Thursday Quickie Links

I’ll do as much linkage as I can. I was at a jobsite already and I have to go out later so while I can, I’ll provide some links.

First, technology writer Edward C. Baig of USA Today writes that he enjoyed watching the World Cup in 3-D, but it will take more than that to make him a total convert.

Also from USA Today, Friend of Fang’s Bites Mike McCarthy breaks news that it appears that ESPN’s Erin Andrews will test the free agent market as her contract expires on July 1. Her last event for ESPN could be the College World Series which begins on Saturday. I’m thinking she’s already gone from ESPN. Just my prediction and I have nothing to base it on.

The Big Lead says MLB Network is one entity possibly pursuing Erin, but I do believe she’ll be going to either Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, Extra or even Inside Edition. Maybe NBC can offer a package similar to Maria Menounos, report for Access for entertainment stories, then do serious stories for NBC News and celebrity interviews for Dateline. When the Olympics comes along, Erin will be back doing sports for NBC, but only for the Olympics.

John Eggerton at Broadcasting & Cable has NBC Sports’ plans to cover the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.

Mike Reynolds at Multichannel News writes that the World Fishing Network will devote an entire day of programming to raise money for those affected by the BP Oil Disaster.

Mike adds that NBC and Universal Sports have obtained the rights to the next two Rugby World Cups. No coincidence as rugby will be in the 2016 Olympics.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union has ESPN’s feelings on the infamous vuvuzelas.

Pete also has the ESPN2/ESPNU schedule for Wimbledon which starts next week.

Comcast SportsNet continues to buy blogs, this time, Beerleaguer, a Phillies-centric blog. Congratulations to Jason Weitzel who will continue to run the blog. 

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner talks about US Open TV coverage this week.

Tom Jones from the St. Petersburg Times also speculates on Erin Andrews’ next career move.

John Kiesewetter at the Cincinnati Enquirer says tickets are now on sale for the new Pete Rose movie.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business writes that Comcast SportsNet Chicago will get a dose of Strasburgmania on Friday.

Ed also noticed some new ads around Wrigley Field, signs of new things to come from the new ownership.

At the Chicago Tribune, Phil Rosenthal looks at the Sun-Times trimming staff including former sports media writer Jim O’Connell.

To the Los Angeles Times where Scott Collins writes that ESPN is having a ratings boon thanks to the World Cup.

The Toronto Star’s Chris Zelkovich reports that Rogers Sportsnet will be back airing the Raptors next season at the expense of CBC and The Score which both will be dropped by the team.

James Christie of the Toronto Globe and Mail reviews the new CTV DVD box set on the Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Sports Media Watch notes that the NBA Finals Game 6 on Tuesday was the most watched Game 6 in 10 years, but there is a caveat.

And SMW says NASCAR on TNT dipped to an extremely low rating.

The Big Lead has video of former ESPN production assistant Brooke Hundley pounding ESPN during CBS’ Early Show.

Maury Brown of the Biz of Baseball has two rare MLB documents that until now, were mostly kept private.

I’ll have to end it there for now. I hope to do an update tonight.