Who is with me, ESPN play by play sucks

by temjin9876 on Apr 6, 2009 8:05 PM EDT

The only thing that could have made last night's win against the Phillies any sweeter would have been for anyone BUT ESPN to air the game. Tell me I am not the only one that cringes when they hear Joe Morgan and Jon Miller calling the game.

They are both morons, plain and simple. They carry on mindless conversations during the game and when they are actually paying any attention to the game, they mispronounce names and engage in analytical redundancy. Some of my favorite quotes from the past few seasons.

Jon Miller:

-"Here comes rookie Logan Schafer to the plate" (said this name for over an inning);

- "Wilson Beta-MEAT" (even Betemit himself corrected him publicly and he continued to mispronounce it);

-"Raul EBanez" (who are you, Alex Trebek? Stop trying to be cultural and say foreign names like an American)

Joe Morgan:

-"If you strike out a lot, you won't get on base";

-"If you swing at every pitch, you will either get a hit or strikeout"

-"A homerun is the best way to ensure everyone on the bases score";

-"He is very talented; he can play every infield position but his only deficiency right now is he doesn't play the outfield spots" (Huh?)

-"Watch our pitch tracker...he goes down and away, down and away, down and away again, then goes inside." (In reality, it was inside, down and away, up, in the dirt, and right down the middle);

This FanPost does not express the views or opinions of Talking Chop.

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Being able to get so few Braves games on TV I take what I can get. On ESPN2 today they were airing the Indians at Rangers game and the two guys doing that game seemed really good and for being part of a TV in Ohio I thought that they might be really biased but they weren’t.

by jack dein on Apr 6, 2009 8:10 PM EDT reply actions

They are truly horrific nowadays...

… I used to like Miller/Morgan because of the nostalgia of Sunday Night Baseball and my childhood, but they’re wearing on me.

Oh, Bobby.

by sdp on Apr 6, 2009 8:13 PM EDT reply actions

Of course they're awful...

…but Morgan’s stupidity is hilarious. Thanks for posting those lines, I had forgotten them all.

With those who don't give a damn about baseball, I can only sympathize. I do not resent them. I am even willing to concede that many of them are physically clean, good to their mothers and in favor of world peace. But while the game is on, I can't think of anything to say to them.

by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 6, 2009 8:22 PM EDT reply actions

Agreed

ESPN is the worst. Especially after Kotch’s diving stop Morgan said “Well, he shouldn’t have gone after that ball, it’s too tough of a throw for him.” First of all, he made the stab and throw perfectly. Second of all, how the F is kotch supposed to know where Kelly is within the second and a half that the ball is on the ground! But yes, they are both idiots and should retire.

SubParr

by nick9314 on Apr 6, 2009 9:59 PM EDT reply actions

Everyone has agreed on this for years.

Amen. I mute games on ESPN and crank the itunes. BUT, listening to Joe and Boog is always a treat.

"The future is no place to place your better days." - Dave Matthews

by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Apr 6, 2009 10:04 PM EDT reply actions

Couldn't agree more

Joe and Boog are funny and entertaining, I can’t understand why there are haters out there

by rhinoskin on Apr 7, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions

I usually listen to music as well. Everytime he said Logan, I was like, “WTF”, doesn’t he have people scrambling to hand him sheets of paper with name corrections?

And the comment about Kotch, I completely agree with nick9314. How’s he supposed to know where Kelly is? Hey nick, is the 9314 the last 4 digits of your SSN? heh

by Sparhawk on Apr 7, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions

I shall quickly defend ESPN

Orel Hershieser generally does a great job…. he has so much knowledge and does a good job of imparting it to the viewers… but I will admit ESPN went downhill as soon as they fired Harold Reynolds

I mean seriously he hugged a lady in teh office and was accused of sexual harassment.

Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?

by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST

by Swo12bv on Apr 6, 2009 10:11 PM EDT reply actions

Kruk, Reynolds and Hershiser

are the best analyst. Period. EY needs to go, and Tony Gwynn needs to replace him.

Penis

by justincredubil02 on Apr 6, 2009 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, I have no problem with Orel. I like Krukie on BT. Jon Miller would not be THAT bad on his own, I mean he is just a play-by-play guy. But when you throw in a color analyst like Joe Morgan who is just bad (hence sites like www.firejoemorgan.com, RIP) I think it makes him more intolerable. No, I’m not defending “Logan Shaver,” or any of the other mispronounced names or hyperbole he emits, I’m just saying that I think Miller is exponentially worse in the presence of Joe Morgan. Steve Phillips sucks too.

Also, I cannot stand that every commercial break on ESPN is for MLB09 The Show with Dustin Pedroia.

