Archives for March 2009

Conference Call Replay with ESPN NFL Draft Expert Mel Kiper Jr.

March 27, 2009 By admin

Conference Call Replay with ESPN NFL Draft Expert Mel Kiper Jr.

ESPN conducted a media conference call Wednesday, March 25 with NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. Select comments from the conference call:

On the similarities between Falcons quarterbacks Matt Ryan and Georgia’s Matthew Stafford …
“There is no similarity with Ryan because Ryan played his senior year. If Matthew Stafford would have played his senior year then there would be no concerns. I think he would have lit it up. A.J. Green is a developing star as a wide receiver. He was a true freshman last year and he’s ready to be one of the great receivers in college football. The offensive line which was so young last year with freshmen and unproven players is now a cohesive group. Granted (Knowshon) Moreno left, but there’s some quality backs in the program. Had he stayed another year, he would have been off the charts. I think that’s where you say, where could he be? That’s going to be his year. You have to coach him and treat him like he’s a senior in college. You’re not going to have a guy like Matt Ryan, even a Joe Flacco who stayed for his senior year. You’re not going to have a veteran coming in. You’re going to have a guy who is still a junior. … You have to treat him differently. If you draft him, the first year, if you want to get him later in the season, don’t expect a lot. If you think he needs to play through his mistakes, fine, but you have to coach him.

“With the talent he has, he’ll be a sponge. He’ll pick everything up. He’ll work hard at it. His arm strength is in the rare category, rare arm strength. We always talk about above average arms, great arms. A lot of guys have good arms, but elite arms are rare and this kid has it.

“So you ask why people are all over the place. They have to determine if he’s worthy of being the No.1 pick in the draft. How NFL ready is he? How much time do we have to spend with him? Do we want to commit all these dollars? They don’t treat quarterbacks like they did back in the 1980’s where you have three to four years to develop them. They want them to play right away. In Matthew Stafford’s case that’s not realistic. In Mark Sanchez’s case it’s not realistic.”

On the Patriots’ draft options with six top 100 picks …
“You’re talking about a draft that has some middle-round guys and late-round guys that will be very good players in this league. You should be able to get some depth in certain positions. Linebackers that they want to get younger, whether it’s Clay Matthews, Brian Cushing, Larry English…a lot of 3-4 type guys. Defensive backfield, not any first round guaranteed stars at the cornerback spot …I like a D.J. Moore out of Vanderbilt as a third-round pick. … He’s a very underrated kid and there are several others that fall in that category. You’re going to get good players that fall for the reason that they don’t have good measurables. Some of the guys with good measurables are busts. The Patriots are going to do extremely well with those picks.”

On why teams do not need to draft a center early …
“Tough overachieving, hard-working centers make it far in this league. If you look in the NFL right now, a lot of these guys were not highly regarded coming out of college and now they’re starting. That’s why there’s an argument, definite argument, to not draft a center early because you don’t have to. Now there’s going to be three going in the second round – Eric Wood, Max Unger and Alex Mack are all going to go and they’re all outstanding players. But, you can create centers that are more than solid in the NFL.”

Post Combine and Pro Days: Players who have rocketed and plunged …
“Normally individual workouts make it for you. They allow you to make a statement and do the best you can. That’s why an Aaron Maybin recovers after not running great at the Combine and had a great year at Penn State. He was up, down a bit and now he’s back up. I didn’t change much for him…he’s been consistent all the way through because he’s a heck of a football player.

“I think when you look at Michael Crabtree, having the injury unfortunately pushed him down a little bit. If you look at some of the corners, Malcolm Jenkins not running under a 4.5 affected him to the point where – is he going to be a safety, is he going to be a corner? Not going in the top 10 as expected to go had he run better. There is a lot of mixed opinion on some players. Everett Brown, not real big, not real super fast … but had some multiple sack games and some people think he’s an early first round pick and I don’t. Some people are higher on Eugene Monroe. Some people think he’s the best left tackle in the draft. I don’t. I think he’s a good player but not a great player.

“Some guys that have risen certainly, where they are right now versus where they have been … I think people are now more enamored with Percy Harvin despite having the ankle late in the year. People are seeing how explosive and versatile he is. Another is Hakeem Nicks at North Carolina, a high grade. At the combine he’s 212 pounds. At the individual workout he was 226 pounds. I know he had a hamstring injury and you’ve got to rest that and could be why he may have gained weight, but that was a red flag for some teams. Robert Ayers from Tennessee moved way up in about the 20th pick to Detroit. Clay Matthews helped himself in this process, the linebacker from USC.”

On Stafford at No. 1 and if the Lions take him who do they take at No. 20 …
“At 20 you could go defensive end…I don’t think offensive tackle is going to fall that way, but they could take a Michael Oher, a left tackle out of Ole Miss. …They have options and they have a lot of needs. The picks really address these concerns. As far as Stafford going No.1, I’m not making the choice. All I say is for the Detroit Lions, if you don’t take Stafford, who do you take? And if you don’t take Stafford and you take someone else, who’s going to be your quarterback? You’ve got Culpepper and you’ve got Stanton. Are you going to forget about quarterback this year? There’s no guarantee that (Josh) Freeman is going to be there at 20. There’s no other quarterback to think about until the fifth round. So for me, it’s Stafford. And if you don’t pick Stafford and he goes to Seattle and starts lighting it up, you didn’t take him. You pass him and he’s going to go somewhere else.”

Risk vs. Reward: How do Division I-AA players stack up …
“I think some teams are fearful of I-AA players or non I-A players. There is a risk because of the level of competition for obvious reasons. They’re not coming in ever working against players equal to their ability, and everybody in the NFL is the best in the world playing this game. It is a transition and difficult for some players.”

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Notes from TNT’s Coverage of the NBA – Thursday, March 26, 2009

March 27, 2009 By admin

Notes from TNT’s Coverage of the NBA – Thursday, March 26, 2009

TNT’s NBA Coverage Continues Thursday, April 2 at 8 p.m. ET featuring the Cleveland Cavaliers @ Washington Wizards followed by the Utah Jazz @ Denver Nuggets.

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TNT NBA Tip-off presented by AutoTrader.com

Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Chris Webber

Webber on his pick for Rookies of the Year between the Memphis Grizzlies guard O.J. Mayo and Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose: “In my mind, I think you should do exactly what the NBA did the year (1994-95) that Grant Hill and Jason Kidd won (co-Rookies of the Year). If Derrick Rose doesn’t make it to the playoffs then he and O.J. Mayo are both out of the playoffs. Derrick Rose has much better players around him (on the Bulls) and Mayo is trying to change the mentality in Memphis. I would give them co-Rookies of the Year because both of their teams aren’t that great.”

