FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES

Reds Battle Cardinals in NL Central Race Saturday on FOX

Aikman, Johnson, Pereira, Shanks & Goren Preview 2010 NFL Season

Aikman: “Green Bay is the Team to Beat in the NFC North”

REDS-CARDS BATTLE FOR NL CENTRAL – It’s September and the home stretch is here as the FOX SATURDAY BASEBALL GAME OF THE WEEK presents three enticing matchups on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 4:00 PM ET. Triple Crown and MVP-candidate Joey Votto leads the Reds into St. Louis and look to put away Albert Pujols and the Cards. In Minneapolis, a pair of first-place teams look to solidify their playoff position as the Twins host the Rangers. Out West, the Padres aim to increase their NL West lead as they take on the Rockies. This week, the pregame show originates live from PETCO Park in San Diego with host Chris Rose. Once game action begins, Rose joins analyst Mark Grace in the booth.

For instant updates throughout the week and during games from the entire MLB on FOX crew, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MLBONFOX.  Fans can gain more access to exclusive FOX Sports content by logging on to www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.myspace.com/foxsports.

GAME PLAY-BY-PLAY/ANALYST COV.

Cincinnati Reds at St. Louis Cardinals                          Dick Stockton, Tim McCarver                         44%

& Ken Rosenthal

Busch Stadium – St. Louis, MO

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Atlanta, Birmingham, Buffalo, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Greensboro, Greenville, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Knoxville, Louisville, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Nashville, Norfolk, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Raleigh, Richmond, St. Louis, Tulsa, Washington, West Palm Beach

Probable Pitchers: Travis Wood, LHP (4-2, 3.53 ERA) vs. Adam Wainwright, RHP (17-9, 2.30 ERA)

Texas Rangers at Minnesota Twins                              Josh Lewin & Eric Karros                                37%

Target Field – Minneapolis, MN

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Fort Myers, Hartford, Houston, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York, Oklahoma City, Portland, Providence, San Antonio, Seattle, Tampa

Probable Pitchers: Colby Lewis, RHP (9-11, 3.56 ERA) vs. Carl Pavano, RHP (15-10, 3.52 ERA)

Colorado Rockies at San Diego Padres                       Chris Rose & Mark Grace                                18%

PETCO Park – San Diego, CA

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Albuquerque, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco

Probable Pitchers: Jason Hammel, RHP (9-7, 4.32 ERA) vs. Clayton Richard, LHP (12-6, 3.50 ERA)

AIKMAN, JOHNSON, PEREIRA & SHANKS PREVIEW 2010 SEASON – NFL on FOX lead analyst and Hall of Famer Troy Aikman, two-time Super Bowl-winning coach Jimmy Johnson, FOX Sports rules analyst Mike Pereira along with FOX Sports President Eric Shanks and FOX Sports Vice Chairman Ed Goren previewed FOX Sports’ NFL coverage and the 2010 season on a press call yesterday afternoon.

A replay of the entire call is now available by dialing 719-457-0820 and entering pass code 5222094 when prompted. The call can also be heard as an audio file by clicking on this link: http://video.foxsports.com/podcast/nflonfoxcall.mp3

TROY AIKMAN ON NFC NORTH

Packers – “I like Green Bay.  Aaron Rodgers is playing as well as anyone at the quarterback position.  I would expect his play to continue for the Packers.  Green Bay is the team to beat in the NFC North.”

Vikings – “Minnesota is awfully good but I’m a little concerned with Sidney Rice (hip surgery) going down. Percy Harvin (migraines) is a concern and that’s got to be a little unsettling as a quarterback.  Chester Taylor is a guy that they lost that’s more significant than what a lot of people have talked about.”

Bears – “I have tremendous respect for Mike Martz and the job that he’s able to do on the offensive side of the ball.  The turnovers and interceptions in particular are what needs to be cleaned up from Jay Cutler’s game and getting sacked as much as he has in a limited amount of time is another concern.  The Bears are a few players away from being able to contend.”

Lions – “Detroit is going to be a fun team to watch.  I have a vested in interest in Matthew Stafford, a local kid from where I live now, and would love to see him do well.  I think the Lions are starting to slowly put some players around him and the Lions could surprise a few teams.”

JIMMY JOHNSON ON PACKERS, VIKINGS, COWBOYS & NFC EAST

Packers – “I really like what Aaron Rodgers did last year and how good he’s looked in preseason.  The Packers have all the weapons offensively and I like their scheme on the offensive side of the ball.  I am a little concerned with some of the problems that they could have injury wise on defense.”

Vikings – “Even though they do have some concerns with the receivers, they still should be able to run the ball extremely well and they still play outstanding defense with the way they rush the passer.”

Cowboys – “You can’t be impressed with what the Cowboys have done in preseason but make no mistake about it that team is filled with talented players on both sides of the ball. Work ethic, toughness and chemistry on your team are what allow you to go out and play week in and week out.  The Cowboys are talented enough to turn it on once the season starts but I don’t know if they’ll have the consistency.  I am concerned about that offensive line and whether or not they can open up the holes and protect Tony Romo.”

MIKE PEREIRA ON UMPIRE REPOSITIONING

“The NFL first started experimenting with this in 1998 in NFL Europe and some preseason games.  Over the last year, they looked at the number of times the umpire got knocked down and felt that something needed to be done.  Now, we’re seeing that a couple things need to be worked out and maybe some things that weren’t anticipated. They need to figure out how to signal to the quarterback that the umpire positioned behind the offensive line is ready thus allowing the quarterback to snap the ball.  Secondly, they’re going to have to define what is normal position for the umpire in a hurry-up situation. Everyone knew adjustments were going to have to be made. It’s good they happened in Week 3 of the preseason so once we get into the season I don’t think it will be much of an issue.”

AIKMAN ON HIS EXPERIENCE OF STARTING AS A ROOKIE

“I was 0-11 as a starter. When you put the time in each week and you come off the field on Sunday and have nothing to show for it it’s hard. The hard part for a young QB is not to lose confidence. For me fortunately, Jimmy and the rest of the personnel people were able to put some good players around me in short period of time so the struggles didn’t last that long. I always considered that rookie season a blessing, it made me realize that winning in the NFL is hard. Even when we were winning Super Bowls, every week I knew that winning was hard.”

