TBS To Carry Second Game In Astros, Angels Weekend Series Saturday

Courtesy: Turner Sports

The Los Angeles Angels will host the Houston Astros live this weekend on TBS.

The game is the second in a three-game weekend series between the American League West opponents.  Coverage of Saturday’s game is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. ET.

Joe Simpson will anchor the broadcast.  Ron Darling will join him in the booth for additional commentary.  A blackout will take place locally in Los Angeles.

Houston (21-15) is second in the American League West, two games back from the division leading Oakland Athletics.  Los Angeles (13-25) is last in the division and 14th in the American League overall, ahead of only the Boston Red Sox.

Houston comes into this weekend’s series against Los Angeles on the heels of a three-game series this week against the Texas Rangers.  The Astros took two of three games in that series.

The Angels come into the weekend series after splitting a two-game series with the San Diego Padres Wednesday and Thursday.  The Padres won that series’ first game 11-4 while the Angels took the second game, 2-0.

The starting pitcher for each team is under consideration.

In other news, TBS will feature a National League showdown next weekend between the Cubs and Brewers.  Coverage for that game is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. ET.  The Yankees and Red Sox will face off live on TBS on Sept. 20, with coverage for that game scheduled to start at 1 p.m .ET.

 

More information on TBS’ Major League Baseball coverage is available online now at:

 

Website: http://tbs.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TBSNetwork

Twitter: http://twitter.com/tbsnetwork

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

ESPN Adds Yankee Great To Its Talent Roster

Courtesy: ESPN

ESPN is adding another big name to its on-air roster.

The network announced on Tuesday, that it has reached a deal with former New York Yankee star CC Sabathia to serve as a contributor for its Major League Baseball broadcasts.

Sabathia, a a Cy Young Award-winning pitcher recently announced that he will retire after this season.  While his retirement is still months away, the new deal will see Sabathia contributing to ESPN’s MLB broadcasts throughout this season on programs, such as SportsCenter, Baseball Tonight and Golic & Wingo.

Sabathia said in a recent interview, that he is focused as he moves into his final season.

“As I begin to look toward the future, I’m excited to have this opportunity with ESPN,” Sabathia said.  “With that said, my singular focus is on winning another World Series Championship for Yankees fans and the city of New York.”

ESPN Vice President of Production Dave Roberts said having Sabathia as part of its talent roster is a boon for ESPN.

“We’re excited to work with CC, especially as part of this unique arrangement during the final year of his storied career,” Roberts said.  “He has proven to be highly knowledgeable, candid and perceptive about the sport of baseball, as well as an avid sports fan in general.  That will translate well for fans across ESPN platforms.”

Sabathia started his MLB career in 2001 with the Cleveland Indians, before eventually joining the Yankees in 2009. He led the league twice in wins over the course of his career, and won the World Series in his debut season with New York.

More information on ESPN’s MLB programming is available online now along with all of the latest MLB headlines at:

 

Website: http://www.espn.com/mlb

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ESPN

Twitter: http://twitter.com/espn

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Yanks Look To Sweep Jays Sunday In Weekend Series Finale Live On TBS

Courtesy: Turner Sports

The New York Yankees continue their post season hunt Sunday afternoon on TBS as they close out a three-game weekend series against the Toronto Blue Jays.

The “Bronx Bombers” just wrapped the second win of the series earlier today, taking Game Two 11-6 against Toronto.  Luis Severino (15-6) was credited with the win for New York while Sean Reid-Foley (0-2) took the loss for the Jays.

J.A. Happ (13-6) is expected to get the start Sunday afternoon for the Yankees. His last time on the mound was August 14 against Tampa Bay.  Happ was credited with the win in the Yanks’ 4-1 victory over the Rays in that game, allowing only 1 hit and 4 walks over 7 innings while striking out 4 batters.

Ryan Borucki (2-2) is expected to get the start for Toronto.  His last time on the mound was also August 14 when Toronto took on the Royals.  Jake Petricka (2-1) was credited with the win for Toronto while Borucki struggled slightly over the course of just four innings.  Borucki only struck out one batter while allowing four runs on six hits, four earned runs and four walks, so he’ll be looking to improve Sunday afternoon when the Blue Jays close out this weekend’s series against the Yankees in the teams’ American League East matchup.

