Wednesday Links

Today, it definitely feels like a Wednesday. Middle of the week and I’m ready for the weekend. Here are some links for you.

Michael McCarthy of USA Today says NBA TV announcers would like to have the arenas tone down the Fire-and-Brimstone act. I do agree. It seems every time a basket is scored, music is blaring. What’s wrong with allowing the game to be entertainment instead of having to have acts in the middle of timeouts. Called me old fashioned, but it’s not necessary to keep the music going all of the time. Let the people breathe.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times wonders if Yankees owner George Steinbrenner still has the guts to fire General Manager Brian Cashman or Manager Joe Torre when it comes down to the nitty-gritty. Sandomir says the longer the Yankees fall, the lower the ratings will be on the YES Network.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle says Hall of Fame Astros announcer Milo Hamilton is frustrated with the team’s slow start this season just as fans are. Barron also talks about the top billing sports radio stations in the country which to no one’s surprise it’s WFAN in New York at #1, WEEI in Boston at #2.

In his Watchdog blog, Newsday’s Neil Best has news that former Chicago White Sox, Yankee and Met Robin Ventura has gotten some work as ESPN as an analyst for college baseball. He also has some harsh words for Barry Bonds for making him look bad.

Teddy Greenstein of the Chicago Tribune reviews Mike North’s first day on WFAN, filling in for Imus.

CBS Sports has signed a deal to air the World Series of Video Games. I kid you not. This is a big deal for this to get on a regular network.

CBC Sports in Canada has announced it’s brought the Toronto Blue Jays back into its fold for this summer and next. Eight games this summer and 30 next year. Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star says this deal might be a precursor for the World Series to return to free TV in Canada.

Continuing with news from up north, William Houston reports that the ratings for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals on CBC were down compared to last year.

More links later.