Give credit to the new MLB Network for doing such a fantastic job right away.And give credit to San Diego Padres closer Heath Bell for noticing.
“I truly believe ESPN only cares about promoting the Red Sox and Yankees and Mets – and nobody else,” Bell, a former Met, recently told the San Diego Union-Tribune. “That's why I like the MLB Network, because they promote everybody. I'm really turned off by ESPN and 'Baseball Tonight.' When Jake Peavy threw 8 1/3 innings on Saturday, they showed one pitch in the third inning and that was it. It's all about the Red Sox, Yankees and Mets.”
Bell has noticed what so many of the rest of us have … that ESPN is only about three teams.
No wonder that when neither of the New York teams nor Boston goes far in the playoffs, the TV ratings go down. That’s because people know relatively little about the 27 other teams … thanks to ESPN.
The great thing about the MLB Network is that it treats all 30 teams the same. You’re just as likely to see highlights of the Kansas City Royals, Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates as you are to see the Big Three teams ESPN drools over.
Matt Vasgersian, lead studio host for MLB Network, also hit it on the head when he said you won’t have to wait 15-30 minutes to see your team’s highlights as you might on ESPN (especially if you’re not the Yankees, Mets or Red Sox.)
Plus, MLB Network often goes to live shots around the leagues. For instance, it was great to see Ken Griffey Jr. within moments of his 400th home run as a member of the Seattle Mariners.
Here’s one vote in favor of the MLB Network. Keep up the good work!
1 comment:
I've watched them both this year. Your right about MLB Network covering all teams and ESPN dwelling on 3 teams. I just wish ESPN would be more diverse in its coverage, having a new studio in LA isn't enough.
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