine.

"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel

by TXHC on Apr 20, 2011 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

No.

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 20, 2011 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

We have to have Knoxy...

he’s a really nice dude, and he gives out so much gold.

by KT1310 on Apr 20, 2011 10:49 PM CDT reply actions  

I for one, hope Dave Barnett gets more TV time.

Excellent broadcast tonight, regardless of the outcome of the game.

Maybe move Rhadigan to radio, that way Nadel can take him under his wings and teach him a thing or two. And he doesn’t lose his job.

by TooLegitToQuit on Apr 21, 2011 12:28 AM CDT reply actions  

Move him back to the pre or post-game shows

that way he’s back where he’s good, and he doesn’t lose his job.

by vfn on Apr 21, 2011 7:25 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yes.

Make no mistake, I don’t want the guy to get fired and I hope nobody is suggesting that. The Rangers just kinda put him in a position to fail, that’s not his fault.

"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel

by TXHC on Apr 21, 2011 11:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

Sadly, I think I found an example of why the Rangers made this move

I was at the game with my Parents last night, they are both in their late 50’s/early 60’s.

They were going on and on about how much they liked “the new guy doing the TV” and how much they couldn’t stand “that crazy guy from last year.”

They are pretty much the tyipcal casual fan — they watch maybe a game or 2 a week, go to a handful a year.

The entire conversation made me sad.

by Dirk Diggler on Apr 21, 2011 10:34 AM CDT reply actions  

I know a lot of fans of other teams that loved Lewin also

would mention us in conversations of best broadcasters.

I don’t like the team being made fun of in any way. And unfortunately we won’t get that respect anymore and it will probably go in the other direction with Rhadigan.

What drives me ape-shit crazy also is his cowboy stereotype shit.

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 21, 2011 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions  

My emailed letter.

To whom it may concern,

Last year’s run to the World Series was the most magical time I can remember as a sport’s fan. Many of the great moments of the regular season, such as Nelson Cruz’s walk-off home run, Josh Hamilton going from second to home on an infield single, and amazing plays by Elvis Andrus are going to be memories I keep for the rest of my life. Adding to the magic of these moments were some great play by play calls by Josh Lewin, who you as an organization decided not to have back this year. I can’t say I agreed with that decision, but I understood the team wanting to go in a new direction.

Originally the general feeling in the Rangers fan community would be, that because whoever was chosen would be a different vibe than what Lewin brought to the game, the fans should give the person time to make a good impression, and to “give him a chance”. Unfortunately, this was made brutally impossible by John Rhadigan. Rhadigan, I’m sure, is a very nice guy, and although I’m not in the market to see it, by all accounts was very good at his position doing pre and post-game shows. However, he is completely over his head as a play by play broadcaster.

He constantly gets the names of players wrong, he has no idea how to judge a ball, and he brings no excitement when the Rangers are doing well. In particular, in Detroit, he might as well have been the Tigers announcer, because the only time he got excited was when Detroit was doing well. Perhaps the worst effect of the change in announcing is the fact that Tom Grieve has gone from being one of the better color commentators in the league and has completely regressed. He flat out goes long pauses without talking, where as with Lewin, he was always engaged in the game, giving tidbits and insights from his years in the field and in the front office. You’d think, from listening to the game, that there are in fact two new announcers because the change has been so remarkable.

However, there was a change for the better. Recently, when Dave Barnett filled in for Rhadigan, the game became tolerable to listen to again. I’m not a huge fan of Barnett on the radio, although some of that may be working alongside a living legend like Eric Nadel and being compared to him, but on TV, Barnett brought energy back to the broadcast, he had background knowledge and was prepared for the game, which was a welcome change, and even bigger, TAG sounded like the man Rangers fans have come to love. Barnett seems far more suited for Television, and it was easily a massive improvement over the usual game, even in a tough Rangers loss. Similarly, in my time listening to the game on the radio while I was walking my dog, Delgan sounded refreshing on the radio broadcast and shwoed a lot of potential as someone who could do that full time.

The Rangers are the defending AL Champions, one of the most exciting teams in baseball in a major media market, and they deserve a voice of the franchise that reflects that. Hiring someone with no experience was one of the few major missteps this franchise has made, and I would love to see it rectified as soon as possible. It doesn’t have to be bringing in a new person, as last night, both the television and radio broadcasts were just fine. Rhadigan seems like a great anchor for a pre and post-game show, and perhaps that is where he belongs.

