Cal Ripken’s debut as a studio analyst for TBS coverage of the Major League Baseball Playoffs got off to a slow start but as he gets more work he seems to be getting better.
Hey, I mean after all it has been over five years since baseball’s Iron Man,” has taken a pitch.
TBS MLB on Deck with Ripken, Frank Thomas and host Ernie Johnson is actually very well done and fast paced. They have welcomed in current players like Detroit Tigers center fielder Curtis Granderson and Atlanta Braves pitcher and future Hall of Famer John Smoltz to serve as guest analysts and it has been entertaining and insightful.
The studio team also does between game analysis and that has also been solid with both Ripken and Thomas having something interesting to say about the just completed game.
Thus far the studio trio have logged over 30plus hours of air time with more than a week to go. It is almost like doing March Madness but everyday for a month.
As for TBS game coverage it has been great, love the graphics they are clean and very easy to read. Their best announce crew of Chip Caray , Tony Gwynn , Bob Brenly and, Craig Sager (reporter) has been very good considering they have only been together a week.
So far the TBS has earned a solid B.
Here are a few of Ripken’s best lines thus far:
Ripken on what it feels like to advance to the postseason: “I wish I was Derek Jeter and got to be in the playoffs every single year, I had a few opportunities to do that and there is nothing more exciting. You might feel a little tired during the stretch, but all of a sudden now you are lifted up and excited and can’t wait to get it going. That’s a great, great feeling. Every player should get to feel what it feels like to be in the playoffs.”
Ripken on how the shadows on the field are impacting play in the Rockies/Phillies series: “The story in (this series) is the 3 (p.m. ET) start. Players have to deal with the shadows. These are two explosive offensive teams. There’s nothing more frustrating (for players) than not being able to see the ball. (Players) are in a bad position when asked about (the shadows) because it looks like they are complaining. Everyone downplays it, but (the shadows) are a big factor.”
Ripken on Chicago Cubs’ manager Lou Piniella’s decision to remove Cubs’ starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano from the Cubs/Diamondbacks game #1 after 85 pitches: “Good managers sit in their office before the game and (figure out) the possible scenarios (that might occur later in the game). (Managing) is not all about reacting to what happens. (Cubs’ relief pitcher) Carlos Marmol has been a wonderful bridge to the closer (all season long). (The public) can’t second guess that decision.”