"Here comes Bream! Here's the throw to the plate! He is...safe! Braves win! Braves win! Braves win! Braves win!...Braves win!"

by jug on Apr 6, 2009 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions

I always thought Reynolds was really good, but after listening to him on the MLB Network recently I dunno…

by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 6, 2009 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions

i just love his voice… and i thin khe does a really good job of explaining certain things…

however like most analysts he doesnt utilize the information available (i.e. stats)

Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?

by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST

by Swo12bv on Apr 6, 2009 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions

I watched him tonight on MLBTV and he basically added absolutely nothing to the discussion. All he did was repeat what he heard the game announcers say when he was watching games all day. I have never been able to stand that guy. He is smug and a lot less talented than he thinks he is. I like Al Leiter on there and Vasgersian. Joe McGrane is also f’in terrible.

by KC Ryan on Apr 7, 2009 2:19 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, there was one particular game where every other player who came to the plate HR had to chime and and make it known the player was about to become a superstar this year. Got really tiresome.

by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 7, 2009 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions

I don’t mind Miller all that much he usually does an okay job calling games. I know he called Schafer by Logan for awhile but he did an okay job. I actually don’t mind Phillips either. I know he is biased against the Braves but he was employed by the Mets for a few years so its understandable. What I do like about him is that he can provide insight into what actually happens in the front office because he was there. Morgan blows and shouldn’t have a job the guy says a lot of dumb stuff. Of any crew the guys on WGN piss me off the most. I know they are for the Cubs but at least when the Braves were on TBS the announcers didn’t completely ignore the other team.

by jack dein on Apr 6, 2009 10:44 PM EDT reply actions

In Phillips' defense

he pretty much told joe morgan to shut up about the phillies and that the Braves were going to be a good team this year and be in the playoff hunt come late august.

Penis

by justincredubil02 on Apr 6, 2009 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions

I dunno if this is the right place...

But did anybody see the Marlins-Nats highlights? My gosh, the Marlins can’t even sell tickets for opening day! WOW, that was pathetic. Not that I’m surprised, but I would have thought that there would be a little more interest with the team, since they have “the best rotation in the NL East,” according to Bobby Cox.

They need to move the team. Period. I don’t think a domed stadium can save them. Baseball in South Florida is dead, or never was. Where should the team move to? My best guess is Charlotte or Raleigh. I think that might be the best cities that are capable of supporting a team. Any other ideas?

"Here comes Bream! Here's the throw to the plate! He is...safe! Braves win! Braves win! Braves win! Braves win!...Braves win!"

by jug on Apr 6, 2009 10:53 PM EDT reply actions

i've heard

that they were going to move to orlando.

Penis

by justincredubil02 on Apr 6, 2009 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm pretty sure it is set that they will be known as the 'Miami Marlins' in the future...

Interesttingly enough, lol, in Back to the Future II, it is suggested that “Cubs beat Miami in the 2015 Series.” Both teams are in the NL though, at least for now. DUH DUH!!!

"The future is no place to place your better days." - Dave Matthews

by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Apr 6, 2009 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions

incredibly useless yet awesome trivia right there

by rhinoskin on Apr 7, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions

the mascot was an alligator, so we’ll need that change in addition to a switch to the American League. But at least Cub fans have something to look forward to. But we are running out of time on hoverboards and flying cars. Maybe i should start some research…

"Ohhhh shit"-Bobby Cox

by 10-4 on Apr 7, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions

I think a downtown stadium in Charlotte would be outstanding. I don’t think the Raleigh/Durham area has enough folks to sustain it, or really the centralized area, but downtown Charlotte would be perfect. If the Knights actually played in the same state they could double their attendance.

"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Apr 6, 2009 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions

you’re probably right about Raleigh…too many college kids aren’t around in the summer to go to games. But I really think a team in Charlotte could draw better then the Marlins.

That said, according to the box, there were 34,323 in attendance for the game today. I know Joe Robbie/Pro Player/Dolphin Stadium/Park holds like 68,000, but it look BARE today. There were empty seats down the 3B line from the edge of the field to the roof. I guess it being a day-game during school contributes. However, it won’t be any better come July…

Also, Julian Tavarez saw action for the Nats today. 1.0 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K…1 HR

"Here comes Bream! Here's the throw to the plate! He is...safe! Braves win! Braves win! Braves win! Braves win!...Braves win!"

by jug on Apr 6, 2009 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions

thats the problem it usually looks a lot emptier than it really is… 34,000 is pretty decent… but it looks like 10,000 in that stadium… if you put them in a stadium that held like 35,000 they’d be in good shape. although they’d still be last in the league in attendence because of them skullfucking their fanbase.. its horrible

Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?

by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST

by Swo12bv on Apr 7, 2009 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions

Paint the seats to look like fans. Anything would be better than the neon laser-beam orange they’ve got right now.

by rhinoskin on Apr 7, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions

I didn’t even mention that Julian Tavarez has one of the ugliest autographs ever. We were showing it to other players and they were making fun of it. So add that to the list of stuff he can’t do well.