Thank you for your time,
*********

by vfn on Apr 21, 2011 2:37 PM CDT reply actions   2 recs

Well written

We’re not about sending messages. We’re about winning ballgames.-Wash, 04/03/11

by Rodney on Apr 21, 2011 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

yep

I agree with this. I actually enjoyed Barnett on the broadcast, which is really saying something. Perhaps it tells us how bad Rhadigan is, and how good Lewin is, as last year I couldn’t stand it when Barnett would sub in for Lewin in the booth.

A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.

by NothinG on Apr 22, 2011 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

Well written, including your responses to comments...

and appreciated.

I heard Rhads once, and that was enough – and I’ve always been a fan of his. From his struggle to break-in under Scott Murray and establish a niche, to the Stars post-games with Luddy, I’ve wished him well.

I get the interest in minimalist PBP like Scully and Pat Summerall. It’s just not what I want to hear.

by 7.62x39 on Apr 22, 2011 11:03 AM CDT reply actions  

When he talked about the Stars during the game a few days ago

it was crazy. He really knew his stuff. Unforuntately he isn’t like that with baseball or the Rangers.

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 23, 2011 3:34 AM CDT up reply actions  

Did you get a useful response to your email?

I really wanted to give him a chance, but I think we are seeing the peter principle here.

I know that its green

by pancake on Apr 22, 2011 12:34 PM CDT reply actions  

peter pan?

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 23, 2011 3:34 AM CDT up reply actions  

Not sure if I know the Peter principle

Herbie acknowledged receipt, haven’t heard of any sort of response… don’t know if I should expect one…

by benjihana on Apr 23, 2011 9:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

At some point, it really should be named the Norv Turner Principle

"It has been said that baseball is to the United States what revolutions are to Latin America, a safety valve for letting off steam. I think baseball is more serious than any Latin American revolution. But, then, I am a serious fan." -- George F. Will

by WestTxAg06 on Apr 25, 2011 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

josh vs john

It wasn’t the Seinfeld references, but 30 Rock will replace it has the best all time comedy until something else on NBC comes along. It was his gloating in the 2nd or 3rd inning that killed me (little man complex). Tom would just roll his eyes; then the Rangers would give the lead up in the 6,7 or 9th inning. I thought the announcer for R.R was suppose to get the gig? The best face saving act they (Rangers) can do is add a 3rd member of the both, but I don’t know how much that will help. I just don’t believe J. Lewin is coming back & everyone needs to get over it. Does anybody notice he has a lisp on the radio?
Surely Rhadigan is studying his tapes & working on his delivery

by stew54 on Apr 22, 2011 4:21 PM CDT reply actions  

Incoherent guy is incoherent.

Innovators look at the same thing as everyone else, yet see something different.

by K. Scott Bailey on Apr 22, 2011 7:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

huh

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 23, 2011 3:35 AM CDT up reply actions  

rec'd

Not really.

"He’s the boomstick, you know what I mean?" -Ian Kinsler

by selke99 on Apr 23, 2011 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

The John Rhadigan Era

I must confess of my own humble opinioon that Mr. Rhadigan is an unfortunate down-grade in the Texas Rangers tele-cast department. Though I was not a big fan, I do fel Josh Lewin is better than John Rhadigan in terms of actual professionalism and performance. Had it not been for Tom Greive still providing color commentating I do not think I could watch Rangers television broadcasting at all these days. I am astounded that with all the upgrades and improved business strategy for the Texas Rangers “brand” with the Ryan group, I am literally shocked by the decision and execution of picking John Rhadigan as the play by play announcer; didn’t they listen to this guy’s audition tapes?

Richard the Raider

by Raider in Dallas on Apr 22, 2011 5:06 PM CDT reply actions  

The ones from 2001?

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 23, 2011 3:36 AM CDT up reply actions  

fixed

I think Rhads needs a few more days years off.

Ventura::Lewin::Greenberg

If hating Rhads is wrong I don't want to be right.

by BigGuns on Apr 24, 2011 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions  

awesome

Expectation is the root of all heartache. — William Shakespeare

by TheDutchOven on Apr 24, 2011 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

my wife asked me

why Rhadigan says “the side is retired” after every half inning. She even noticed that it’s ridiculous and that he falls back on these phrases because he has no real info to add.

I heard highlights of Saturday’s SF game on FOX, and the sound of Lewin’s voice made me sad. He is light years beyond anything Rhadigan could even dream of being.