Barkley on Oklahoma City Thunder forward Russell Westbrook: “(Westbrook) should be in the (Rookie of the Year) conversation. (Derrick) Rose is going to win it, because we expect him to win it, he’s the #1 pick. Let me tell you something, Russell Westbrook has a very bright future.”

Barkley on the current Detroit Pistons: “These aren’t our daddy’s Pistons.”

Smith: “These aren’t the Pistons my son grew up knowing.”

Barkley: “Joe Dumars is rolling over in his grave right now….they are mystery meat.”

Barkley on Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade: “I think what happens when you are a one man wrecking crew like Dwyane Wade, I think you have peaks and valleys. You do get tired. I’ve been a great player myself playing on a bad team. These are the dog days. What happens is people start crowding Dwyane Wade and beating him up, you get mentally tired and you get physically tired.”

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Miami Heat (87) @ Chicago Bulls (106)
Announcers: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller and Mike Fratello; Craig Sager reporting

Fratello on the Bulls’ additions of John Salmons and Brad Miller: “It stabilized this franchise’s roster. You bring in two veteran guys, (John) Salmons who can beat you over the dribble and score, and (Brad) Miller a big man who can pass it, shoot it and rebound. Two veteran guys who know how to play the game. Miller can help the young big men come along, (and) Salmons can play the two or three for them.”

Miller on his pick for Defensive Player of the Year: “I think Dwight Howard in Orlando probably has that locked up, leading the league in rebounds as well as blocked shots.”

Fratello on Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra: “Erik Spoelstra has just done an excellent job. One of the things that’s helped him is he kept that entire staff that was in place with Pat Riley in Bob McAdoo, Keith Askins, Ron Rothstein all together.”

Miller: “Another thing that helped him is getting back a healthy Dwyane Wade.”

Miller on NCAA Tournament rivals Derrick Rose (Memphis) and Mario Chalmers (Kansas): “Do you think Derrick Rose is looking at Mario Chalmers and thinking ‘you have my championship ring!’”

Albert, following a report by Craig Sager that Rose said he doesn’t think about the NCAA Championship loss at all: “Reggie, do you buy that Derrick Rose doesn’t even think about the (Memphis) loss?”

Miller: “Spoken like a true loser.”

Craig Sager interviewed CNN’s Soledad O’Brien, whose second installment of ‘Black in America’ airs on CNN on July 22 & 23.

O’Brien on what makes TNT analyst Charles Barkley such a good interview: “You know, I’m in the media, and when you have a guy who speaks his mind and never had a question he didn’t want to answer, he’s a valuable guy.”

Miller on the hiring of Chicago Bulls head coach Vinny Del Negro: “John Paxson took a gamble bringing in a guy with no NBA head coaching experience, but these players have responded.”

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Halftime

Johnson, Barkley, Smith and Webber

Barkley on the trade earlier this year between the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat: “That trade to me was a wash. Jermaine O’Neal was a very good player for a long time, but I don’t know if he has anything left with his legs. He’s just been injured too much. Shawn Marion made a mistake leaving Phoenix, he made a mistake, because him, Steve Nash and Amar’e Stoudemire, they play well in a certain system.”

Barkley on Kobe Bryant and the Lakers versus the Detroit Pistons: “This is filet mignon versus bologna right here.”

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Miller on if he expects Pistons guard Allen Iverson back this season: “I don’t think he’s going to come back. Everything is pointing to him sitting out these last 10 or 11 games. I don’t think he is going to accept that role and come off the bench. I think he is holding the Pistons hostage. I love Allen Iverson as a competitor and I think he is making the wrong decision if he doesn’t come back.”

Marv Albert on the NBA MVP this season: “I have a vote.”

Miller: “So you’re representing us (Miller and Fratello). Should we huddle up? Should we have breakfast or coffee to discuss it?”

Albert: “Well, maybe coffee.”

Miller promoting next week’s TNT match up between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards and the potential return of injured Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas: “Agent Zero is out of protective custody? The Hibachi has entered the building!”

Albert on the Chicago Bulls having an upcoming “favorable” schedule: “I don’t know if there is something that can be called a favorable schedule when you are an under .500 team.”

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Phoenix Suns (109) @ Portland Trail Blazers (129)
Announcers: Kevin Harlan and Doug Collins; Cheryl Miller reporting

Collins on the new rhythm of the Phoenix Suns: “For people who have not seen a lot of Phoenix this year, that free-wheeling long-shooting three-point team is no longer in vogue, it’s points in the paint now with Shaq (O’Neal) leading the way.”

Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy on what head coach Nate McMillan telling him he is the team’s leader means to him: “It just means that every game I go out there on the floor I have to be mentally and physically ready because every meeting that I have he asks me ‘who’s the team going to follow?’, and I say ‘me’ and he says ‘you’re right, so you’ve got to be ready to go out there.’ It’s not pressure. For me, early on I took it as pressure and I was thinking ‘man, I got to be ready,’ and as I grew I realized just go out there and be ready.”

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Halftime

Johnson, Barkley, Smith and Webber

Barkley on Portland center Joel Przybilla: “This guy to me is probably the most underrated player in the NBA. If he played on a really good team he’d be scary. It’s going to be really interesting when they have to make a decision to resign him with Greg Oden. What do they call him? ‘The Vanilla Gorilla Joel Przybilla.’”

Johnson: “They do now.”

Barkley on Portland center Greg Oden: “I don’t think he’s ever going to be a great scorer. I think he’s going to have to block shots and get rebounds. People that expect him to come to the NBA and dominate offensively, that is not going to happen.”

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Collins on Suns center Shaquille O’Neal: “It’s probably his best season in the past five years (for O’Neal). You think about what would they be like if they had Amare Stoudemire next to him, and Matt Barnes coming off the bench? Some guy coming off the bench with some pop and another bigger guy on the floor. They weren’t really able to see what they could do.”

Collins on Portland head coach Nate McMillan: “No slippage, that’s what he wants. Just continue to play and do your job. You bring in the energy and listen to the game plan. Because that’s what you have to do in the playoffs, you have to be able to make adjustments. All the little things when you possible see a team seven times. Nate McMillan is a terrific coach. Nate has really done a nice job nurturing this team.”

Collins on the importance of rest at this late point of the regular season: “Three days of rest at this time of the year is like a week’s vacation.”