While the Yankees (76-46) — currently second in the American League —  have taken two of three already this weekend from the Blue Jays, it won’t make too much difference in the race against long-time rivals the Boston Red Sox.  However, one more win is still critical for the “Pinstripers” because New York is just ahead of Houston (74-48) and Oakland (73-49) in the American League standings, so Sunday’s game will still have its own importance for New York as it tries to maintain its place in the race to the post season.

The Blue Jays also have nothing to lose as they sit below the cutoff line in the American League standings for the post season at 55-67 with little chance at a playoff spot. This weekend’s losses have Toronto in the midst of a two-game losing streak and have dropped the team to 4-6 in its last 10 games.  The losses drop Toronto’s road record now to 26-35 so far on the season versus a 29-32 home record, so by the numbers, the odds are in New York’s favor to sweep this weekend’s series against Toronto.

Brian Anderson will anchor Sunday’s broadcast live from New York.  He will be joined in the booth by analyst Ron Darling for additional commentary.  Coverage is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. live on TBS.  More information on Sunday’s game and all of the network’s Major League Baseball coverage is available online now at:

 

Website: http://www.tbs.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TBSNetwork

Twitter: http://twitter.com/tbsnetwork

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

 

Rodriguez, Vasgersian To Replace Shulman, Boone On ESPN’s ‘SNB’ Broadcasts

Courtesy: ESPN

ESPN will have some new, but well-known new faces this spring when its Sunday Night Baseball broadcasts return.

The worldwide leader in sports announced this week that Yankee great Alex Rodriguez and Matt Vasgersian will join the program’s broadcast team.  Jessica Mendoza will return, too.  Vasgersian will be the program’s new play-by-play announcer, taking the place of Dan Shulman while Rodriguez will serve as analyst, taking over from Aaron Boone.

ESPN announced last summer that Shulman would be leaving the program after last season.  While he stepped away from ESPN’s flagship MLB program, he is still working with ESPN covering Major League Baseball on its ESPN Radio broadcasts.  He is also busy covering college basketball for ESPN.

Boone meanwhile will go from the broadcast booth to the dugout after being named the Yankees new manager during the off-season. Both Rodriguez and Vasgersian said in interviews that they were looking forward to joining ESPN’s MLB broadcast team.

“I’m looking forward to this new chapter in my broadcasting career,” Rodriguez said.  “It’s an exciting time in baseball, and now I get that front row seat to tell that story every Sunday night on ESPN as well as calling my fourth post season on Fox where I started this journey.”

Vasgersian agreed.

“Jon and Dan set the bar super high for Sunday Night Baseball play-by-play, so it’s a real thrill for someone who still remembers his first Minor League bus trip in 1991 to have a chair like this one,” he said. “I know firsthand how passionate both Alex and Jessica are about baseball, and I can’t wait to get started with them.”

Mendoza said she was looking forward to working with her new broadcast partners.

“I am incredibly excited to work with both Alex and Matt,” Mendoza said.  “Matt has been a friend for a long time and someone whose work I’ve long admired. Alex’s achievements as a player speak for themselves, and I’ve been greatly impressed by the passion and dedication he has put into his broadcasting career. We’re going to have a lot of fun.”

Stephanie Druley, ESPN Senior Vice President of events and studio production said the new broadcast team was the right fit for ESPN because of its collective experience.

“Alex is one of the most recognizable personalities in all of sports, and he’s made a well-documented impact on the sports media landscape. His dynamic personality and incredible baseball knowledge, combined with Matt Vasgersian’s expertise, enthusiasm and poise, make for terrific additions to Sunday Night Baseball, with existing commentators Jessica Mendoza and Buster Olney,” Druley said.  “We’re excited about the potential for this team and we’re appreciative to our MLB Network and Fox Sports counterparts, as all parties were more than willing to collaborate in order to serve Major League Baseball fans.”

ESPN’s current Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell schedule is noted below.