A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.

by NothinG on Apr 25, 2011 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

I've met Rhadigan

he’s a nice guy, but he’s terrible at PBP.

Baseball players routines: Spit, Chew, Curse, repeat.

by Gay For Feliz on Apr 25, 2011 10:20 AM CDT reply actions  

Also

very well written letter Benji

Baseball players routines: Spit, Chew, Curse, repeat.

by Gay For Feliz on Apr 25, 2011 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions  

The course of action is clear . . .

The message has been stated eloquently and delivered over and over. Somebody in the front office needs to listen and act accordingly. Otherwise the next step is an organized campaign to contact the advertisers to let them know we are tuning the broadcast out.

by grotshops on Apr 25, 2011 11:54 AM CDT reply actions  

THis

is how to really get their attention

If the Ranger fans can organize a petition/site and send that list/info to all the advertisers paying money to muted … then the Rangers would have no choice but to listen to criticism … obviously Rhads has friends in high places, but nobody talks louder than money

by CO Ranger on Apr 28, 2011 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions  

Lets do it CO.

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on May 1, 2011 1:16 AM CDT up reply actions  

His comment over the weekend about the attendance

was painful. “what did you say TAG, 46K, well it was 45,769 so you only missed it by 31”

I had to listen to it three times to try to make sense of it

by thedudeabides on Apr 25, 2011 1:52 PM CDT reply actions  

that was hilarious

A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.

by NothinG on Apr 25, 2011 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

I caught that too...

"He’s the boomstick, you know what I mean?" -Ian Kinsler

by selke99 on Apr 26, 2011 12:07 AM CDT up reply actions  

lol...

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 25, 2011 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions  

Holy shit, that is some proper fail.

"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel

by TXHC on Apr 27, 2011 12:55 AM CDT up reply actions  

This is the most green I have seen in a thread

since the sale was completed. I don’t think its a coincidence that the topic of discussion is what needs to be done about improving the TV broadcast. It’s one of the only topics 90% of us can actually agree upon. Good post, Benji.

by eric03tx on Apr 27, 2011 9:36 AM CDT reply actions  

Inside Scoop

Here’s how he got the job, Nolan Ryan really liked Rhadigan. Nolan Ryan hated Josh Lewin (That is fact not opinion and everyone in the truck hated to work with Josh, he was and still is a real prick). Rangers offered the job to Eric Nadel, who turned it down, they tried some guys out (Steve Busby, Kevin Eschenfelder, etc), until Ryan suggested Rhadigan. That is how he got the job. I believe that Rhadigan will get better over time. I, for one couldn’t stand Lewin’s Seinfeld references and non-funny jokes and the fact that numerous times he would be in a bad mood cause the game would go long and he would miss his band’s gig and he let his feelings bleed over into the broadcast, not professional at all. And no one liked working with him including Grieve and the FSN producers and executive producer. The best in team play by play combo is Len Casper and Bob Brenley and its not even close.

by RangersFanPlano on Apr 27, 2011 3:14 PM CDT reply actions  

When did Lewin get pissed about missing his band's gig?

I never got that impression from him.

Ever been in a boardroom, or a gang fight? Ever save a life? Ever won a court case against the odds? Ever held a dying buddy in your arms?.- jackanape on "perspective," 11/8/2010.

"I’d perform oral sex on Greg Oden before I’d hit that."- Adam J. Morris about Ke$ha, 4/17/2011.

by Aqua on Apr 28, 2011 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions  

Me either.

I have not once thought Lewin was in a bad mood cause the game was going too long. He didn’t even mention his band too often, and the times he did it wasn’t anything that like being upset over missing something.

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 28, 2011 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions  

RE:Inside Scoop

seanathan: I have only one comment, because I was emailed the link to this blog and chose to register and post what I know, so you guys can be well informed of all the details before you go on your rant. Also I failed to mention, but Rhadigan has a 3-year deal, so that plays a factor. Listen,I was fooled too and thought Lewin and “TAG” were good until I got introduced the MLB Extra Inning package on DirectTV, and when I could listen to all the other pxp teams,it was clear that Lewin & TAG were one of the worst in the business and it wasnt even close. The fact is that Rhads is new and not very good right now, but let’s not forget who he has to work with TAG, whom is one of the worst color guys in the game.(that is well-known among tv executives).

by RangersFanPlano on Apr 27, 2011 5:23 PM CDT reply actions  

Ok, I'll take your inside info at face value

However, I have mlb.tv and also listen to a lot of other broadcasts, Josh & TAG are nowhere near the bottom of the heap in calling games. Quite the opposite actually.