"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Apr 7, 2009 1:31 AM EDT up reply actions

Anyone rememeber....

in the 1995 World Series Tavares was on Cleveland? I was watching a special on that series on MLB network, they made a call to the bullpen and here comes Tavares

by bravesguy311 on Apr 7, 2009 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions

I’m sure I’ve mentioned several times on here some of the stories I heard about Tavarez from my friend’s uncle who used to work with the Indians.

by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 7, 2009 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions

They're going to be in South Florida for awhile

They just got approved to build a new stadium on the old Orange Bowl site and will be called the Miami Marlins when they move which I believe is supposed to happen ’12 or ’13.

http://hobnailboot.wordpress.com/

by AuditDawg on Apr 7, 2009 3:58 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, I heard that. That is why it is bad that they can’t even garner interest in opening day, so why should they get interest with a new stadium? I dunno, maybe being called the Miami Marlins will help…

"Here comes Bream! Here's the throw to the plate! He is...safe! Braves win! Braves win! Braves win! Braves win!...Braves win!"

by jug on Apr 7, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions

Anybody remember Jon Miller pronouncing Furcal’s name Raf-I-El Four-Ka? Douche.

by KC Ryan on Apr 7, 2009 2:21 AM EDT reply actions

I always thought he says

Fur-CAL (like California) with a huge emphasis on the “CAL”.

Penis

by justincredubil02 on Apr 7, 2009 8:45 AM EDT up reply actions

Last year was hilarious when John and Joe talked for an entire inning about Odalis Perez’ tag on his necklace.

To Hell With Georgia!

by tgriffith3 on Apr 7, 2009 2:55 AM EDT reply actions

jesus, i 'm drunk and just got off werk

and i am sooo glad i’m not the only one who thinks espn baseball announcers suck it long and hard.

by GORILLATUX on Apr 7, 2009 5:17 AM EDT reply actions

I can forgive using the wrong names

but what pissed me off the most was how biased they were. They were more or less talking shit on the Braves, but we shut them up. Main example being talking about how the Braves have no power and then B Mac heard them and responded: http://braves.fandome.com/video/111035/Brian-McCann-Hits-The-First-Homerun-Of-2009/

by McGriff the Crime Dog on Apr 7, 2009 10:16 AM EDT reply actions

Worst Announcers in the Game

I could tolerate with Jon Miller, if he had a stronger partner.
BUT, Joe Morgan is tied with that a**hole Tim McCarver as the worst.

I want to hit Joe Morgan in the head with a hammer everytime I hear “slide piece”.

My favorite McCarver memory is him whining about Deion pouring cold water down his back during a Braves locker room celebration.

Remember the NFL experiment with no commentary during the game? That’s what I do when those two idiots are involved.

by El Bravos on Apr 7, 2009 12:17 PM EDT reply actions

Can we like, not get a thread complaining about how horrible announcing is when we get a nationally televised game?

SWAGGA LIKE...Jordan!?
President, CEO, and chairman of the Brandon Jones fan club

by bigjoe on Apr 7, 2009 12:45 PM EDT reply actions

thats up to the Moderator. He has the iron fist, or Iron Delete Click.

"Ohhhh shit"-Bobby Cox

by 10-4 on Apr 7, 2009 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions

I’ll admit, the ESPN hate is getting old real quick, and is especially a moot point on a Braves blog considering they’ll air maybe only 3-4 more Braves games this season, which means that’s a whole little bit of Morgan/Miller to have to put up with.

But considering there are about 500+ new members from the off-season who haven’t had their chance to bitch about ESPN, I figure, let ’em get it out now. Others seem to get their jollies from bashing on Joe Morgan, and his endless list of stupid anecdotes.

No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.

by royhobbs on Apr 7, 2009 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions

He has spoken!

"People need help, and you know how to help them."

by VegasAces on Apr 7, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Sorry

Being one of the “new 500”, I didn’t realize this was another one of those topics covered ad nauseum…I just wanted to chip in my $0.02 on how retarded Morgan is…

But, those of us who watch ESPN because we cant afford to pay for the MLB package, or who dont live anywhere near atlanta and have to watch any game that is on and just deal with it, we are stuck with Morgan/Miller – you may see some more bitching from me in the future about Morgan’s mental capacity, but it won’t be a whole thread, I promise…just a casual low-blow comment.

Penis

by justincredubil02 on Apr 7, 2009 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Just know that anything that you want to talk about has been discussed on this site.

It’s all good.

You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the goddamn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all.

by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 7, 2009 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions

I hate Jon Miller. He always tries to be witty, and just can’t do it. As for Joe Morgan, I think that he is the best analyst on television. Earlier, I saw a comment about Joe Simpson and that other dude, “Boog”. Joe is great, but that Boog guy sucks.
I had the MLB package last year, and I was almost hoping the other teams announcers would come on so I wouldn’t have to hear Carrothead try to be so (lack of) entertaining. He is boring as hell.
Most of the baseball announcers/analysts on ESPN are a joke. Thank God for the mute button!

by BeachGaBulldog on Apr 8, 2009 3:15 AM EDT reply actions