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Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai

Announcers: Johnson, Barkley, Smith and Webber

Smith on the disadvantage of teams playing a zone defensive system: “Most people say that teams play a zone defense to disguise guys who can’t play man-to-man (defense), but actually, I think it hurts them more. You really need man-to-man principles when you’re playing a zone. You’re going to have to run out of double-teams because now you are running after someone who is catching the ball with a live dribble. You are really at the mercy of someone when you’re not able to play one-on-one defense.”

Barkley on the Trail Blazers taking their up-tempo game on the road: “(Trail Blazers guard) Brandon Roy said the (Trail Blazers) play a lot faster at home. With all the athletic bodies they’ve got, I don’t understand why they don’t (play fast) on the road. They are one of the deeper teams in the NBA. They should just run-and-gun and keep bringing guys in all night.”

Webber on the Trail Blazers fitting centers Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla into their up-tempo style of play: “The Blazers need to figure out what they are going to do with (Joel) Przybilla and (Greg) Oden. They need to use their speed every night and Przybilla can move up and down the floor and he’s a little bit stronger. If they keep that speed along with those guys inside, they are going to be tough.”

Smith on the Suns having trouble returning to an up-tempo style of play: “(The Suns) have created an up-tempo style (of play) that they want to go back to. But they are going back to a style that their coach isn’t used to coaching. (Suns head coach) Alvin Gentry isn’t the guy that put that system in. (Former Suns head coach) Terry Porter isn’t the guy that put that system in. (Former Suns head coach) Mike D’Antoni put that system in and he knows the intricacies of it and he knows how it works. They are trying to go back to something but the conductor isn’t there.”

Log onto TNT OverTime on NBA.com for a full replay of Inside the NBA and exclusive reports from TNT announcers.

MLB NETWORK, MLB.COM TEAM UP FOR “MLB.COM FANTASY DRAFT PREVIEW SHOW” ON SUNDAY, MARCH 29 AT 8:30 P.M. ET

March 27, 2009 By admin

MLB NETWORK, MLB.COM TEAM UP FOR “MLB.COM FANTASY DRAFT PREVIEW SHOW”

ON SUNDAY, MARCH 29 AT 8:30 P.M. ET

Show Features Detailed Analysis and Insight from MLB.com Fantasy Experts

Secaucus, N.J. – MLB Network will broadcast a special MLB.com Fantasy Draft Preview Show, in conjunction with MLB.com, on Sunday, March 29 at 8:30 p.m. ET. Hosted by MLB Network’s Greg Amsinger and Harold Reynolds along with MLB.com’s Cory Schwartz and Mike Siano, the co-hosts of Fantasy 411 on MLB.com, the 90-minute show will provide detailed analysis and insight specifically geared towards fantasy baseball enthusiasts as fantasy draft days loom before Opening Day.

Highlights of the MLB.com Fantasy Draft Preview Show will include:

· Position-by-position analysis with full player rankings

· Discussion of strategy for draft day and in-season transactions

· “Breakout, bargain and bust” picks for the 2009 season

· Top picks for prospects expected to be called up during the 2009 season

Schwartz and Siano serve as co-hosts of Fantasy 411, MLB.com’s longest-running program that provides key insights to help further fans’ enjoyment and knowledge in their respective fantasy leagues. Schwartz, the Director of Stats for MLB.com and a regular contributor to MLB.com’s fantasy baseball section, has been competing in fantasy baseball since 1989, including expert competitions such as the National Fantasy Baseball Championship (NFBC) and Tout Wars. Siano, the Director of Multimedia Production for MLB.com, has been competing in fantasy baseball for more than 10 years, including the highly-competitive Tout Wars league. The MLB.com Fantasy 411 blog can be found at http://fantasy411.mlblogs.com.

MLB Network launched in approximately 50 million cable and satellite homes on January 1, 2009 as the largest debut in cable television history, exceeding any other cable television launch by approximately 20 million. With live games, original programming, highlights, classic games, and coverage of baseball events, MLB Network is the ultimate television destination for baseball fans. For more information, go to mlbnetwork.com.

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Fans Select Pistons @ Cavaliers for Tuesday’s Fan Night Matchup on NBA TV

March 27, 2009 By admin

MEDIA ADVISORY

Fans Select Pistons @ Cavaliers for Tuesday’s Fan Night Matchup on NBA TV

Season’s final Fan Night will air on April 7

NBA TV will air an Eastern Conference Showdown between the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers during Fan Night on Tues., March 31. Host Ahmad Rashad and analysts Gary Payton and Chris Webber will tip off the night at 6:30 p.m. ET with the game airing at 7 p.m. ET. The final Fan Night matchup of the season will air on Tues., April 7 with fans voting between:

· Philadelphia 76ers @ Charlotte Bobcats

· Atlanta Hawks @ Toronto Raptors

· Portland Trail Blazers @ Memphis Grizzlies

· San Antonio Spurs @ Oklahoma City Thunder

· Minnesota Timberwolves @ L.A. Clippers

The network will continue to air regular season games including the Boston Celtics @ Atlanta Hawks on Fri., March 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET, the Memphis Grizzlies @ Portland Trail Blazers on Sat., March 28 at 10 p.m. ET and the Milwaukee Bucks @ New Jersey Nets on Mon., March 30 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

NBA TV’s Euroleague Game of the Week coverage continues featuring Panathinaikos vs. Montepaschi Siena. The game will air on Sat., March 28 at 1 p.m. ET and is part of the network’s weekly Euroleague matchup that airs every Saturday throughout the regular season.

NBA TV’s coverage of the NBA D-League continues on Wed., April 1 featuring the Iowa Energy @ Bakersfield Jam. Coverage will begin at 4 p.m. ET with D-League Central, a weekly studio show featuring an update on the news, transactions and D-League action, followed by tip-off of the game at 4:30 p.m. ET. NBA TV will air a D-League match-up every Wednesday.

NBA TV’s weekly programming will feature its three signature nights, including:

· Premiere Night (Wed., April 1): Premiere Night will feature REAL NBA: NBA Green Week at 7 p.m. ET to delve into the stories of various NBA players and teams generating awareness to help protect the environment. Two-time MVP Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns talks about how he’s embraced Green causes, while showing how the US Airways Center, has become more environmentally friendly. Viewers will also meet his teammate, backup forward Louis Amundson, who has taken an unconventional journey to the NBA, one he continues in Phoenix by riding a carbon-neutral bike to work. Channing Frye of the Portland Trail Blazers is also in tune with the Green agenda, encouraging kids to recycle on his website. He will also show how the Rose Garden is helping the environment. Also, the New Jersey Nets host a special “Green Night” where fans can learn how to get involved in the cause.