AIKMAN’S IMPRESSION OF BRADFORD & REACTION TO HIS WEARING NO. 8 BECAUSE OF HIM

“Sam is going to get hit. The Rams haven’t been very good. They have to get better players around him. You don’t want to see him get banged up. But if he goes through this experience with a team that isn’t very good, he’s learning and not holding back a team that has high expectations. I like him, a lot. I was surprised when I heard he choose No. 8 because of me. I had no idea that he even knew what I had accomplished as a player. It’s a big deal. Here you have a guy who’s had great success. He’s won the Heisman, he’s been the No. 1 pick in the draft and for him not to take his college number and take a number and say it was because of him looking up to me, it means a lot. I think he’s a heck of a talent, I like his demeanor, and I like his athleticism. I think he can be a real superstar.”

JOHNSON ON HIS EXPERIENCE OF STARTING AIKMAN AS ROOKIE QUARTERBACK

“We not only had a rookie QB, we had a rookie owner, a rookie head coach, a rookie running back and Troy’s back-up was a rookie. I didn’t have a lot of choices. We were a young team that was going to take some hits but I thought that was the best way for us to get better. I felt bad for Troy, especially in the Philadelphia game, but in the long run it made Troy a better player quicker than what he would have been if I put him on the sidelines. It made our team better because they all came together to where we had a chance to make the playoffs the next year if Troy had stayed healthy. Then we did make the playoffs and won the Super Bowl. We got good in a hurry because we played so many young guys.”

AIKMAN ON REPEATING AS SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS

“The reason not many teams repeat is because it’s hard to win it the first time. To get everything right and win a World Championship is extremely difficult. There’s a tendency to look at the player say that he’ll be fine because he’s proven he can do it. You don’t put as much emphasis on getting it right the first time. There has to be more of a self scouting and self awareness on how you are playing. When we were able to repeat we worked as hard, if not harder after we won our first Super Bowl. A lot of it had to do with and Jimmy and a lot of it had to do with the type of players we had. When we starting going downhill, even with the same guys in place, we didn’t put as much emphasis on the little things.”

– FOX SPORTS –

Aikman: “Green Bay is the Team to Beat in the NFC North” is a post from: Sports Media News

FOXSPORTS.COM SIGNS JASON WHITLOCK TO EXCLUSIVE,

MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION

Provocative Sports Columnist Given Bigger Voice Across

All FOXSports.com Platforms

NEW YORK – Already known for his big voice in the world of sports, Jason Whitlock’s is getting bigger.

FOXSports.com is expanding the lightning rod national sports columnist’s presence on the web site and its related platforms, the result of an exclusive, new, multi-year contract extension announced today by FOX Sports Interactive Media’s Senior Vice President & Editor-In-Chief Rick Jaffe.

Whitlock, whose columns regularly spark impassioned debate and discussion, now shares his unique point-of-view via every platform FOXSports.com has to offer.  His singular national perspective is now available to fans through FOXSports.com columns, digital programming, podcasts, chats and mobile apps where he continues to address sports’ most controversial topics, often taking a position most columnists lack the courage to take.

“We’re very happy to not only continue our relationship with Jason, but greatly expand it,’’ Jaffe said. “He has proven over the years to be one of this country’s most influential writers and biggest voices. He’s very passionate about what he does and it comes through loud and clear in his work.  He’s very talented and we look forward to working with Jason on all of our digital platforms.’’

“My relationship with FOXSports.com has been very successful so far and this is only the start,” said Whitlock. “I’m very pleased that my editors have shown the wisdom to let me be me, and very soon there will be a lot more of me to love on the web site.”

Previously, Whitlock was a weekly contributor, but he now writes two columns per week.  He also contributes either a podcast or chat weekly, and plans are in the works for him to be featured in a program produced for FOXSports.com’s mid-day Lunch With Benefits programming block.

Whitlock has been a sportswriter for 20 years, most recently at the Kansas City Star.  He joined the KC Star in 1994 as a general-interest sports columnist after writing for the Bloomington Herald-Times, Charlotte Observer and the Ann Arbor News.  He’s also written for Playboy Magazine, Vibe Magazine and The Sporting News.

Whitlock had a six-year association with ESPN.com and ESPN television from 2000 to 2006. He wrote a weekly column for ESPN.com and on the TV side guest-hosted Pardon the Interruption, Jim Rome is Burning, The Sports Reporters and appeared on Outside the Lines.

In addition, Whitlock has worked as a radio talk-show host at Kansas City’s WHB and KCSP, broadcasting his own shows, Jason Whitlock’s Neighborhood and The Doghouse. Whitlock has also guest-hosted Jim Rome’s nationally syndicated radio show The Jungle.

In 2008, Whitlock won a National Journalism Award for commentary from The Scripps Howard Foundation, and he is the only sportswriter to ever be so honored.  He’s also won numerous other awards and has appeared on programs as varied as Oprah Winfrey, The O’Reilly Factor, Anderson Cooper 360 and Countdown with Keith Olbermann.

A 1990 graduate of and former football starter at Ball State University, Whitlock splits his time between Kansas City and Los Angeles.

FOXSports.com Signs Jason Whitlock to Exclusive, Multi-Year Contract Extension is a post from: Sports Media News

FOX Sports & St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Team Up

For 2010 NFL Season

America’s #1 Sports Network and Country’s Top Children’s Cancer Hospital

Tackle Childhood Cancer Together this Fall

Memphis, Tenn. – (August 31, 2010) – America’s #1 sports network and top children’s cancer hospital are tackling childhood cancer together this NFL season. This Fall, FOX Sports has teamed with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to help kids who are sidelined by cancer and other deadly diseases. FOX Sports Supports, the network’s charitable initiative now in its third year, is a unique program that raises awareness, provides financial assistance and spurs volunteerism for health charities selected by FOX Sports employees.

“We are honored to partner with a tremendous organization like St. Jude for the 2010 NFL on FOX season,” said Bill Wanger, Executive Vice President, FOX Sports.  “Using our unmatched on-air talent, brand and reach, our goal is to raise awareness for St. Jude so they can continue to fight for all the courageous children and families affected by this terrible disease.”

Earlier this month, NFL on FOX on-air personalities Troy Aikman, Terry Bradshaw, Joe Buck, Jay Glazer, Jimmy Johnson, Howie Long Curt Menefee, Pam Oliver and Michael Strahan visited St. Jude. The group learned first-hand about the hospital’s ground-breaking research, innovative treatments and first-class patient care, and filmed a series of public service announcements that will air throughout the entire football season including Super Bowl Sunday. In addition, FOX Sports will support St. Jude through numerous on-air mentions all season long and will also be involved in St. Jude events and activities.