We’re not about sending messages. We’re about winning ballgames.-Wash, 04/03/11

by Rodney on Apr 27, 2011 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

I had MLB.TV

and that opened my eyes up to how good Lewin and TAG were together compared to most of the other pxp/color combos around the league. So, your first hand info involves watching MLB Extra Innings? You’re a VIP all the way.

btw…Rhadigan is so bad he makes TAG sound like VIn Scully.

A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.

by NothinG on Apr 27, 2011 11:54 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Yeah. I've heard many fans of other teams compliment how good Lewin/TAG were

compared to most others. I’m not sure I’ve heard a consistent outcry against them other than from Astros fans.. but those guys are just plain nuts..

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 28, 2011 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions  

You stole that line from my twitter.

Ever been in a boardroom, or a gang fight? Ever save a life? Ever won a court case against the odds? Ever held a dying buddy in your arms?.- jackanape on "perspective," 11/8/2010.

"I’d perform oral sex on Greg Oden before I’d hit that."- Adam J. Morris about Ke$ha, 4/17/2011.

by Aqua on Apr 28, 2011 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions  

the last one

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 28, 2011 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions  

Hey! Guess what!

I had Extra innings for years, too.

My word cancels out your word, then. Let’s go to the LSB masses to break the tie.

LSB masses?

by philkid3 on Apr 28, 2011 3:09 AM CDT up reply actions  

I'm going to go with Philkid on this one.

Ever been in a boardroom, or a gang fight? Ever save a life? Ever won a court case against the odds? Ever held a dying buddy in your arms?.- jackanape on "perspective," 11/8/2010.

"I’d perform oral sex on Greg Oden before I’d hit that."- Adam J. Morris about Ke$ha, 4/17/2011.

by Aqua on Apr 28, 2011 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions  

Motion passes

Everyone – 3 (poster, Cahill, bigsteve)

by benjihana on Apr 28, 2011 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions  

Careful with that last line, them's stabbing words there

Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law
My mind just says throw ball throw hard and strike. - Marteen

by Keynes on Apr 28, 2011 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions  

The truck, the producer and everyone else on your list who doesn't like Josh

Needs to F*ing realize that they are not the customers in this situation … we are. The fact that they didn’t like working with him and wanted him out, just makes me more bitter and more motivated to let their sponsors know how much I think of their decision-making process.

This industry and many others are littered with guys who are not easy to work with and who battle with the team behind the scenes. But THAT’S NOT THE POINT. I love Nolan, but he doesn’t listen to the games, and he’s not the customer that is receiving the garbage that Rhadigan puts out.

This whole line of thinking is just absurd and does little besides further embitter me towards the decision they made.

F* THE TRUCK!

by CO Ranger on Apr 28, 2011 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

Funny,..

when I got the free week preview of DirecTV MLB Extra Innings, I noticed how much better Lewin and TAG were. To each his own I guess.

"He’s the boomstick, you know what I mean?" -Ian Kinsler

by selke99 on Apr 28, 2011 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

re:mlb.TV

NothingG, watching MLB extra innings opened my eyes on how bad Lewin and TAG, were, it had nothing to do with the inside info that I have, which is all true. I don’t care if you don’t believe me cause you are just an internet troll,but I’m just stating all the facts so you kids have all the info. Let me guess you guys love it when TAG thanks the cookie lady for a full half inning while Josh makes “the call” on a Nelly Cruz home run, while live tweeting and making an obsecure Seinfeld reference, while missing the clinching AL West game cause he is doing a Charger preseason game. lol…

by RangersFanPlano on Apr 28, 2011 12:08 AM CDT reply actions  

You calling anyone else a "troll" is rich.

You’re a dumbass motherfucker who likes to use a screenname to stir shit, and pretend to be someone important. Have fun with that.

Innovators look at the same thing as everyone else, yet see something different.

by K. Scott Bailey on Apr 28, 2011 12:27 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah.. this guy is just here to ruin the integrity of the thread

Josh missing it had been a worry of mine for years though.. though I didn’t think it’d be early enough to be preseason heh. But of course that’s only cause he’s so good and that’s who I want to hear call it.

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 28, 2011 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah, NothinG, you troll you.

I’m wondering if RFP here thinks NothinG is actually a troll, hopes to get a rise out of him by calling him a troll because he himself is a troll, or if he just doesn’t know what a troll is.