· Legends Night (Thurs., April 2): Thursday nights on NBA TV will continue to showcase the rich heritage of the NBA during Legends Night. This week, Legends Night will air Playoff Upsets including the Nets/Sixers 1984 Eastern Conference Finals Game $5, Nuggets/Sonics 1994 Western Conference Finals Game #5 and Knicks/Heat 1999 Eastern Conference Finals Game #5.

NBA TV PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE:

MARCH 27 – MARCH 29

FRIDAY, MARCH 27
7 – 7:30 p.m. AutoTrader.com Pregame Show Rick Kamla and Steve Smith
7:30 – 10 p.m. NBA Regular Season: Boston Celtics @ Atlanta Hawks Local Announcers
10 p.m. – 2 a.m. NBA GameTime Presented by Hyundai Rick Kamla and Steve Smith
SATURDAY, MARCH 28
12:30 – 1 p.m. FIBA WORLD BASKETBALL
1 – 3 p.m. Euroleague Game of the Week: Panathinaikos vs. Montepaschi Siena Local Announcers
7 – 9:30 p.m. NBA GameTime Presented by Hyundai Andre Aldridge, Eric Snow and Mike Fratello
9:30 – 10 p.m. AutoTrader.com Pregame Show Andre Aldridge, Eric Snow and Mike Fratello
10 – 12:30 p.m. NBA Regular Season: Memphis Grizzlies @ Portland Trail Blazers Local Announcers
12:30 – 2 a.m. NBA GameTime Presented by Hyundai Andre Aldridge, Eric Snow and Mike Fratello
SUNDAY, MARCH 29
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. NBA TOP 10 GAMES OF THE WEEK
7 p.m. – 1 a.m. NBA GameTime Presented by Hyundai Andre Aldridge, Steve Smith and Craig Sager

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MARCH 30 – APRIL 5

NBA TV LIVE AND ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE (all times ET)
MONDAY, MARCH 30
8 – 9 a.m. NBA.COM FANTASY INSIDER Rick Kamla
7 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. AutoTrader.com Pregame Show Andre Aldridge and Eric Snow
7:30 – 10 p.m. NBA Regular Season: Milwaukee Bucks @ New Jersey Nets Local Announcers
10 p.m. – 2 a.m. NBA GameTime Presented by Hyundai Andre Aldridge and Eric Snow
TUESDAY, MARCH 31: FAN NIGHT
5:30 – 6 p.m. THE BEAT Marc Fein and David Aldridge
6 – 6:30 p.m. THE BEAT (re-air)
6:30 – 7 p.m. AutoTrader.com Pregame Show Ahmad Rashad, Chris Webber and Gary Payton
7 – 9:30 p.m. NBA Fan Night: Detroit Pistons @ Cleveland Cavaliers
9:30 p.m. – 2 a.m. NBA GameTime Presented by Hyundai Ahmad Rashad, Chris Webber and Gary Payton
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1: PREMIERE NIGHT
4 – 4:30 p.m. D-LEAGUE CENTRAL Rick Kamla
4:30 – 6:30 p.m. NBA D-League: Iowa Energy @ Bakersfield Jam Local Announcers
7 – 7:30 p.m. REAL NBA
7:30 – 8 p.m. NBA Special
8 – 10 p.m. NBA GameTime Presented by Hyundai Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Steve Smith
10 – 10:30 p.m. REAL NBA (RE-AIR)
10:30 – 11 p.m. NBA Special (RE-AIR)
11 p.m. – 2 a.m. NBA GameTime presented by Hyundai Marc Fein, Kenny Smith and Steve Smith
THURSDAY, APRIL 2: LEGENDS NIGHT
7:30 – 8 p.m. NBA Action
8 p.m. – 2 a.m. Legends Night: Hardwood Classics Game 5’s
FRIDAY, APRIL 3
7 p.m. – 2 a.m. NBA GameTime Presented by Hyundai Rick Kamla, Steve Smith and Cheryl Miller
SATURDAY, APRIL 4
12:30 – 1 p.m. FIBA WORLD BASKETBALL
1 – 3 p.m. Euroleague Game of the Week: Real Madrid vs. Olympiacos Local Announcers
6:30 – 7 p.m. AutoTrader.com Pregame Show Andre Aldridge, Eric Snow and Cheryl Miller
7 – 9:30 p.m. NBA Regular Season: Miami Heat @ Washington Wizards Local Announcers
9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. NBA GameTime Presented by Hyundai Andre Aldridge, Eric Snow and Cheryl Miller
SUNDAY, APRIL 5
1 – 6 p.m. NBA TOP 10 GAMES OF THE WEEK
6 – 6:30 p.m. NBA GameTime Presented by Hyundai Andre Aldridge and Steve Smith
6:30 – 7 p.m. AutoTrader.com Pregame Show Andre Aldridge and Steve Smith
7 – 9:30 p.m. NBA Regular Season: P Local Announcers
9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. NBA GameTime Presented by Hyundai Andre Aldridge and Steve Smith

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL LAUNCHES “THIS IS BEYOND BASEBALL” MULTI-MEDIA MARKETING AND ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN

March 27, 2009 By admin

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL LAUNCHES “THIS IS BEYOND BASEBALL”

MULTI-MEDIA MARKETING AND ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN

New Campaign Celebrates Baseball’s Unique Place in Society

Officially Launches With Documentary-Style Program on MLB Network

Narrated by Legendary Broadcaster Vin Scully on Sunday, March 29 at 8:00 p.m. ET

Major League Baseball today announced the launch of a new integrated multi-media marketing campaign titled “This is Beyond Baseball,” which will celebrate baseball’s unique place in the cultural fabric of society and in the lives of fans. The campaign will officially launch with a special on MLB Network this Sunday, March 29 at 8:00 p.m. ET titled This Is Beyond Baseball, a documentary-style program created by MLB Productions. Narrated by legendary broadcaster Vin Scully, the 30-minute program comprises a series of vignettes that communicate the magnitude of what baseball represents and that the scope of its impact goes well beyond the game on the field.

“Baseball reaches us all in places far beyond the playing field,” said Scully. “I am honored to lend my support to this endeavor and help celebrate the game I have loved for my entire life.”

The program features insight and commentary from many prominent current and former players, including Ken Griffey Jr., Derek Jeter, Cal Ripken Jr., Curtis Granderson, Derek Lee and Terry Francona, as well as a special profile of the Upton family – father Manny and sons B.J. and Justin – a unique family story of dedication and determination.