“I played a long time in the NFL and have played with and seen a lot of tough and courageous individuals, but nobody can match the courage and determination of these wonderful children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” said FOX NFL SUNDAY analyst Terry Bradshaw.

“I was awed by their spirit, attitude and determination and everyone at FOX Sports will do whatever it takes this season and beyond to help them conquer their battle against cancer.”

While at St. Jude the FOX team also met with patients in the fight of their lives against cancer and other deadly diseases. One patient they all could easily relate to was Shon, a 17-year-old high school football player from Mississippi.  One of the state’s top high school players in 2009, Shon was recruited to play offensive tackle for Auburn University.  Shon is currently being treated for ALL, the most common form of childhood cancer, and he’s unfortunately had to put his college football dreams on hold while he battles his disease.

“Cancer is like my opponent,” said Shon, who started playing football at age 5. “Right now, the doctors are like my coaches.  They give me a game plan so that when my treatment is over, I’ll have beaten cancer. The most important thing in my life right now is to get cancer out of the way so I can play football again.”

St. Jude treats patients, like Shon, from around the world, and no child is ever turned away because of a family’s inability to pay for treatment. The hospital largely relies on public donations to help keep that promise.

“We are so honored to have been selected by FOX Sports employees as their partner during this NFL season,” said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising organization of St. Jude. “We’ve been finding cures and saving kids for nearly 50 years and this opportunity helps us recruit millions of football fans to join our team in the fight against deadly diseases like cancer.”

Football fans also can help settle the score against childhood cancer this season by visiting www.stjude.org/foxsports. It features exclusive behind the scenes footage from the talent’s visit to St. Jude, patient stories, photos and ways for the public to support the Hospital’s mission.

About FOX Sports

FOX Sports is the flagship network of the FOX Sports Media Group. As America’s top-rated network for sports for 13 straight years (1997-2009), FOX Sports boasts rights agreements with each of the nation’s highest-rated sports. FOX Sports is the exclusive national over-the-air television rights holder for Major League Baseball, including the All-Star Game, alternating League Championship Series and World Series (2007-2013); the National Football League’s NFC package, including the NFC Championship Game and Super Bowls XLV and XLVIII (2006-2013); NASCAR Sprint Cup racing from February through May, including the Daytona 500 (2007-2014); the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic and the UEFA Champions League Final. Since its inception in 1994, FOX Sports has earned 82 Emmy Awards for production excellence. David Hill and Ed Goren are the Executive Producers of FOX Sports.  For the latest sports news, opinion and video, log on to www.FOXSports.com. Fans can gain more access to exclusive content by following FOX Sports on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MLBONFOX, http://twitter.com/NFLONFOX and http://twitter.com/NASCARONFOX and by logging on to www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.myspace.com/foxsports.

About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases.

St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. In 2010, St. Jude was ranked the most trusted charity in the nation in a public survey conducted by Harris Interactive, a highly respected international polling and research firm. St. Jude was also named the nation’s top children’s cancer hospital in the 2010-11 Best Children’s Hospitals rankings published by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, go to www.stjude.org and follow St. Jude on www.facebook.com/stjude and www.twitter.com/stjude.

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FOX Sports & St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Team Up For 2010 NFL Season is a post from: Sports Media News

FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES

Mora On His Seattle Successor: Control & Motivation Easier With College Players

MLB & NFL Preseason Action This Weekend on FOX

NFL ON FOX FINISHES PRESEASON COVERAGE WITH STEELERS/BRONCOS CLASH – The Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Denver for a showdown with the Broncos on Sunday, August 29 (8:00 PM ET) in the final 2010 preseason matchup on FOX Sports.  NFL on FOX’s Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver call all the action from the INVESCO Field at Mile High.  FOX NFL SUNDAY host Curt Menefee welcomes fans live from the field and is joined by NFL on FOX analyst and former Bronco John Lynch at halftime to preview the season.  Also, Oliver reports on the quarterback roster in Denver and what impact Tim Tebow, Brady Quinn or Kyle Orton will have on the Broncos. For instant updates during the week and games from the entire NFL on FOX crew, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NFLONFOX.

MORA ON HIS SEATTLE SUCCESSOR: CONTROL & MOTIVATION EASIER WITH COLLEGE PLAYERS – As he prepares for his rookie season with FOX Sports, former Seahawks head coach Jim Mora looks at Pete Carroll’s chances of having success with his former franchise.  “Pete’s spent 15 years in the NFL and has grown from his coaching experience but it’s not easy to make the transformation from coaching in college to the pros.  In college, you have very tight control of your players but less control in the pros.  From a motivational standpoint, college players listen more because they are striving to get to that next level.”  

MLB ON FOX HEADS TO THE WILD, WILD WEST – Week 21 of the FOX SATURDAY BASEBALL GAME OF THE WEEK schedule commences on Saturday, August 28 (4:00 PM ET) with two highly-competitive matchups. The Phillies, still in hot-pursuit of the Braves, face a tough test when they travel west to take on the NL West-leading Padres. San Diego possesses both the NL’s best record and baseballs most dominant best pitching staff. In Seattle, Joe Mauer, teams with RBI leader Delmon Young and the Twins to take on the Mariners. This week, the pregame show originates live from Safeco Field in Seattle with host Chris Rose. Once game action begins, Rose joins analyst Mark Grace in the booth.

For instant updates throughout the week and during games from the entire MLB on FOX crew, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MLBONFOX.  Fans can gain more access to exclusive FOX Sports content by logging on to www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.myspace.com/foxsports.

GAME PLAY-BY-PLAY/ANALYST COV.

Philadelphia Phillies at San Diego Padres                   Josh Lewin, Eric Karros                                                  76%

& Ken Rosenthal

PETCO Park – San Diego, CA

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Albuquerque, Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Birmingham, Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Denver, Fort Myers, Greensboro, Greenville, Hartford, Houston, Jacksonville, Knoxville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Louisville, Memphis, Miami, Nashville, New Orleans, New York, Norfolk, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Providence, Raleigh, Richmond, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, St. Louis, Tampa, Tulsa, Washington, West Palm Beach

Probable Pitchers: Joe Blanton, RHP (5-6, 5.32 ERA) vs. Jon Garland, RHP (13-8, 3.25 ERA)

Minnesota Twins at Seattle Mariners                           Chris Rose & Mark Grace                                                24%

Safeco Field – Seattle, WA

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Portland, Seattle

Probable Pitchers: Nick Blackburn, RHP (7-8, 6.49 ERA) vs. Doug Fister, RHP (4-9, 3.87 ERA)

WORLD BEST SKATEBOARDERS BATTLE FOR MALOOF MONEY CUP SUNDAY ON FOX – FUEL TV, the only network dedicated to the lifestyle of action sports, presents the 2010 Maloof Money Cup presented by Vans during its thrilling Orange County, California stop in a one-hour special on FOX Sports. On Saturday, August 28 (3:00 PM ET), this action-packed one-hour wrap-up of the Maloof Money Cup featuring event highlights and exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews with the world’s best skateboarders, giving audiences an entirely new look at the epic contest.

