NEWSLETTER
Although it’s not true across the board, there tends to be a pretty big difference between a broadcaster who’s spent his entire career in a booth and the player-turned-broadcaster type. Think Boog Sciambi vs. Rick Sutcliffe if you’re a Cubs fan (I actually think Jim Deshaies breaks the mold a bit).
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with either camp, and I think balancing those voices is the best way to build a successful duo. But I do think the former players tend to be a little less polished, a little more (brutally) honest. Heck, that’s what we like about them.
That doesn’t mean it’s not funny when they go a little further than we’re used to hearing. For example …
Hall of Fame pitcher Dennis Eckersley made his way to Pittsburgh as a color commentator for NESN last night, and he did NOT hold back on the Pirates lineup. Turn that volume up and press play.
The money quotes, if you couldn’t listen:
B-R-U-T-A-L.
But is it fair? Here’s a look at the Pirates lineup yesterday:
1. Tucapita Marcano, LF
2. Kevin Newman, 2B
3. Bryan Reynolds, CF
4. Ben Gamel, DH
5. Kevin Padlo, 1B
6. Oneil Cruz, SS
7. Rodolfo Castro, 3B
8. Bligh Madris, RF
9. Jason Delay, C
Obviously, as an NL Central fan, I’m familiar with almost everyone in this group (who the heck is Kevin Padlo?), and I can also recognize that Ke’Bryan Hayes would elevate the “name” status of the lineup had he not been injured. But I can also see Eckersley’s point, and the Pirates hardly deserve the benefit of the doubt. They’ve spent years not spending money while shipping away their top talent to know meaningful end.
At the same time, Bryan Reynolds was an All-Star last season and was a hot name on the trade rumor circuit before the deadline. Ben Gamel’s been around for seven MLB seasons, playing for the Yankees, Mariners, Brewers, Guardians, and now Pirates. I feel like people know who he is. And Oneil Cruz was promoted to the big leagues this season as one of MLB’s top prospects. There’s not nobody in this lineup. But like I said, the Pirates don’t exactly deserve anyone running to their defense. And as a Cubs fan, it’s not all that easy to throw stones when we’re separated by just a few games in the standings.
So I’ll leave it to you guys. Are Eckersley’s comments fair? Correct, but too far for a broadcast? Exactly what you’re looking to hear? Way over the top? Let me know.