“For more than a century, baseball has transcended the game to become an integral part of the lives of Americans,” said Tim Brosnan, Major League Baseball Executive Vice President, Business. “This campaign is a celebration of baseball and its impact beyond the playing field into the culture and society of the country.” This Is Beyond Baseball is divided into four segments, focused on generational connections, ballparks revered as national treasures, community relations and cultural elements. Highlights of each segment include:

· Family: Linking generation to generation, the opening segment taps into the bond baseball creates within families both on and off the field. The segment takes a close look at the Upton family, specifically Manny Upton’s relationship with his sons, Tampa Bay Rays outfielder B.J. Upton and Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Justin Upton. The segment covers other baseball-family connections, including insight from Ken Griffey Jr. and Cal Ripken Jr. on the important roles their fathers played in their careers.

· Ballparks: Going beyond the brick and concrete, baseball’s ballparks have become much more than mere playing fields. This segment takes an inside look into stadiums across the nation that, as Vin Scully reads, “leave an indelible impression on each and every visitor.” Featured in this segment are rarely seen areas within Dodger Stadium, Wrigley Field and Fenway Park, among others, with commentary from Red Sox Manager Terry Francona, and others with personal reflections on the ballparks.

· Community: The final segment of the program highlights baseball’s efforts to give back to the community. Major League Baseball’s work with The Boys and Girls Club of America as well as the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) presented by KPMG program are highlighted, as is baseball’s fight against breast cancer and prostate cancer in its tribute games on Mother’s and Father’s Day, respectively. Player commentary, including New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, is woven throughout, driving home the important role baseball and its players play in the community.

· Culture: The second segment the important impact baseball and its players have played off the field over the years, with a special focus on Jackie Robinson. Cubs first baseman Derek Lee says on the show, “Barack Obama is not President without what Jackie Robinson did.” The documentary also highlights how the 2001 World Series helped bring America together following 9/11, as well as other moments over the years that transcended the game. As Vin Scully reads, “baseball is there in both times of triumph and tragedy.”

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SIRIUS XM Radio To Broadcast Every 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship Event Live Nationwide

March 26, 2009 By admin

SIRIUS XM RADIO TO BROADCAST EVERY 2009 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™ EVENT LIVE NATIONWIDE

SIRIUS and XM listeners will hear every race starting with this Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix

SIRIUS XM is the exclusive North American radio broadcaster of F1™

NEW YORK – March 26, 2009 – SIRIUS XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) announced today that it has expanded its coverage of Formula 1™ auto racing and will broadcast every race from the 2009 F1™ season live on both SIRIUS and XM. The races, which aired on SIRIUS last season, will now be available to SIRIUS and XM listeners nationwide.

The 2009 F1™ schedule kicks off this weekend with the ING Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on Sunday, March 29 (1:00 am ET). SIRIUS XM will carry the race live in its entirety on SIRIUS channel 126 and XM channel 242. Last season’s Australian race was won by McLaren-Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, the British phenom who went on to become, at 23, the youngest world champion in Formula 1™ history with an impressive 2008 season that included five victories and five more podium finishes.

In addition to live coverage, SIRIUS XM will offer multiple replays of the races. Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix will be rebroadcast Sunday, March 29 (7:00 am ET and 7:00 pm ET) and Monday, March 30 (7:00 am ET) on SIRIUS channel 126 and XM channel 242.

SIRIUS XM’s coverage will also feature an exclusive F1™ pre-race show hosted by veteran auto racing journalist Adam Cooper. The SIRIUS XM Formula 1 Pre-Race Show will lead in to every Grand Prix race, offering listeners the latest team news and information, a recap of qualifying results, driver interviews and an in-depth examination of that weekend’s circuit.

The FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™ is the highest end of open wheeled motor racing. The 2009 season, consisting of a series of 17 races known as Grands Prix, runs from March to November on road course circuits, and in a few cases on closed city streets. The results of each race are combined to determine two annual World Championships, one for drivers and one for constructors (teams).

For more information and a schedule of upcoming F1™ races on SIRIUS XM please visit www.sirius.com/f1.

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ESPN MLB Analysts Offer 20 Insights Heading Into Network’s 20th Season

March 26, 2009 By admin

ESPN MLB Analysts Offer 20 Insights Heading Into Network’s 20^th Season

ESPN’s 20^th season of Major League Baseball telecasts will begin with Opening Night Sunday, April 5, when the defending World Champion Philadelphia Phillies host the Atlanta Braves at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2 HD, ESPN Radio, ESPN Deportes, ESPN360.com and ESPN Mobile TV. The telecast will mark the debut of the new Sunday Night Baseball commentator team of Jon Miller and analysts Joe Morgan and Steve Phillips. Miller and Morgan have worked together in the Sunday Night booth since 1990, with the addition of Phillips creating the first three-man booth in the history of the SNB franchise.

Four ESPN commentators recently provided a total of 20 pieces of analysis heading into the 2009 season, including: Morgan’s top five contenders; Phillips’ top five impact players; Baseball Tonight host Karl Ravech’s top five storylines; and Baseball Tonight analyst Chris Singleton’s five fearless predictions.

Joe Morgan’s Top Five Contenders

Hall of Famer Joe Morgan has been a Sunday Night Baseball analyst since its inaugural season in 1990. This season, he will team with play-by-play commentator Jon Miller and analyst Steve Phillips in the SNB booth. He recently predicted the top contenders heading into the 2009 season:

#1) Boston Red Sox

Morgan – “A healthy David Ortiz is going to be a big impact player. They also added pitching depth to their rotation.”

#2) Tampa Bay Rays

Morgan – “The Rays proved they could win with pitching, speed and power. It puts a lot of pressure on other teams when your offense can manufacture runs. Pat Burrell adds a veteran presence. Being in this situation now, he will prosper and the team will benefit from his bat. I expect B.J. Upton to have a breakout season, if he stays healthy, and Evan Longoria to improve. They have a lot of potentially great players on that ball club.”

#3) New York Yankees

Morgan – “They straightened out their biggest weakness – starting pitching. C.C. Sabathia is one of the top three pitchers in all of baseball, if not the best. Alex Rodriguez’s injury allowed the Red Sox and Rays to pass the Yankees. We’ll have to see how A-Rod’s link to performance enhancers impacts the team. They’ve already dealt with Jason Giambi and Andy Pettitte being the focal point during steroid investigations. They’re a veteran team, so they should be able to get past it.”

#4) Chicago Cubs

Morgan – “They are one of the most talented teams in baseball and they improved themselves with the addition of Milton Bradley. One of their weaknesses last year was a fifth or sixth place hitter behind Aramis Ramirez. Now they’ve added a really strong switch hitter, so the lineup is set.

“They’ve lost some pitching. Kerry Wood was important. I think Carlos Marmol will be great in the closer role. The Cubs are definitely the team to beat in the National League, but they were also the best last year when they were swept in the first round.”