Mora On His Seattle Successor: Control & Motivation Easier With College Players is a post from: Sports Media News

FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES

Pereira & Mora Jr. Make NFL on FOX Debuts Thursday Night

NFL on FOX Preseason Kicks-Off with Patriots/Falcons & Eagles/Bengals

TO & Ochocinco Fire Questions at Each Other In Special Interview Friday at Halftime

Johnson on Vikings:  Special Treatment of Players Was My Decision; Not the Players

FOXSports.com: End of The Road For Torre?

NFL ON FOX KICKS OFF PRESEASON: PATRIOTS @ FALCONS & EAGLES @ BENGALS — FOX Sports kicks off its Super Bowl season this week when the New England Patriots travel to Atlanta for a clash with the Falcons Thursday, August 19 (8:00 PM ET) in the first of three preseason matchups. Super Bowl XLV’s broadcast team of Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver call all the action in Atlanta. New NFL on FOX rules analyst Mike Pereira makes his much-anticipated NFL on FOX debut during Thursday’s game when he joins Buck and Aikman in the booth. He’ll join the broadcast in the third quarter and also contribute and educate viewers if circumstances warrant a rules interpretation or explanation.  FOX NFL SUNDAY host Curt Menefee welcomes fans live from the Georgia Dome and is joined by new NFL on FOX analyst Jim Mora Jr. Together they handle pregame, halftime and postgame coverage.

FOX Sports’ second preseason matchup takes place from Paul Brown stadium in Cincinnati on Friday, August 20 (8:00 PM ET) as the Bengals faceoff against the Philadelphia Eagles. Play-by-play broadcaster Kenny Albert is joined by analyst Daryl Johnston and on-field analyst Tony Siragusa to call the action between these two playoff teams from last season.  Menefee handles pregame, halftime and postgame coverage live from Cincinnati. At halftime, Cincinnati Bengals stars and the NFL’s most intriguing receiving duo, Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens, find out if they are really two-of-a-kind when the fire questions at each other in a special back-and-forth interview.

For instant updates during the week and games from the entire NFL on FOX crew, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NFLONFOX.

JOHNSON: PLAYERS WHO GOT SPECIAL TREATMENT WAS MY DECISION; NOT THE PLAYERS After months of uncertainty and rumors, Brett Favre officially announced today that he will be returning to the Vikings for his 20^th season in the NFL. FOX NFL SUNDAY analyst Jimmy Johnson has been monitoring the situation all off-season and as a Super Bowl-winning head coach, doesn’t like who seems to be calling the shots for the Vikings. “I’m really uncomfortable with how the situation in Minnesota played out with Brett Favre. I expected all of our star players to be on time and go through the same drills and have the same rules as a backup offensive guard.  As a head coach and at my choosing, I might sit them out a practice, drill or give some leeway on curfew.  They had privileges because they were great performers but they were still expected to do everything that the other players did. It was at my choosing, not at the demand of the individual to say, ‘I’m not going to come to training camp.’  When you anoint someone as your savior you’re not going to get the maximum performance out of the rest of your players.  What happens if Favre doesn’t have that magical season he did a year ago?  What happens if his ankle isn’t 100%?”

MLB DIVISIONAL RIVALRIES COLLIDE THIS SATURDAY ON FOX – The FOX SATURDAY BASEBALL GAME OF THE WEEK enters Week 20 on Saturday, August 21 (4:00 PM ET) with three matchups featuring division-leaders.

The Phillies have been on a roll recently, keeping the pressure on the NL East-leading Braves. After losing Chipper Jones to a season-ending knee injury, Atlanta is looking to bolster their lineup. In Minneapolis, Joe Mauer and the Twins host the Angels.  As of today, the AL Central leaders have won eight of their last 10 to open up a four-game lead over the Chicago White Sox. Cliff Lee and the AL West-leading Rangers are in the Baltimore to take on an Orioles team that continues to play well under manager Buck Showalter. This week, the pregame show originates live from Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore with host Chris Rose. Once game action begins, Rose joins analyst Mark Grace in the booth.

For instant updates throughout the week and during games from the entire MLB on FOX crew, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MLBONFOX.  Fans can gain more access to exclusive FOX Sports content by logging on to www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.myspace.com/foxsports.

GAME PLAY-BY-PLAY/ANALYST COV.

Atlanta Braves at Chicago Cubs                                  Kenny Albert & Tim McCarver                                        63%

Wrigley Field – Chicago, IL

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Atlanta, Birmingham, Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Denver, Fort Myers, Greensboro, Greenville, Hartford, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Knoxville, Louisville, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Nashville, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Providence, Raleigh, Richmond, Salt Lake City, San Diego, St. Louis, Tampa, West Palm Beach

Probable Pitchers: Tommy Hanson, RHP (8-8, 3.41 ERA) vs. Tom Gorzelanny, LHP (6-7, 3.85 ERA)

Los Angeles Angels at Minnesota Twins                     Dick Bremmer, Jose Mota                                               19%

& Ken Rosenthal

Target Field – Minneapolis, MN

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Portland, Sacramento, San Francisco

Probable Pitchers: Trevor Bell, RHP (1-3, 5.40 ERA) vs. Kevin Slowey, RHP (11-5, 4.22 ERA)

Texas Rangers at Baltimore Orioles                            Chris Rose & Mark Grace                                                17%

Oriole Park at Camden Yards – Baltimore, MD

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Albuquerque, Austin, Baltimore, Dallas, Houston, Norfolk, Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Seattle, Tulsa, Washington

Probable Pitchers: Cliff Lee, LHP (10-6, 2.77 ERA) vs. Brad Bergesen, RHP (4-9, 5.80 ERA)

MOROSI: TORRE THINKING ABOUT THE END – FOXSports.com’s national MLB writer Jon Paul Morosi wouldn’t be surprised if Joe Torre walks away from his job as Dodgers manager when the season is over. Given some of the upheaval in the Dodgers front office and Torre’s own words, Morosi believes that Torre will not manage in 2011. “Yes, Torre could make another $4 million or so in 2011 and we can’t dismiss that as a motivation. This is a man who reminded reporters Tuesday that he signed with the Milwaukee Braves in 1960 because “they gave me the most money.”  He probably doesn’t want to spend his winter wondering if the Dodgers can afford the 200-inning starter from last year’s wish list. The divorce trial for Frank and Jamie McCourt is set to begin later this month, but it will be some time before absolute sovereignty is clear.”