Schedule:

Date	Telecast
Apr. 1	San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Dodgers
Apr. 8	New York Mets at Washington Nationals
Apr. 15	Texas Rangers at Houston Astros
Apr. 22	Washington Nationals at Los Angeles Dodgers
Apr. 29	New York Yankees at Los Angeles Angels** – Olney’s Pick!
May 6	Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals
May 13	Washington Nationals at Arizona Diamondbacks
May 20	Cleveland Indians at Houston Astros
May 27*	San Francisco Giants at Chicago Cubs
July 1	Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees
July 22	New York Mets at New York Yankees
July 29	Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals
Aug. 19	MLB Little League Classic

*Telecast to air on ESPN2.

Additional Sunday Night Baseball selections for June through September will be made up to two weeks prior to the dates.

This year marks the 29th year of Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN.  Each game will be preceded at 7 p.m. on ESPN by Baseball Tonight: Sunday Night Countdown presented by Chevrolet.

More information on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell schedule is available online now along with all of the latest MLB headlines at http://www.espn.com/mlb.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

 

 

ESPN Launches MLB Pre-Season Coverage Thursday; To Carry World Baseball Classic Final Tonight

Courtesy: ESPN

ESPN kicks off its Major League Baseball pre-season coverage Thursday afternoon.

The Yankees and the Rays face off in the first of the network’s pre-season broadcasts beginning at 1 p.m. Jon Sciambi will have the call for the Grapefruit League game.  He will be joined by analysts Rick Sutcliffe and Doug Glanville in the booth for additional commentary.

The Dodgers and Angels follow at 7 p.m. on ESPN in a Cactus League showdown.  The Angels currently sit fourth in the league while Los Angeles sits seventh.  Dan Shulman, the voice of ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball, will have the call for the game.  He will be joined in the booth by his SNB cohorts Jessica Mendoza and Aaron Boone.  Reporter Buster Olney will also be on hand for all of the latest in-game news and interviews.

Karl Ravech and Tim Kurkjian will have a wrap of up the day’s action on the diamond at 10 p.m. on Baseball Tonight on ESPN.

Before ESPN launches its Major League pre-season coverage Thursday, it will broadcast live the World Baseball Classic Final tonight at 9 p.m.  The United States and Puerto Rico will face off for this year’s title live on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.  The broadcast begins at 9 p.m. ET.

The United States made its way to the Final after defeating Japan 2 – 1 Tuesday. The game marks the team’s first-ever time it has reached the Final.

The re-match against Puerto Rico will not be an easy contest for the Americans.  That is because Puerto Rico is undefeated in the tournament at 7 – 0.  Marcus Stroman is expected to get the start in tonight’s game for the United States while Seth Lugo is scheduled to take the mound for Puerto Rico.

More information on ESPN’s Major League Baseball coverage is available online now along with all of the latest MLB headlines at:

 

 

 

Website: http://espn.go.com/mlb

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ESPNBaseballTonight

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BBTN

 

 

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

ESPN Announces Early Broadcast Schedule For 2017 MLB Season

Courtesy: ESPN

The start of the 2017 Major League Baseball season is still many months away, but officials with ESPN have already been hard at work preparing their broadcast schedule for the new season.

The network announced its early broadcast schedule this week for the 2017 season.  The network’s broadcast schedule for the 2017 MLB season features seven games in just two days. It all begins with a showdown between the Yankees and Rays on Sunday, April 2 on ESPN.

The World Series Champion Chicago Cubs top off night one on ESPN’s season-opening edition of Sunday Night Baseball when they take on National League Central foes, the St. Louis Cardinals live on ESPN.

The ESPN networks’ current broadcast coverage schedule of Major League Baseball’s 2017 season is noted below.