#5) New York Mets or Philadelphia Phillies

Morgan – “You have to give the Phillies their due because they won the world championship. Cole Hamels was awesome in the postseason. The Phillies will miss Pat Burrell though. The Mets should have won the division last year. They had the lead, but didn’t have anybody to close out games. They have that now. The Mets will have to get another great season out of Carlos Delgado.”

Additional perspective

Morgan – “Any one of those five (or six) teams can win the World Series, but the one thing we’ve seen is teams can come out of nowhere and get hot, stay hot, as the Rays did last year. The Rays offer hope to teams who can’t spend the money others can to add players to their team.”

Steve Phillips

Steve Phillips’ Top Five Impact Players

ESPN baseball analyst Steve Phillips will join the Sunday Night Baseball booth, working alongside Jon Miller and Joe Morgan, this season. Additionally, he will continue to call Monday Night Baseball games and provide studio analysis on Baseball Tonight. He recently projected the top five impact players to watch this season:

#1) David Ortiz

Phillips – “David Ortiz is coming back from a down year in which he was hampered by wrist problems. The Red Sox need his power production, especially with questions of health for Mike Lowell and J.D. Drew, and a full season without Manny Ramirez.”

#2) Vladimir Guerrero

Phillips – “The L.A. Angels already lacked power and their offense got thinner with the losses of Garrett Anderson and Mark Teixeira. Vladimir Guerrero must stay healthy and productive or the Angels may not have enough offense to support their usual deep pitching.”

#3) J.J. Putz and Francisco Rodriguez

Phillips – “The New York Mets blew 29 saves last year, second most in the N.L., which certainly played a role in finishing three games behind the Phillies. J.J. Putz and Francisco Rodriguez have the potential to shorten the game for Jerry Manuel, which is important since his starting pitching doesn’t go deep into the game.”

#4) Travis Hafner

Phillips – “The Indians made some great acquisitions in Kerry Wood and Mark DeRosa, but Travis Hafner is the key to their success. The Indians need Hafner’s home run power. They won’t win if their leadoff man Grady Sizemore leads the team in homers again.”

#5) Chris Carpenter

Phillips – “The Cardinals won an amazing 86 games last year without a single win from Chris Carpenter. A healthy Carpenter, along with a healthy Adam Wainwright gives the Cards a dynamic 1-2 punch and makes them a legitimate threat to the Chicago Cubs.”

Karl Ravech’s Top Five Storylines
Karl Ravech joined ESPN in 1993 and is entering his 15^th season as host of the Sports Emmy Award-winning Baseball Tonight. He has hosted ESPN’s coverage of the Major League Baseball playoffs and World Series since 1995.

#1) The Economy

Ravech – “No question, there will be an impact on the game – whether it involves ticket sales or player movement in the middle of the season, when a team realizes they are no longer in a race and try to trade a would-be, high-priced free agent. If things really deteriorate, will we once again hear talk of contraction?”

#2) The List

Ravech – “The story that won’t go away, and it will stay on the front pages as long as the list of those who tested positive for using performance-enhancing substances remains a secret. With Alex Rodriguez having admitted to using steroids, many seem eager to uncover the names of the other 103 people on the list.”

#3) The Division Races

Ravech – “Every division has at least two teams, in most cases three, that will contend. In the A.L. Central, four teams could compete for the division title. While the A.L. East has three of the top four teams in the league, each division is competitive. Can the A’s compete with the Angels? Yes, but they would likely get buried in the A.L. East.”

#4) The Yankees

Ravech – “There are too many reasons to list why they remain the most interesting, relative and important team in the Major Leagues.”

#5) The Cubs

Ravech – “Chicago won 97 games in the regular season last year and fell flat against Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers in the playoffs. There has been a lot of turnover for a team that seemed to have nearly every ingredient. You wonder if losing Kerry Wood and Mark DeRosa will really hurt. The Cubs appear to be head and shoulders above the rest of its division, but that’s been said before and the Cardinals and Astros always seem to make it close.”

Chris Singleton’s Five Fearless Predictions

Chris Singleton joined ESPN as a Baseball Tonight analyst in 2008. He has contributed to Baseball Tonight’s season-long coverage, including shows from the World Series, while also participating in this year’s ESPN The Weekend at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

#1) Heartbreak in the A.L. East

Singleton – “There will be three teams that win 90-plus games, but one will go home on October 5. The Red Sox will be good, but the question marks of health amongst Mike Lowell, David Ortiz, J.D. Drew, John Smoltz and Brad Penny will make them the odd team out.”

#2) The Florida Marlins will compete for the Wild Card

Singleton – “The Florida Marlins will seriously vie for the N.L. Wild Card behind pitchers Ricky Nolasco and Josh Johnson, along with franchise player Hanley Ramirez. The Marlins have looked to the left in the state of Florida and realize all things are possible to those that believe.”

#3) The Minnesota Twins will win the A.L. Central

Singleton – “Losing out to the Chicago White Sox in that one-game playoff will add weight to the chip on the shoulder of that blue-collar team. Great competition in the outfield will keep the starters aggressive and focused to maximize their playing time.”

#4) Atlanta’s Jeff Francoeur will bounce back

Singleton – “Jeff Francoeur will bounce back from a disastrous 2008 and start to show why he drew so many comparisons to former Braves great Dale Murphy early on. He’s the big bat the Braves were window shopping for this offseason.”

#5) The Subway Series will return

Singleton – “The World Series will be a Subway Series between the New York Yankees and Mets. Both teams have something to prove. The Mets will prove they won’t fold up the last two weeks of the regular season and the Yankees have no excuses after getting everything on their Christmas list this offseason.”

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Tiger Seeks Sixth Bay Hill Title Saturday & Sunday On NBC

March 25, 2009 By admin

Peter Jacobsen Guest Analyst on NBC Sports’ Coverage

“There are no better golf analysts on TV than Johnny Miller and Dottie Pepper.” – St. Petersburg Times

NEW YORK – March 25, 2009 – Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh lead a world-class field as NBC Sports broadcasts live high definition coverage of the Arnold Palmer Invitational Saturday and Sunday, 2:30-6 p.m. ET, from Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando, Fla. Woods is seeking his sixth title at Bay Hill, having won last year and four straight from 2000-03. Last year, it took a dramatic 24-foot putt for birdie on the 72nd hole to earn his fifth Bay Hill title.