For more columns from Morosi and other FOXSports.com MLB writer’s log onto www.foxsports.com/mlb

– FOX SPORTS –

Pereira & Mora Jr. Make NFL on FOX Debuts Thursday Night is a post from: Sports Media News

FOX SPORTS BROADCAST ROSTER PRIMED FOR SUPER YEAR

Jim Mora Jr., Kurt Warner Added as Game Analysts

Former NFL VP of Officiating Mike Pereira Joins FOX NFL SUNDAY as Rules Analyst

Buck, Aikman and Oliver Call Super Bowl XLV From Dallas, TX & Surpasses Summerall/Madden as FOX Sports’ Longest Tenured Broadcast Team

New York— FOX Sports’ 17^th straight year as the primary broadcast home for NFL viewers enters the upcoming season welcoming three new faces to an already outstanding roster of broadcasting talent.  This year’s FOX Sports newcomers are former NFL head coach Jim Mora Jr., Super Bowl-winning quarterback and league MVP Kurt Warner, and retired NFL vice president of officiating Mike Pereira who joins FOX NFL SUNDAY as rules analyst.  The announcement was made today by FOX Sports President Eric Shanks.       

Six-time Emmy Award-winning play-by-play announcer Joe Buck, NFL Hall-of-Famer Troy Aikman and the NFL’s premiere pregame and sideline reporter Pam Oliver, once again headline as the NFL on FOX’s lead broadcast team marking their ninth season in that role.  On their way to calling their third Super Bowl February 6, 2011 from Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX, the trio surpasses the legendary broadcast team of Pat Summerall and John Madden as the network’s longest tenured broadcast team.

“With an increasingly intelligent football audience, our pregame and game broadcast lineup is  primed to inform, analyze, entertain and bring viewers closer to the NFL than ever before,” said FOX Sports President Eric Shanks.

As son of former New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Mora Sr., Mora Jr. brought over 20 years of defensive philosophy as head coach for the Seattle Seahawks (2009) and the Atlanta Falcons (2004-06).  Mora joins legendary play-by-play announcer Dick Stockton and analyst Charles Davis to call his first game Sunday, Sept. 12 in Pittsburgh as the Steelers host the Atlanta Falcons.

Retired quarterback Kurt Warner first gained notoriety as a member of the St. Louis Rams (1998-2003) where we was a two-time NFL MVP (1999, 2001) and led the Rams to victory in Super Bowl XXXIV on his way to being named Super Bowl MVP.  He later led the Arizona Cardinals to Super Bowl XLIII, the franchise’s first-ever appearance.  Warner joins play-by-play announcers Chris Rose or Chris Myers on select games this season.  His first assignment is covering his former team on Sunday, October 10 as the Cardinals play host to the World Champion Saints.

Former NFL Vice President of officiating Mike Pereira contributes as FOX Sports’ first-ever rules analyst.  Pereira will be situated in his own control room at the FOX Network Center in Los Angeles, giving him visual access to all games played. If circumstances warrant a rules interpretation or explanation, he’ll be available to interact with FOX NFL SUNDAY studio personalities, or communicate with every NFL on FOX game crew at stadiums across the country, either on- or off-camera.

This season marks Buck’s 17^th with FOX Sports and Aikman’s 10^th, while sideline reporter Pam Oliver returns for her 16^th. The group calls its first game from Philadelphia on Sept. 12 as the Eagles host the Green Bay Packers. For the fourth consecutive year, former Cowboys fullback Daryl Johnston teams with play-by-play announcer Kenny Albert and on-field analyst Tony Siragusa.  Kenny, “Moose” and “Goose” are in East Rutherford, NJ for the unveiling of the new Meadowlands stadium as the Giants host the Carolina Panthers.

Each week, the NFL on FOX broadcast day begins with FOX NFL SUNDAY (12:00 PM ET), America’s most-watched NFL pregame show.  The one-hour prelude is the recipient of 20 Emmy Awards and stars co-hosts Terry Bradshaw and Curt Menefee, analysts Howie Long, Jimmy Johnson and Michael Strahan, insider Jay Glazer, comedic prognosticator Frank Caliendo, and Pereira.  Bradshaw and Long have been with the show since its debut in 1994, and Bradshaw won the 2008 Emmy for Outstanding Studio Analyst, his third.

The 2010 NFL on FOX campaign kicks off Sunday, Sept. 12 (1:00 PM ET) with doubleheader coverage of six games, highlighted by Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers heading into Philadelphia to battle quarterback Kevin Kolb and the new-look Eagles.  Week 1 also features Eli Manning and the Giants christening their new home against the Panthers while talented young quarterbacks collide in St. Louis as Matt Leinart and the Cardinals face off against No. 1 draft-pick Sam Bradford and the Rams.

Following are the NFL on FOX announcer pairings for 2010:

Joe Buck, Troy Aikman & Pam Oliver

Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa

Dick Stockton, Charles Davis, Jim Mora Jr. & Laura Okmin

Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick & Charissa Thompson

Sam Rosen, Tim Ryan & Chris Myers

Ron Pitts, John Lynch & Nischelle Turner

Chris Myers/Chris Rose, Kurt Warner

Stockton, Pitts and Albert have the distinction of being the only members of the group to work NFL on FOX games full-time since FOX Sports’ inception in 1994.  Oliver, as previously mentioned, is in her 16^th season, followed by Rosen (15), Buck (13), Aikman and Johnston (10), Ryan (9), Brennaman (8), Glazer and Siragusa (7), Myers (6), Billick (3), Rose (3) Lynch and Davis (2), Mora and Warner.

The complete 2009 regular season averaged 19.1 million viewers, smashing the previous NFL on FOX record of 18.2 million set in 1995 by almost a million viewers and more than two million more viewers than a year ago (17.0 million).  As for the household ratings, 2009 averaged an 11.4/23, the NFL on FOX’s best average rating in 14 years (12.5/29 in 1995), and a +9% gain over last season’s 10.5/22.  The 9% ratings increase and +12% in average audience represent the biggest single-year increases in NFL on FOX history.