Opening Day games on ESPN:

Date	Time (ET)	Telecast	Network
Sun, Apr. 2	1 p.m.	New York Yankees* at Tampa Bay Rays	ESPN
	4 p.m.	San Francisco Giants* at Arizona Diamondbacks	ESPN2
	8:30 p.m.	Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals	ESPN
Mon, Apr. 3	1 p.m.	Atlanta Braves at New York Mets*	ESPN
	4 p.m.	San Diego Padres at Los Angeles Dodgers*	ESPN
	7 p.m.	Cleveland Indians at Texas Rangers	ESPN
	10 p.m.	Los Angeles Angels at Oakland Athletics	ESPN2

*Indicates game is subject to local blackout (NYY, SFG, NYM, LAD markets)

 

More information on the networks’ broadcast schedule is available online now along with all of the latest MLB headlines at:

 

 

Website: http://espn.go.com/mlb

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ESPNBaseballTonight

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BBTN

 

 

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Yankees, Blue Jays Face Off Live On TBS This Weekend

Courtesy: Turner Sports

Two AL East opponents will face off this week in the latest edition of TBS’ Sunday MLB on TBS.

The Yankees and Blue Jays will face off live at 1:00pm ET on TBS’ weekly MLB program Sunday MLB on TBS.  The game is the third in the teams’ four-game series.  The series’ closer is Monday night with first pitch set for 7:07pm.

Michael Pineda is expected to get the start for the Yankees in Sunday afternoon’s game while Marco Estrada (9-9) is expected to take the mound for Toronto.  Estrada’s last time on the mound was Monday against Seattle.  He was credited with the win in the Blue Jays’ 3-2 win over the Mariners.  Estrada shined in the game, fanning 8 while only allowing just 1 hit, 0 runs or earned runs, 3 walks and no home runs.  That was over the course of 7 innings pitched.

Pineda (6-11) last took the mound Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Rays.  Pineda pitched 5.1 innings in the Yankees 5-3 win over the Rays.  He had a rough time on the mound, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits 2 earned runs, 1 walk and no home runs while striking out 11.

The numbers seem to favor Toronto in Sunday’s game and the weekend’s series overall.  Toronto is almost as good at home as it is on the road so far this season, going 42-32 at home so far this season and 41-37 on the road.

New York meanwhile has been lackluster on the road going 35-42 on the road so far this season versus a home record of 44-31.  Even with both teams looking to get back in the “W” column this weekend – both teams lost their most recent games – Toronto’s chances are better having gone 5-5 in its last ten games versus New York going 3-7 in its last ten games.

Ernie Johnson will have the call in Sunday afternoon’s broadcast on TBS.  He will be joined in the booth by MLB on TBS analysts Ron Darling and Cal Ripken, Jr. for additional commentary.

MLB on TBS Pre-Game Show will precede Sunday afternoon’s broadcast of the Yankees and Blue Jays. Broadcast of the TBS Pre-Game Show begins at 12:30pm ET.  Casey Stern will anchor the program and will be joined by analysts Pedro Martinez and Gary Sheffield for additional commentary.

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ESPN Announces Opening Day Matchups For MLB’s 2017 Season

Courtesy: ESPN

The 2016 Major League Baseball Season is officially winding down and the road to the postseason is on.  But ESPN has already set its sights on the league’s 2017 season.

Officials with ESPN announced last week the network’s 2017 opening day broadcast schedule.  Major League Baseball’s 2017 season opens on ESPN on Sunday, April 2 with a double header divisional schedule.

First up on the day will be the Yankees on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays in an American League East showdown.  The Diamondbacks and Giants will follow in a matchup of National League West opponents.

Times for the games have not yet been determined and telecasts could be subject to local blackouts.  As an additional note ESPN will exclusively carry Major League Baseball’s MLB Opening Night game – a nationally televised primetime game.  The matchup for the game will be announced in the weeks to come.

More information on ESPN’s 2017 MLB coverage is available online now along with all of the latest MLB headlines at :

 

 

 

Website: http://espn.go.com/mlb

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ESPNBaseballTonight

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BBTN

 

 

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Cardinals, Dodgers Go Under The Lights July 24th On ESPN’s SNB Broadcast

Courtesy: ESPN

ESPN has added another game to its Sunday Night Baseball broadcast schedule.

The St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers will face off live on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell on Sunday, July 24^th. The game will be the closer in the three-game weekend series between the National League opponents.  There is currently no word on who will take the mound for either team at this time.  The Dodgers currently sit second in the NL West six games back from the currently league-leading Giants.  St. Louis sits second in the NL Central an even more distant eight and a half games back from the Cubs.