Host Dan Hicks and analyst Johnny Miller, in their 10th season together as NBC’s lead golf team, will anchor the coverage from the 18th hole tower. They are joined by tower reporter Gary Koch (who won at Bay Hill in 1977 and 1984); course reporters Dottie Pepper, Roger Maltbie and Mark Rolfing; and interviewer/essayist Jimmy Roberts. Peter Jacobsen will join NBC’s coverage this week as a guest analyst in the 15th tower. NBC’s golf coverage is produced by Tommy Roy, among the most nominated persons in the history of the Sports Emmys.

WOODS NO. 1 RANKING AT STAKE: Phil Mickelson has moved to within 0.2 average points of Woods, and can potentially overtake Tiger next week at the Shell Houston Open on NBC. Tiger has been No. 1 for the last 198 weeks and for a total of 540 weeks in his career.

MALTBIE ON TIGER’S GAME: “Tiger’s not thinking about his ranking. What’s in his head is putting better, winning here and getting ready for Augusta. Tiger hasn’t lost faith in Tiger. His ball striking was spot on at Doral; the putting will come sooner rather than later. This is a good spot for him. He loves this course and the greens are in the best shape I’ve ever seen them.”

MALTBIE ON IF TIGER’S DOMINANCE IS GOOD FOR GAME: “I think it’s part of a warrior mentality — me against you and I’m going to win. It’s important to have that rivalry. Look at Jack and Arnold, obviously two great champions. That drove the whole golf business. It’s important to have a Phil challenge and get his share of licks in and win every now and then. I think that would be very healthy for the game.”

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT NBC’S GOLF COVERAGE:
USA Today: “With avid golfer Tommy Roy as producer, NBC seems to capture more of the beyond-the-obvious nuances of the game…The most thorough coverage in golf.”

St. Petersburg Times: “Spending a weekend afternoon watching golf on NBC is always a pleasure…It’s clear that NBC has the best golf coverage.”

Golf World: “Two of the best things a television network can provide its viewers are honest debate and the ability to take the audience to a place it normally can’t go. NBC delivered royally on both counts.” (2009, WGC-CA Championship at Doral)

USA Today: “Excellent eavesdropping of players conversations with caddies.”

ON JOHNNY MILLER:
Golf Digest: “The dominant voice in golf.”

LA Times: “Doesn’t just sound like an expert, he is one.”

NY Post: “Unquestionably golf’s best analyst.”

USA Today: “The best color analyst in golf, if not all sports TV.”

Vijay Singh: “Miller knows what goes through our heads. A lot of times we just don’t want to hear it.”

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: “He interacts with Roger Maltbie (aka, The Course Whisperer) as though they are at a backyard BBQ.”

ON MILLER AND DAN HICKS:
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: “Golf’s best announcing team.”

ON HICKS:
USA Today: “Smooth and underrated. The perfect complement to Johnny Miller.”

LA Times: “Few are smoother than Hicks.”

LA Times: “Has a ringmasters job and handles it with ease.”

ON MALTBIE:
Golf Digest: “A combination of a player’s feel and a critic’s discerning eye.”

ON DOTTIE PEPPER:
NY Post: “Strong, well-informed, direct, concise, not to shy to speak non-pandering, been-there opinion.”

St. Petersburg Times: “There are no better golf analysts on TV than Johnny Miller and Dottie Miller.”

Palm Beach Post: “Genuine emotion by a knowledgeable player. Golf needs a dose of passion, not just whispered euphemism.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF NBC’S 2009 GOLF SCHEDULE: NBC’s 2009 PGA TOUR coverage is highlighted by two World Golf Championship events, THE PLAYERS, and three of the four season-ending events in the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedEx Cup, including The TOUR Championship. NBC also broadcasts the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and Presidents Cup.

Remaining schedule (all times ET):

Arnold Palmer Invitational – Orlando, Fla.
Saturday, March 28 2:30–6 p.m.
Sunday, March 29 2:30–6 p.m.

Shell Houston Open – Houston, Texas
Saturday, April 4 1–5 p.m.
Sunday, April 5 3–6 p.m.

THE PLAYERS – Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
Saturday, May 9 2–7 p.m.
Sunday, May 10 2–7 p.m.

Senior PGA Championship – Cleveland, Ohio
Saturday, May 23 Noon-3 p.m.
Sunday, May 24 Noon–3 p.m.

U.S. Open Championship – Bethpage State Park, Farmingdale, N.Y.
Thursday, June 18 3–5 p.m.
Friday, June 19 3–5 p.m.
Saturday, June 20 2–8 p.m.
Sunday, June 21 1:30–7:30 p.m.

U.S. Women’s Open Championship – Bethlehem, Pa.
Saturday, July 11 3–6 p.m.
Sunday, July 12 3–6 p.m.

U.S. Senior Open Championship – Carmel, Ind.
Saturday, August 1 3–6 p.m.
Sunday, August 2 3–6 p.m.

Deutsche Bank Championship – Norton, Mass.
Sunday, September 6 3–6 p.m.
Monday, September 7 3–7 p.m.

BMW Championship – Chicago, Ill.
Saturday, September 12 3–6 p.m.
Sunday, September 13 2–6 p.m.

Samsung World Championship – Palm Desert, Calif.
Saturday, September 19 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 20 4-6 p.m.

The TOUR Championship – Atlanta, Ga.
Saturday, September 26 2–6 p.m.
Sunday, September 27 1:30–6 p.m.

Senior Players Championship – Baltimore, Md.
Saturday, October 3 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 4 4-6 p.m.

Presidents Cup – San Francisco, Calif.
Saturday, October 10 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday, October 11 Noon – 6 p.m.

Merrill Lynch Shootout – Naples, Fla.
Saturday, December 12 4-6 p.m.
Sunday, December 13 3-6 p.m.

Chevron World Challenge – Thousand Oaks, Calif.
Saturday, December 19 3-6 p.m.
Sunday, December 20 3-6 p.m.

BURTON U.S. OPEN SNOWBOARDING CHAMPIONSHIPS, SUNDAY, 1-2:30 PM ET
NBC Sports’ golf coverage is preceded by the 27th annual Burton U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships from Stratton Mountain, Vt., Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. The final stop in the U.S. Open Series features halfpipe, slopestyle and quarterpipe action from athletes such as past Olympic medalists Kelly Clark and Danny Kass, as well as future Olympic hopefuls Kevin Pearce and Ellery Hollingswood. There’s more than $200,000 up for grabs; the U.S. Open was one of snowboarding’s first events worldwide to offer equal prize money for both male and female competitors.

Commentators Pat Parnell, Todd Richards, and Tina Dixon cover the action.