David Hill, Ed Goren and Eric Shanks are the Executive Producers of FOX Sports.  Bill Brown is Senior Producer.  Scott Ackerson is the Coordinating Producer of FOX NFL SUNDAY and Bob Levy directs.

–FOX SPORTS–

www.foxsports.com

Warner, Mora Jr. & Pereira Are the New Faces of the NFL on FOX in 2010 is a post from: Sports Media News

FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES

MLB Divisional Rivalries Heat Up This Saturday on FOX

Rosenthal:  Phillips Made A Huge Mistake Waking Up The Cardinals

Billick: Jets Can Make Super Bowl Without Revis

FOXSports.com Ranks The Worst Teams in The NFL

MLB DIVISIONAL RIVALRIES COLLIDE THIS SATURDAY ON FOX – Following their mid-week tussle with NL central foe the Cardinals battle another division rival this Saturday, August 14 (4:00 PM ET) when they welcome the Chicago Cubs to Busch Stadium.  FOX’s SATURDAY BASEBALL GAME OF THE WEEK also features a recharged Baltimore Orioles team led by newly appointed manager Buck Showalter facing off against Joe Maddon and the Tampa Bay Rays.  As of today, the Orioles are 7-1 since Showalter began managing the team on August 2^nd.  In San Francisco, the Padres face the Giants.  This week, the pregame show originates live from AT&T Park in San Francisco with host Chris Rose. Once game action begins, Rose joins analyst Kevin Millar in the booth.

For instant updates throughout the week and during games from the entire MLB on FOX crew, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MLBONFOX.  Fans can gain more access to exclusive FOX Sports content by logging on to www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.myspace.com/foxsports.

GAME PLAY-BY-PLAY/ANALYST COV.

Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals                            Kenny Albert, Tim McCarver                                             51%

Busch Stadium – St. Louis, MO                                      & Ken Rosenthal

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Atlanta, Austin, Birmingham, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Detroit, Greensboro, Greenville, Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Knoxville, Louisville, Memphis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, Norfolk, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Richmond, San Antonio, St. Louis, Tulsa

Probable Pitchers: Carlos Zambrano, RHP (3-6, 5.46 ERA) vs. Jeff Suppan, RHP (1-6, 5.72 ERA)

Baltimore Orioles at Tampa Bay Rays                         DeWayne Staats & Mark Grace                                      26%

Tropicana Field – St. Petersburg, FL

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo, Dallas, Fort Myers, Hartford, Jacksonville, Miami, New York, Orlando, Providence, Raleigh, Tampa, Washington, West Palm Beach

Probable Pitchers: TBD vs. Andy Sonnanstine, RHP (2-1, 3.98 ERA)

San Diego Padres at San Francisco Giants                Chris Rose & Kevin Millar                                                22%

AT&T Park – San Francisco, CA

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Albuquerque, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle

Probable Pitchers: Mat Latos, RHP (12-5, 2.36 ERA) vs. Madison Bumgarner, LHP (4-4, 3.36 ERA)

ROSENTHAL: “BRANDON PHILLIPS MADE A HUGE MISTAKE IN WAKING UP THE CARDINALS” – MLB on FOX insider Ken Rosenthal believes that Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips woke up a sleeping giant with his comments and altercation against the Cardinals. “Brandon Phillips made a huge mistake. For whatever reason, the Cardinals have not played like the Cardinals for much of the season, performing inconsistently on offense and showing unusual lapses in fundamental play. With his vulgar, insulting comments, Phillips unified the Cardinals and gave them a new sense of purpose. The Reds are a very good team, but they are not yet accomplished or a team that perennially reaches the postseason.  The Cardinals always seem to know what it takes. They proved it again this week.”

BILLICK: JETS CAN MAKE SUPER BOWL WITHOUT REVIS – NFL on FOX analyst and former Super Bowl-winning head coach Brian Billick admits the Jets vs. Darrell Revis contract holdout is a very tough situation for the Jets.  If you go down the path of renegotiating Revis’ contract with a few years still left on his deal, it’ll open up Pandora’s Box.  Even without a player of Revis’ caliber, Billick believes the Jets can still make it to the Super Bowl.  “Outside of the quarterback position, it’s hard to imagine that any one player is that big.  The Jets have got a gifted secondary.  To lose one of those cogs is going to severely limit what they can do defensively.  With that said, it would be a major hit but I wouldn’t preclude it from them being a championship caliber team.”

FOXSPORTS.COM’S THREE WORST TEAMS IN 2010: BILLS, BUCCANEERS & RAMS – In his latest on FOXSports.com, NFL contributor Peter Schrager notes that in August, there’s unbridled optimism for fan bases in just about every NFL city. But he has a rude awakening for the three fan bases that shouldn’t get their hopes up in 2010.  “Twenty-nine teams could end up being very good this year. Even the Raiders, Browns and Lions could be playoff contenders in 2010. However, Buffalo, Tampa Bay and St. Louis? No, no and no. The draft is only nine months away. You might as well pack it up and look towards April.” Check it out here.

SCHRAGER ON THE…

Bills: “The Bills are owners of the league’s longest postseason drought in the NFL (along with the Detroit Lions), having not played in the playoffs since the Music City Miracle year of ‘99. Put it in ink — you can add another season to that drought.”

Buccaneers: “After starting the 2009 season with a 1-12 record, the Buccaneers won two of their final three games, including an inspiring come-from-behind overtime victory over the eventual Super Bowl champion Saints. Expect a few similar fleeting moments of joy and excitement in 2010. Key words: fleeting moments.”

Rams: “There’s certainly some positive energy around this team. Their 2010 training camp attendance figures have tripled over last year’s numbers and there have been a reported 2,000 season tickets sold in recent weeks. There’s genuine buzz and a few reasons to care about the Rams in 2010 but this is still a rebuilding year in St. Louis, yet again.”

LANDON DONOVAN STOPS BY ‘SOCCER TALK LIVE’ MONDAY ON FSC – This Saturday, the world’s most-watched soccer league returns to Fox Soccer Channel, Fox Soccer Plus and Foxsoccer.tv.  Opening weekend coverage from England’s Barclays Premier League is highlighted by a clash between heavyweights Liverpool and Arsenal, Sunday, August 15 (11:00 AM ET) live on Fox Soccer Channel.  FSC, Fox Soccer Plus and Foxsoccer.tv team to provide up to 304 Barclays Premier League matches this season, with all televised games available in HD for the first time.  Complete telecast schedules can be found by clicking here.  In addition, Soccer Talk Live, hosted by Kyle Martino, premieres Monday, August 16 (7:00 PM ET) on Fox Soccer Channel. Kyle’s first guests will be U.S. soccer star Landon Donovan and actress Elizabeth Shue.