Either way, this has become entertaining. I hope he doesn’t figure out what a reply button is.

by philkid3 on Apr 28, 2011 3:12 AM CDT up reply actions  

NothinG is not a troll, I've met him.

We’re not about sending messages. We’re about winning ballgames.-Wash, 04/03/11

by Rodney on Apr 28, 2011 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions  

Rodney is not the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, I've met him.

"you are now the chris nolan of LSB posters." -TideNtexas 4/21/11

by crazy86er on Apr 28, 2011 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions  

Ssssshhhh!

heh

We’re not about sending messages. We’re about winning ballgames.-Wash, 04/03/11

by Rodney on Apr 28, 2011 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

stop replying like this

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 28, 2011 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions  

"He’s been a first round draft pick, an MLB player, a scouting director, a General Manager, and an actor in a Ramones video."

And the father of an MLB player, Rookie of the Year, and total bust.

I will admit I’m not a big fan of Tag’s, at least not the way most of LSB is, but he has a wealth of experience that he can draw on. You know who got him to draw on that experience? I’ll give you one guess.

Anyway, yes, this:

Lewin and Grieve were a good broadcast team. Maybe they got along and maybe they didn’t. I don’t give a fuck whether or not they were best friends. I don’t care if the people in the truck liked him.

by philkid3 on Apr 28, 2011 3:54 AM CDT up reply actions  

no different

you wouldn’t had even known, if you didn’t know.. heh.

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 28, 2011 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions  

I definitely believe that you know someone who knows something related to the broadcasts...

but you’ve decided to go all 14 year old Internet douche on everyone on here and think Bob Brenly does a good job so we at least know that while your information might paint one side of a untold story, your opinion is worthless.

by ghostofErikThompson on Apr 28, 2011 3:39 AM CDT up reply actions  

Why do you believe that?

Just wondering.. not saying I don’t. I just have no reason to either. Especially when he felt the need to point out he didn’t like him either, along with everyone else (mentioning reasons that didn’t even take place).. and that he sucked along with his partner.

Then he starts this thing where he’s acting like he’s some wise man who should be respected, while at the same time showing that he’s immature.

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 28, 2011 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions  

Your inside knowledge and opinions

suck…

The snozberries taste like snozberries!!

by Chrom on Apr 28, 2011 5:06 AM CDT up reply actions  

You will never know how much your biting criticism has wounded me.

Innovators look at the same thing as everyone else, yet see something different.

by K. Scott Bailey on Apr 28, 2011 6:02 AM CDT up reply actions  

Doesn't Rhads live in Plano?

I knew it.

GET HIS ASS, GUYS!!!!
(rabble, rabble, rabble…..)

"Back in Irish's day you had to kill a man before you were taken seriously in polite society." - Aquaman56 06/25/10

by Samuel_L_Bronkowitz on Apr 28, 2011 7:27 AM CDT up reply actions  

Amazing.

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

"I've had people walk out on me before, but not when I was being so charming."

by jonthefon on Apr 30, 2011 6:47 AM CDT up reply actions  

gosh

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 28, 2011 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions  

josh

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 28, 2011 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions  

mosh

Innovators look at the same thing as everyone else, yet see something different.

by K. Scott Bailey on Apr 28, 2011 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions  

Daniel Tosh.

Ever been in a boardroom, or a gang fight? Ever save a life? Ever won a court case against the odds? Ever held a dying buddy in your arms?.- jackanape on "perspective," 11/8/2010.

"I’d perform oral sex on Greg Oden before I’d hit that."- Adam J. Morris about Ke$ha, 4/17/2011.

by Aqua on Apr 28, 2011 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions  

Pay Attention, Slosh!

Innovators look at the same thing as everyone else, yet see something different.

by K. Scott Bailey on Apr 28, 2011 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions  

Pre-frosh

"you are now the chris nolan of LSB posters." -TideNtexas 4/21/11

by crazy86er on Apr 28, 2011 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

I know someone from there lol

Don't play F A G! Do not play F A G! Don't- (BLAST F). OH MY GOD WHAT ARE YOU (BLAST A) DOING?! I SAID NOT TO (BLAST G)!

by DFWTrojanTuba on Apr 28, 2011 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

wow. winner.

"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker

by Mike E on Apr 28, 2011 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions  

I am officially LSB awesome now.

Innovators look at the same thing as everyone else, yet see something different.

by K. Scott Bailey on Apr 28, 2011 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions  

Oh great, so you have inside info on the Rangers?

