TOO MUCH PAPI
Letting engaging Ortiz dominate chatter could hurt Fox studio show
When their World Series coverage begins Tuesday night, Fox Sports suits should change the name of their pre and postgame programs to “The Big Papi Show.” David Ortiz has hijacked the studio proceedings from his analyst/partners Alex Rodriguez, Keith Hernandez, and Frank Thomas. It’s actually gotten to the point where during one show, host Kevin Burkhardt said: “Can I talk now? Thank you Papi.”
Even if it was said in jest, when Burkhardt, the anchor, has to ask permission to speak it is a terrible sign. Fox’s MLB studio show is not quite cruising on the proverbial Highway to Hell but is approaching the entrance. Ortiz is a funny guy who has a lot to say. Still, too much of Ortiz is not a good thing.
Not only does it cast his ’mates, all of whom are unique in their own respects, in the role of second bananas, it leaves viewers with the feeling Ortiz is being forced upon them. This is easily recognized. So much so I wonder if the producer of this studio soiree has the scallions to tell Papi to “wrap” or “move on” or, dare we say, “shut the hell up and allow someone else to talk.”
The Foxies are collaborators in their own demise. Ever since Fox Sports came into existence, its studio productions, starting with the “NFL Sunday” offering, have been personality driven. Simply put: Shtick is as important as substance. Turner Sports took that concept to a higher level, applying it to its NBA studio show, and pushed the envelope to the max. It became a hit. TNT’s NBA show, with Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson Jr., Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley ,is now the undisputed champion of all sports studio productions.
With the quirky videos, attempts at snarky banter, bits designed to embarrass, and trying to cast Ortiz in the role of Barkley, Fox is following TNT’s blueprint for success. Unfortunately, comedy isn’t easy. On these studio shows it must also come with timing and chemistry and, at this point, Fox’s baseball show has none.
With Papi bogarting the proceedings, A-Rod, who comes to the microphone scripted, has been interrupted while making a point. Then he’s forced to ad-lib for yucks with Papi, which isn’t Rodriguez’s strength. Hernandez? Anyone who has followed his broadcast career knows that when he rolls his eyes, as he has done during some of these telecasts, he is either bored or disgusted. Mex likes to kid around, but Papi’s bullin-a-china-shop approach is hard to play off of.
The man most adversely affected by Papi is Thomas, the longest tenured member of Fox’s MLB studio crew. Thomas had sensational chemistry with former Fox analyst (and another loose cannon) Pete Rose, but has been left out — alone on an island — during recent shows. While we haven’t clocked his amount of talking time, this is our perception. And it’s a shame. Thomas is likeable, has a sense of humor, and brings original insights to the table. This is not the guy Fox should “exclude” from the conversation.
With the Series up next, there is still time to salvage this show. Unless they are delusional, and think Ortiz is actually enhancing the program, the Foxies should tell him to pull back and converse rather than trying to dominate. Tell him not to lose all the whacky stuff, but don’t overdo it. This panel of stars needs Ortiz to be a better teammate.
Unless Fox really does want this to be The Big Papi Show.
DOG HAS A COW
Was SXM’s Chris (Mad Dog) Russo doing a verbal version of Odell Beckham’s Philly Dog celebration?
Sure sounded like it on Wednesday when Doggie opened his mouth (for all we know he lifted his leg too) and directed his verbal spray at Fox’s Colin Cowherd. Russo ripped Cowherd for being clueless when it comes to running a talk show.
“Today in an hour and 55 minutes this game (Astros-Yankees Game 5) has got tremendous drama to it. Not good drama, TREMENDOUS drama. Nothing close,” Russo said. “I saw Colin Cowherd a half hour ago on FS1 having a predictor breaking down Syracuse and Miami in college football. I said to (producer) Eddie Erickson, ‘What?! Syracuse-Miami?’ Who gives a garbage about the Hurricanes in front of 20,000 playing Syracuse? I wouldn’t analyze that game on Friday if it was for the national championship!” Ouch! At least Cowherd can take solace in the fact that Doggie was actually watching FS1.
RECCO CREW
While the “old” Jerry Recco, FAN UpDork, was entertaining, the “new” version is clearly who toiled as a pulling out all the stops to be recognized as a legit candidate to replace Craig Carton, who was busted by the Feds, as N.J. Esiason’s morning show partner.
When Doctor Recco turns into Mr. Snide there is plenty of snark-driven dialogue. Last week, however, his whole Yankee shtick, which included heavy doses of chiding Esiason for hopping on the Bombers bandwagon, became tedious. Perhaps he thinks wearing listeners out with the same lines is going to get him the gig. This just in: It won’t. Fortunately for Recco, the powers that be, for whatever reason, seem to be in no rush to fill the spot. He will have more chances to prove he is worthy.
Besides, they are already saving plenty of moolah having Carton’s $1.2 million per year salary off the books.
GET VIN’S VOICE
Vin Scully got out one year too soon. If he were still around, Scully would get another shot at describing a World Series on the radio, the Dodgers’ first trip in 29 years. Now there will be calls for Fox to bring in baseball’s Poet Laureate and allow him to work a few innings during the Fall Classic.
That won’t happen. Scully has repeatedly said, especially during his farewell tour last season, that he was not into parachuting in and upstaging the event. That was never his style. That’s just another reason why Scully is Scully.
But here’s an idea: The Foxies can integrate Scully into their World Series coverage by making him the narrator of the openings to each game. Many of these spots deal with the beauty and history of baseball. There is no better voice to caption that picture than Scully.
STERLING ON THE MEND
Last week in this space we wondered why John Sterling, the radio voice of the Yankees, was having trouble pronouncing the letter “S.” Turns out Sterling had recently taken a fall and not only cut his lip, but damaged a few of his teeth. Can just hear him saying: “You know Suzyn, you can’t predict when the hell I will get a dental appointment.” Fortunately he got one quickly and is now sounding much better on the air.