– FOX SPORTS –

Billick: Jets Can Make Super Bowl Without Revis is a post from: Sports Media News

FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES

Yankees/Red Sox Square-Off on FOX Saturday Baseball Game of the Week

Rosenthal: A-Rod’s 600^th Lifts Pressure Off Entire Yankees Team

Fox Soccer Channel Premieres Team USA: Journey for Glory

YANKS-BOSOX FACE-OFF IN THE BRONX – In the midst of the dog days of summer, FOX Sports presents two intriguing matchups on Saturday, August 7 (4:00 PM ET) as part of the FOX SATURDAY BASEBALL GAME OF THE WEEK.  The newest member of the 600-HR Club, Alex Rodriguez leads the Yankees in battle against their long-time rivals, the Boston Red Sox. After waiting 46 at bats, the 7^th all-time leading home run hitter added to his long list of accomplishments today against the Blue Jays. In Oakland, Josh Hamilton and the AL West-leading Rangers take on the A’s. This week, the pregame show originates live from Yankee Stadium in the Bronx with host Chris Rose. Once game action begins, Rose joins the game crew including Joe Buck and Tim McCarver as a field reporter.

For instant updates throughout the week and during games from the entire MLB on FOX crew, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MLBONFOX.  Fans can gain more access to exclusive FOX Sports content by logging on to www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.myspace.com/foxsports.

GAME PLAY-BY-PLAY/ANALYST COV.

Boston Red at New York Yankees                                 Joe Buck, Tim McCarver                                   86%

Yankee Stadium – Bronx, NY                                           & Ken Rosenthal

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Albuquerque, Atlanta, Baltimore, Birmingham, Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Denver, Detroit, Fort Myers, Greensboro, Greenville, Hartford, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Knoxville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Louisville, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, New York, Norfolk, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Providence, Raleigh, Richmond, Salt Lake City, San Diego, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa, Tulsa, Washington, West Palm Beach

Probable Pitchers: TBA vs. CC Sabathia, RHP (13-5, 3.19 ERA)

Texas Rangers at Oakland A’s                                       Josh Lewin & Eric Karros                                   13%

Oakland Alameda County Coliseum – Oakland, CA

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Austin, Dallas, Houston, Oklahoma City, Sacramento, San Antonio, San Francisco

Probable Pitchers: Rich Harden. RHP (4-3, 5.25 ERA) vs. Gio Gonzalez, LHP (9-7, 3.69 ERA)

With the AL East race heating up and the Red Sox at Yankees taking center stage on FOX SATURDAY BASEBALL GAME OF THE WEEK, MLB on FOX’s Ken Rosenthal looks at the current state of the Red Sox and Yankees.

KEN ROSENTHAL: NO ONE SHOULD COUNT OUT THE RED SOX – “More and more, it looks as if this just isn’t the Red Sox’s year,” said Rosenthal.  “Jacoby Ellsbury came back Wednesday, but the Sox are still trudging forward without their two best players, Kevin Youkilis and Dustin Pedroia, as well as Mike Cameron. No one should count out the Sox – baseball is unpredictable.  Boston is a very good team even when depleted and stranger things have happened. Still, this series against the Yankees will be significant. The Red Sox need to avoid getting buried.”

KEN ROSENTHAL: YANKEES HAVE BEEN IN A LULL; NEEDED A-ROD’S 600^th HOME RUN – “The Yankees have gone through a lull of late, but perhaps A- Rod’s 600th home run will liberate not just for Rodriguez, but also the entire team,” said Rosenthal. “The chase was A-Rod’s alone, but it seemed to weigh on everyone. The Yankees are not without questions – A.J. Burnett, setup relief and even Derek Jeter’s sub-par performance of late. However, they remain one of the best teams in baseball, and the new addition of Lance Berkman in particular, should only help.”

FSC PREMIERES TEAM USA: JOURNEY FOR GLORY – Fox Soccer Channel presents a final look at the United States Men’s National Team’s inspiring performance during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and its potential impact on American interest in the sport during a 30-minute feature program Team USA: Journey for Glory. The originally-produced special premieres Saturday, Aug. 7 at 9:30 PM ET, immediately preceding Fox Soccer Channel’s live HD telecast of the Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Real Madrid, a match featuring U.S. National Team members Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle as well as several players from Spain’s World Cup-winning squad.

On Sunday, Aug. 8, English heavyweights Chelsea and Manchester United square off in the FA Community Shield, exclusively on Fox Soccer Channel at 10 a.m. ET.  This annual event serves as a prelude to the Barclays Premier League season, beginning Saturday, Aug. 14 on Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Soccer Plus.

Rosenthal: A-Rod’s 600th Lifts Pressure Off Entire Yankees Team is a post from: Sports Media News

FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES

Ringolsby: “Bubble Teams Notably Absent From Chatter”

DIVISION LEADERS FACE OFF IN CINCY – As high temps sweep across the country, playoff races are also heating up across MLB. On Saturday, July 31 (4:00 PM ET), the FOX SATURDAY BASEBALL GAME OF THE WEEK features three enticing matchups. In Cincinnati, a pair of division leaders face off as Brian McCann and the NL East-leading Braves visit Joey Votto and the NL Central-leading Reds. In Boston, the Red Sox continue their push for a postseason birth when they welcome Miguel Cabrera and the Tigers to Fenway. Out west, California rivals meet and look to keep pace in the NL Wild Card race as Barry Zito and the Giants host Andre Ethier and the Dodgers in San Fran. This week, the pregame show originates live from AT&T Park in San Francisco with host Chris Rose. Once game action begins, Rose joins the game crew including Kenny Albert and Eric Karros as a field reporter.

For instant updates throughout the week and during games from the entire MLB on FOX crew, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MLBONFOX.  Fans can gain more access to exclusive FOX Sports content by logging on to www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.myspace.com/foxsports.

GAME PLAY-BY-PLAY/ANALYST COV.