Dirkatron would like to know, “WHY THE FUCK DID TX DRAFT MIKE FUCKING OLT??!!”

"He’s the boomstick, you know what I mean?" -Ian Kinsler

by selke99 on Apr 28, 2011 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

on the bright side...

at least we are always aware of every single hitting streak each batter is on… after every pitch

by 1man5stools on Apr 28, 2011 8:36 AM CDT reply actions  

You would think an expert on MLB broadcasters like RangersFanPlano would know that the Cubs PBP man's name is Len Kaspar, not Len Casper

"It has been said that baseball is to the United States what revolutions are to Latin America, a safety valve for letting off steam. I think baseball is more serious than any Latin American revolution. But, then, I am a serious fan." -- George F. Will

by WestTxAg06 on Apr 28, 2011 9:58 AM CDT reply actions  

He likes to use K instead of C for a little hidden racism

"Life's tough... It's even tougher if you're stupid." - John Wayne

by Texas Jihad on Apr 28, 2011 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions  

I thought he was just taking a subtle jab at C. Scott bailey

We’re not about sending messages. We’re about winning ballgames.-Wash, 04/03/11

by Rodney on Apr 28, 2011 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions  

RE: RangersFanPlano

I too have inside sources that have told me about the sour relationships with Lewin, and you got it slightly wrong. It wasn’t the people in the truck that hated him, it was the actual truck. It went Christine all over his ass and chased him out of town. And as Nolan always says, “If a truck can’t trust you, who can?”

P.S.-The reply button is for bitches

by TequilaMockingbird on Apr 28, 2011 6:09 PM CDT reply actions   2 recs

That definitely changes my feelings on the situation.

I think I’ll have to embrace Rhadigan if The Truck’s given him its approval.

by Melanie on Apr 28, 2011 7:37 PM CDT up reply actions  

The Truckis the arbiter of all that is good and holy

be plentiful in your praise, and his blessings with flourish the Rangers with wins.

by TequilaMockingbird on Apr 29, 2011 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

Josh Lewin is on TV right now!!!!!!!

OMG, I miss his voice so much!!!! Has he made his “call” yet? lol at the morons from lonestar baseball that think Lewin is the next Bob Costas…And lol at the idiots that actually think the extreme homer team of Lewin and “TAG” are better then Kasper and Brenley or any other broadcast team in MLB. You losers need to start watching more then just Ranger games…I can confirm that Nolan Ryan and the truck ran Lewin out of town…that is why Ryan only signed Lewin to a 1-year deal after 2009, think about it….

by RangersFanPlano on Apr 30, 2011 2:39 PM CDT reply actions  

You can confirm it?

Well confirm it or shut the fuck up and stop trolling here. And you call us losers…it’s you who needs to find something better to do.

I do watch more “then” just Rangers games. Most people here are bigger baseball junkies than I am, so I will value my opinion and theirs way above yours and even Nolan Ryan’s. He fucked this one up. Listening to Rhadigan is about as interesting as watching wind erosion.

by Black Francis on Apr 30, 2011 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

I can confirm that RFP has the IQ of a mentally deficient baboon.

Innovators look at the same thing as everyone else, yet see something different.

by K. Scott Bailey on Apr 30, 2011 8:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

RFP: If Lewin is so terrible

why is he still doing Chargers games and Fox baseball broadcasts?

by rexcellent on May 1, 2011 5:43 AM CDT reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to the SB Nation blog about Texas Rangers.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Hong_kong_small
OT: UEFA Euro 2012 Thread
Small
Ranger Rowdy Time!
Bc0nc_small
Minors Thread: Mid-Late May

Recent FanPosts

Neftali_old_timey_small
You should be at the lake - Memorial Day OT
Macho_man_randy_savage_small
Sunday OT
Small
Loking for Batters' Eye Club 7/24 or 25
Small
Texas Rangers: 2012 Community Mock Draft Picks
Macho_man_randy_savage_small
Saturday OT
White_blackpool_icon_small
Draft Discussion
Small
MOD#6 - Rangers (2nd Round - 93rd Pick)
Andy_small
Afternoon OT Thread
Macho_man_randy_savage_small
5/25 OT 1
Neftali_old_timey_small
5/24/2012 OT 2

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

Yahoo_full_count

Manager

Th_buckykatt_small Adam J. Morris

Editor

477845_small ghostofErikThompson

Author

Matchstick_small Brad