Siddall named new TV analyst for Jays games

DUNEDIN Joe Siddall is going Hollywood. Toronto Blue Jays style.

Siddall is stepping out of the radio booth and moving in front of the cameras this season to join Sportsnet’s Blue Jays Central broadcast as studio analyst, replacing Gregg Zaun.

Siddall will work alongside host Jamie Campbell for Jays pre- and post-game coverage. He makes his debut March 26.

The native of Windsor, Ont., has been an analyst on Sportsnet’s Jays radio broadcasts since 2014.

“I’m truly excited to begin this next chapter in my broadcast career, working alongside Jamie and the entire broadcast team,” Siddall said in a statement.

Siddall began his major league career with the Montreal Expos in 1993. He made 78 appearances between 1993 and 1998 with Montreal, Florida and Detroit, posting a .169 batting average with one home run and 11 RBI.

Sportsnet’s studio team will also include MLB alum Cliff Floyd and former Blue Jay Kevin Barker featured as guest analysts.

In November, Rogers terminated Zaun’s employment after receiving allegations of improper conduct in the workplace.

Two more broadcasters — Ben Wagner, the voice of the Jays’ triple-A affiliate in Buffalo, and Rob Fai, the Vancouver Canadians’ broadcaster for 12 seasons, will work the next five Toronto Grapefruit League games — three online and then on Sportsnet 590 The FAN this weekend — an audition of sorts.

Mike Wilner will also be part of the broadcasts. Wilner worked with former Jays lefty Scott Richmond, a native of North Vancouver, B.C., in the first five Blue Jays Grapefruit League games.

The FAN is looking for a new person in the radio booth with the recent retirement of Jerry Howarth.