Atlanta Braves at Cincinnati Reds                 Thom Brennaman & Kevin Millar                     42%

Great American Ballpark – Cincinnati, OH

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Atlanta, Austin, Birmingham, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Greensboro, Greenville, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Knoxville, Louisville, Memphis, Milwaukee, Nashville, New Orleans, Norfolk, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Raleigh, Richmond, San Antonio, St. Louis, Tulsa, Washington

Probable Pitchers: TBA vs. Bronson Arroyo, RHP (10-6, 4.21 ERA)

Detroit Tigers at Boston Red Sox                                   Dick Stockton, Mark Grace                                               37%

& Ken Rosenthal

Fenway Park – Boston, MA

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Fort Myers, Hartford, Kansas City, Miami, New York, Minneapolis, Oklahoma City, Providence, Seattle, Tampa, West Palm Beach

Probable Pitchers: Max Scherzer. RHP (7-8, 4.45 ERA) vs. TBA

Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants          Kenny Albert & Eric Karros                                               20%

AT&T Park – San Francisco, CA

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Albuquerque, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco

Probable Pitchers:TBA vs. Barry Zito, LHP (8-6, 3.49 ERA)

RINGOLSBY: “BUBBLE TEAMS NOTABLY ABSENT FROM CHATTER” – With the trade deadline just days away, it’s time for teams to decide whether they’re sellers, buyers, or just staying put. FOXSports.com writer Tracy Ringolsby discusses how the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers are in unfamiliar territory. “The deadline is nearing and the Red Sox are lumped with Detroit, Oakland, the Mets, Colorado and Florida on the list of teams that would like to be buyers but find themselves in limbo as to whether they should buy or sell,” said Ringolsby. “Boston has become more of an observer, at least publicly, than a participant in this year’s deadline deal discussions. Detroit was considered at one point to be involved in the bidding for pitchers Dan Haren and Roy Oswalt, but the Tigers have had to take a step backward in light of their suddenly injury-ravaged roster.  More concerning is that Boston has been hit with a series of serious injuries that have put them eight games back of the AL East-leading Yankees and five games behind second-place Tampa Bay.”

For more from Tracy click here:  http://tinyurl.com/29rty77

GLAZE ACROSS AMERICA TOUR KICKS OFF – The offseason has been left to yesterday.  Vacation is over and it’s time for FOXSports.com’s NFL Insider Jay Glazer to go “camping” again.  NFL players exchange their summer vacation rentals for college dormitories. Cafeteria chow lines replace fine cuisine and hours of lounging by the pool gives way to hours of meetings and practice under the blazing sun. Since 1999 Glazer has annually embarked upon a 40-day NFL training camp tour, something fans can follow this year on FOXSports.com’s “Glaze Across America.” Follow Jay for forty straight days of hopping from town to town, hotel to hotel, rental car to rental car and visits to 25 teams.

– FOX SPORTS –

Braves/Reds; Tigers/Red Sox; Dodgers/Giants Battle This Saturday on FOX is a post from: Sports Media News

FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES

Rosenthal: Contenders Playing Poorly Since All-Star Break

PLAYOFF CONTENDERS LOOK TO STAY IN RACE – On Saturday, July 24 (4:00 PM ET) the Mets, Phillies and Dodgers are featured on the FOX SATURDAY BASEBALL GAME OF THE WEEK.  Each has struggled to begin the second half and is looking to reignite their playoff chases.  In Los Angeles, two of those teams meet as David Wright and the Mets take on Joe Torre’s Dodgers. The Phillies will have a tough time getting back in the win column as they face Rockies ace Ubaldo Jiminez in Philly. One team that is not struggling is the White Sox; they travel to Oakland to take on the A’s. This week, the pregame show originates live from Oakland with host Chris Rose. Once game action begins, Rose joins the game crew including Mark Grace to handle play-by-play duties.

For instant updates throughout the week and during games from the entire MLB on FOX crew, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MLBONFOX.  Fans can gain more access to exclusive FOX Sports content by logging on to www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.myspace.com/foxsports.

GAME PLAY-BY-PLAY/ANALYST COV.

New York Mets at Los Angeles Dodgers                      Kenny Albert & Eric Karros                                               51%

Dodger Stadium – Los Angeles, CA

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Atlanta, Birmingham, Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Fort Myers, Greensboro, Greenville, Hartford, Jacksonville, Knoxville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, Nashville, New Orleans, New York, Norfolk, Orlando, Phoenix, Providence, Raleigh, Richmond, San Diego, Tampa, Washington, West Palm Beach

Probable Pitchers: Mike Pelfrey, RHP (10-5, 4.01 ERA) vs. TBA

Colorado Rockies at Philadelphia Phillies                   Dick Stockton, Tim McCarver                                          24%

& Ken Rosenthal

Citizens Bank Park – Philadelphia, PA

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Albuquerque, Austin, Baltimore, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, St. Louis, Tulsa

Probable Pitchers: Ubaldo Jimenez. RHP (15-1, 2.38 ERA) vs. TBA

Chicago White Sox at Oakland Athletics                     Chris Rose & Mark Grace                                                 24%

Oakland Alameda County Coliseum – Oakland, CA

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Louisville, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Sacramento, San Francisco, Seattle

Probable Pitchers: Freddy Garcia, RHP (9-3, 4.37 ERA) vs. Vin Mazzaro, RHP (5-2, 3.50 ERA)

KEN ROSENTHAL: “MANY CONTENDERS PLAYING POORLY SINCE ALL-STAR BREAK” – “As the trade market heats up, one interesting thing is how poorly some of the contenders have played since the All-Star break,” said MLB on FOX’s Ken Rosenthal. “The Dodgers and Tigers started 0-6, the Mets and Phillies 1-5, and the Mets’ one win came on a disputed call at home plate in San Francisco. None of those teams is further than four games out for a post-season berth, so it’s not as if any should be in sell mode. Indeed, maybe each team is just going through a bad stretch.  At the same time, smart clubs are realistic about their chances. Should the Phillies, for example, expend prospects for Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt when they have yet to really play well this season? This will be an important question for the Phillies to answer in the next 10 days.”

GERMAN GRAND PRIX – The German Grand Prix comes to FOX on Sunday, July 25 (12:00 PM ET) from Hockenheimring Race Track in Hockenheim, Germany, home to the German Grand Prix from 1977-2006.  Current points leader Lewis Hamilton looks to take back his first place honor for the race, after he was robbed of consecutive victories last year from Mark Webber who is a mere 17 points back, sitting third in points. Drivers will navigate the newly constructed and dramatically shortened tight cornered raceway which hasn’t had a fatal accident since Tony Boden in 1986.

– FOX SPORTS –

Rosenthal: Contenders Playing Poorly Since All-Star Break is a post from: Sports Media News