Sunday, March 15, 2009

YES Rejects Kaat

On Thursday I mentioned that Jim Kaat would be returning to the broadcast booth with MLB Network for a few games this year, including the home opener at the New Yankee Stadium. But now we find out from Bob Raissman that he wanted to return to YES.

The MLB Network is looking to open the new Yankee Stadium in style, unleashing a formidable trio of voices who have never shared the same broadcast booth.

When the Bombers crack the regular-season seal on the new joint, April 16 against Cleveland, Bob (Rapping Roberto) Costas will handle the play-by-play, joined by analysts Harold Reynolds and Jim Kaat.

The surprise here is Kitty’s return to the Bronx. The other surprise is that Kaat wanted to return to the Yankees Entertainment & Sports Network booth, but YES suits put the kibosh on it.

MLB sources said Kaat reached out to YES suits, offering his services on a limited basis at a reasonable price.

Sources said Kaat, who was not looking for major dough or a monster schedule, was told YES had no room for him because of budgetary constraints and scheduling.

(hat-tip to River Ave. Blues)

All I see here is a chance for YES to improve their product and, for some reason, deciding to go another way. Completely stupid if you ask me.

Kaat was the best analyst they had, there's no reason why they shouldn't bring him back. You mean to tell me they couldn't give him a few games that David Cone and John Flaherty had been scheduled to do?

And do they really think anyone is buying that budgetary constraints crap?

21 Comments:

Anonymous said...

If you polled Yankee fans and asked if they wanted Kaat or Kay ... Kaat would win hands down.

Greg Cohen said...

In a landslide.

Anonymous said...

Get rid of Kay and bring Kitty back.
Kitty and Singleton are the best combo. The rest are a bunch of self serving blowhards.

Anonymous said...

Why don't we let the big wigs at YES know how we feel by starting a petition to bring Kitty back?

Greg Cohen said...

I wonder if they would even care.

Anonymous said...

No they won't.

Bentton said...

so the mlb network is gonna show the first game at the new digs?

Greg Cohen said...

MLB Network and YES are doing the game. YES will probably blackout the MLB coverage is the NY area.

Bentton said...

yes! i get to see the game here in maryland! even if i get a job by then, i'm takin' off to watch this game!

Anonymous said...

Jim Kaat is one of the best analysts around. YES is being very foolish. Penny-wise, pound foolish.

Anonymous said...

YES never got rid of Kaat he retired and then they moved on. They have enough analyst.

O'Neil, Singletary, Flaherty are all better than Kaat.

I always thought yankee fans overrated Kaat.

Greg Cohen said...

"O'Neil, Singletary, Flaherty are all better than Kaat."

Is that a joke?

Anonymous said...

O'Neil and Flaherty are better than Kaat, are you insane. I can't even tell whether I'm hearing O'Neil or Flaherty cause they both sound the same and call the game the same monotone way.

Anonymous said...

O'Neil is by far the best analyst in new york. He gives you a lot of inside and knowledge and also has a good sense of humor.

O'Neil is a true yankee something Kaat never was.

Greg Cohen said...

What does being a "true Yankee" have to do with being a good analyst?

Anonymous said...

It has a lot to do with it. I dont want to keep hearing about Jim Kaat stupid Minnesota twins stories, I could care less about the twins. I'm watching a yankee's game.

Also Kaat never gives any credit to the hitters its always about the pitchers with him.

YES needs to get O'Neil to broadcast all the games. He is far better than Kaat.

Greg Cohen said...

You're entitled to your opinion, but I have to disagree.

Anonymous said...

Any chance (please, please, please!!!) that Kitty could do radio and replace Suzyn? Goodness gracious!

Jeff said...

I never was a big fan of O'Neill as a player, but he does get me chuckling when he's on the broadcast and I think he's a decent commentator.

I think David Cone is one of the best analysts they have. He's a little dry, but seems to know his stuff more than anybody else.

Michael Kay - I can do without.

Anonymous said...

Can we just resurrect Rizzuto and get Tony Kubek back please?

Anonymous said...

YES could use an upgrade when it comes to analyst.
They should get rid of Cone and bring Kaat back. Not a fan of Cone as an analyst.


One thing I remember about Kaat when he did YES games, is his hate for the slider.
Would have been interesting to hear what he thinks of Joba's slider. lol