Dan Shulman will have the call for the game.  He will be joined in the booth by analysts Aaron Boone and Jessica Mendoza.  Reporter Buster Olney will also be on hand for all of the latest in-game news and interviews.  Baseball Tonight: Sunday Night Countdown presented by Chevrolet will lead into the game’s broadcast beginning at 7pm ET.  Karl Ravech will anchor the broadcast.  He will be joined at the desk by analyst Dallas Braden and ESPN Insider Tim Kurkjian.

In related news, the Giants will play host to the Arizona Diamondbacks this Sunday night on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell.  It will be one of a number of games leading into the All-Star Break.  The game will be the closer in a three-game series between the NL West opponents.  Madison Baumgarner (9 – 4) is expected to get the start for San Francisco in Sunday’s game.  Archie Bradley (3 – 4) is currently slated to get the start for the D-Backs.  Baumgarner’s last time on the mound was July 5^th against the Rockies.  He was impressive in his 6 innings on the mound to say the least, allowing 0 runs on just 4 hits.  He kept Colorado’s bats equally quiet across the board, allowing only 2 walks, 0 earned runs, 0 home runs, and striking out 6 of 24 batters along the way.  Bradley’s last time on the mound was July 4^th against San Diego.  Bradley took the loss in the game, allowing 5 runs on 6 hits over 6 innings.  He also allowed 5 earned runs, 3 walks, and 2 home runs over that time, managing 7 strikeouts against 27 batters.

Coverage of Sunday night’s game between Arizona and San Francisco begins at 8pm ET on ESPN.  It will be preceded by Baseball Tonight: Sunday Night Countdown presented by Chevrolet.

Next Sunday, July 17^th, the Red Sox and Yankees will go live under the lights on ESPN.  More information on that game and the rest of ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell coverage is available online now along with all of the latest MLB headlines at:

 

 

 

Website: http://espn.go.com/mlb

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ESPNBaseballTonight

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BBTN

 

 

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Yanks, BoSox Close Out Weekend Series Tonight On SNB

Courtesy: ESPN

The Yankees and Red Sox go under the lights live on ESPN once again tonight as they wrap their latest series.

The Red Sox look to finish off the Yankees tonight as they close out their latest series against their long-time rivals live on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell.  The Red Sox already already took the first two games in the teams’ weekend series 4 – 2, 8 – 0 Friday and Saturday respectively.  Nathan Eovaldi is expected to get the start for the Yankees tonight.  Eovaldi’s last time on the mound was April 25^th against the Rangers.  He was impressive in that game, facing 24 batters and striking out 6 over the course of 7.2 innings.  He also kept the Rangers’ bats relatively quiet over that time, allowing only 2 hits but not one run, no home runs, and only 2 walks.

On the other side of the ball David Price is expected to take the mound for the Red Sox.  Price has been perfect for Boston so far this season going 3 – 0 in his starts so far.  His last time on the mound was April 26^th against Atlanta.  Price struck out 14 of 33 batters over 8 innings allowing only 2 runs and 2 earned runs on 6 hits.  He walked only 2 of those 33 batters and kept the ball well inside the park, allowing 0 home runs.

Dan Shulman will be in the booth for tonight’s game.  He will be joined by analysts Aaron Boone and Jessica Mendoza for additional commentary.  Reporter Buster Olney will be on the field with all of the latest in-game news, interviews and more throughout the game.  The game will be simulcast live on ESPN Deportes for ESPN and the MLB’s Spanish-speaking audiences.  And those that won’t be near a TV during the game can also still catch it live as it will be broadcast live on ESPN Radio and online via WatchESPN.

Before the first pitch is thrown, Karl Ravech, Dallas Braden, and Tim Kurkjian will preview the night’s game while analyzing the weekend’s previous games live on Baseball Tonight: Sunday Night Countdown.  The trio will be live on site in Boston with all of the latest on tonight’s game and a recap of the weekend’s games.  Broadcast begins at 7pm ET on ESPN.

More information on tonight’s game is available online now along with all of the latest MLB headlines at:

 

 

Website: http://espn.go.com/mlb

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ESPNBaseballTonight

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BBTN

 

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.