Larry Mac Participates in LIVE Interactive Chat Tomorrow @ 11AM ET on FOXSports.com

March 25, 2009 By admin

FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES

NASCAR on FOX Revs Up Second-Straight Week of Short Track Racing at Martinsville Sunday @ 1:30PM ET

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on FOX Saturday @ 2PM ET

Larry McReynolds Participates in Live Fan Chat TOMORROW @ 11AM ET

on FOXSports.com

KYLE WON AT BRISTOL, IS IT KURT’S TURN AT MARTINSVILLE? – FOX Sports’ Emmy Award-winning NASCAR team brings the Camping World Truck Series and Sprint Cup Series to Martinsville, Virginia for more short-track action this weekend. The last three Sprint Cup races have seen the Busch brothers alternate places in the winner’s circle. If things go to plan, it’ll be Kurt’s turn to take the checkered flag when NASCAR Sprint Cup Racing from Martinsville comes to FOX on Sunday, March 29 at 1:30 PM ET. Prerace host Chris Myers along with analysts Jeff Hammond and Darrell Waltrip bring fans all the news and features from the Hollywood Hotel, FOX Sports’ traveling prerace set. Once the green flag drops, race announcer Mike Joy will be alongside Waltrip and Larry McReynolds to call all the twists and turns on the track while Dick Berggren, Steve Byrnes, Krista Voda and Matt Yocum patrol the pits for up-to-the-second reports on teams and pit stops.

NCWTS RETURNS TO FOX THIS SATURDAY – On Saturday, March 28 FOX Sports presents live coverage of Camping World Truck Series Racing from Martinsville. Coverage begins at 2:00 PM ET as race announcer Mike Joy, analysts Larry McReynolds and Darrell Waltrip handle coverage for the highly competitive Truck Series. Points leader Kyle Busch looks to notch his third straight Trucks victory of the season at the half-mile oval of Martinsville. Krista Voda, Dick Berggren and Matt Yocum provide all pertinent racing info as they account first-hand on the fast paced nature and decision making on pit row.

INTERACTIVE FOXSPORTS.COM Q&A WITH ANALYST LARRY MCREYNOLDS – Tomorrow at 11AM ET / 8AM PT, NASCAR on FOX analyst Larry McReynolds will participate in an interactive Q&A through FOXSports.com. Fans can access the chat and send in questions by logging onto http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/9355194.

HAMMOND: MARTINSVILLE COULD SPELL PAYBACK FOR SOME DRIVERS – NASCAR on FOX analyst and former crew chief Jeff Hammond understands that drivers will rely heavy on their brakes & need to keep in control on the track. “Drivers need to stay disciplined in Martinsville and keep their cool. This is a great place for guys to do some payback so somebody like Juan Pablo Montoya, after last weekend, might want to keep his eyes open because a lot of guys are looking for anybody who roughed them up somewhere else. I talked to Denny Hamlin and he said he might kinda want to like get back teammate Kyle Busch who roughed him up a little last weekend.”

For Hammond’s complete breakdown of this weekend in Martinsville log onto – http://msn.foxsports.com/video/NASCAR?vid=92f3638b-13eb-4564-a7e3-c8cba64193ff

MLB NETWORK THURSDAY NIGHT BASEBALL SCHEDULE

March 25, 2009 By admin

MLB NETWORK UNVEILS “THURSDAY NIGHT BASEBALL” SCHEDULE AND ANNOUNCERS

Bob Costas Returns to Broadcast Booth for First Game at New Yankee Stadium

First Eight Games Feature 16 Different MLB Clubs

Secaucus, N.J. – MLB Network today announced its Thursday Night Baseball schedule for April and May, featuring 16 different MLB clubs in its first eight live regular season games. MLB Network’s first-ever regular season game broadcast will occur on April 9 with the Milwaukee Brewers at the San Francisco Giants. The following week, MLB Network will air two games including the debut of the new Yankee Stadium on April 16, which will also mark Bob Costas’ play-by-play debut for MLB Network. Costas last appeared in a baseball broadcast booth at the old Yankee Stadium for NBC on October 17, 2000, where the Yankees closed out the ALCS with a win in Game Six over the Seattle Mariners.

Jim Kaat will make his MLB Network debut on April 16, joining Costas and Harold Reynolds in the booth for the Yankees home opener. In addition to that game, Costas will also call the May 7 game between the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets at CitiField. Broadcast teams for the additional Thursday Night Baseball games on MLB Network in April and May will include play by play by Matt Vasgersian and Victor Rojas, with analysis by Al Leiter, Joe Magrane, and Dan Plesac.

Other highlights of the April and May game schedule include matchups of division rivals such as the Boston Red Sox at the Tampa Bay Rays (April 30), the Philadelphia Phillies at the New York Mets (May 7) and the Chicago Cubs at the St. Louis Cardinals (May 21). The Toronto Blue Jays, Minnesota Twins, Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals will also be featured. MLB Network will announce future Thursday Night Baseball games coinciding with its selection windows. Games will be blacked out in each team’s home television territory. Viewers in areas subject to blackouts will be provided with an alternate game telecast or other programming.

“It’s important for MLB Network right from the start to establish a national footprint with live games, and we’ve done that with this Thursday night package to complement our ambitious nightly studio show, MLB Tonight,” said Tony Petitti, President and Chief Executive Officer of MLB Network. “We’re very excited about the mix of games we’ll show in the first two months, and think fans will continue to appreciate the versatility of our on-air talent as they transition seamlessly between the studio and the broadcast booth.”

The full MLB Network Thursday Night Baseball broadcast schedule for April and May appears below.

MLB NETWORK THURSDAY NIGHT BASEBALL SCHEDULE

Date Time (ET) Game Announcers

April 9 7:00 p.m. Brewers @ Giants Matt Vasgersian & Joe Magrane

April 16 1:00 p.m. Indians @ Yankees Bob Costas, Harold Reynolds & Jim Kaat

April 16 8:00 p.m. Blue Jays @ Twins Victor Rojas & Dan Plesac

April 23 8:00 p.m. Dodgers @ Astros Matt Vasgersian & Joe Magrane

April 30 7:00 p.m. Red Sox @ Rays Victor Rojas & Joe Magrane

May 7 7:00 p.m. Phillies @ Mets Bob Costas & Al Leiter

May 14 8:00 p.m. Orioles @ Royals TBD

May 21 8:00 p.m. Cubs @ Cardinals TBD

During the regular season, MLB Network’s signature program will be MLB Tonight, which will air live beginning at 6:00 p.m. ET until the final MLB game of the night ends each Monday through Saturday, featuring live look-ins of games in progress, updates, highlights, reporting and analysis. On Thursday nights, the show will lead in to Thursday Night Baseball and provide viewers with highlights and analysis after the game as well as live studio updates during the game broadcast.

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