Fox Sports has found a high-profile pair to replace Pete Rose in its MLB studio. In other news, Ernie Johnson will miss the NLCS and Bruce Bowen has moved from ESPN to the Clippers.
Hernandez and Ortiz Joining MLB on FOX Studio
SNY Mets analyst Keith Hernandez and retired Red Sox DH David Ortiz have joined Fox Sports as studio analysts for the MLB Postseason, it was announced Monday. The news was first reported by Sports Illustrated last night. The pair is replacing Pete Rose, who was dropped from Fox earlier this year after allegations surfaced that he had an improper relationship with a minor in the 1970s. Ortiz previously served as a guest analyst for Fox Sports in 2014; Hernandez has not previously worked for the outlet. [Fox Sports]
Johnson Skipping NLCS For NBA
Turner Sports MLB play-by-play voice Ernie Johnson will not call this year’s National League Championship Series on TBS as it conflicts with his NBA studio hosting duties on TNT. The NBA season was moved up a week and will begin during the LCS, with Turner set to air the NBA on TNT and NLCS on TBS on the same night October 17 and 19.
Brian Anderson will replace Johnson on the NLCS. Johnson, Turner’s lead MLB voice since 2010, will remain on the call for Wednesday’s Rockies-Diamondbacks Wild Card Game and the Cubs-Nationals Division Series. He previously missed the LCS in 2011 due to a family emergency. [Turner Sports]
Bowen Leaves ESPN For Clippers
Former ESPN NBA analyst Bruce Bowen, whose contract was not extended at the end of last season, has joined the Los Angeles Clippers as the team’s lead game analyst. Bowen, who made his debut on a preseason game last night, replaces longtime analyst Michael Smith. [Orange County Register 9.30]
