Twins color announcers

[peterb18]

Very seldom have I created a topic but I would like to know what you think about the color announcers…..especially Morneau and Perkins. Watching the game tonight there is non- stop talking and evaluation. Not relaxing. It almost sounds like a seminar, or lecture. Most of us all played baseball, or understand the game and we don’t need never ending babble. The Producers need to work with these people on their craft. A requirement for these color guys: listen to tapes of Vince Scully…sometimes less is more.

[DocBauer]

I will politely disagree. I enjoy a 3 man booth often. 

In tonight's game, what I enjoy is the perspective of a hitter and a pitcher in the booth.

While I, as a fan, enjoyed Blyleven, I did understand some opinions that he had become a bit of the "grumpy old man". But even at the end, I really thought he shined when there was a 3rd person in the booth. He had the wherewithal to ask questions and open up discussion with whoever joined in. My guilty pleasure was when Kaat or another veteran was in the booth to share some great stories.

I do appreciate the fact that sometimes there can be too much talking. I enjoy Smalley when he's in the booth even though others don't. He sometimes talks too much, and will repeat himself, but he's smart and I like what he has to say.

There are enough "quiet moments" during a game that "talk" doesn't bother me. Maybe it's because I spent decades just listening to the radio before the internet allowed me to watch the game. But comparing anyone to Scully isn't really fair. First and foremost, he was the primary play by play guy, and not the color guy. And he was also tremendous at allowing room for his color sidekick to shine. I think Dick is pretty good at that. But Scully was the  greatest play by play of all time. Only Herb Carneal, IMO, was anywhere close.

[CRF]

I agree to a point...Morneau needs to learn when to shut up. No doubt he knows his stuff, but he goes on and on and on at times. I like him, but I wish he would figure out how to end a thought with less words. Perk is ok, he sounds like more of a guy that you could have a beer with, as well as knowing the game. He's also not a monotone voice like Morneau. That's a plus. I don't mind the two of them up there with Bremer, as long as they take their breaks from talking every once in a while. I'm not really a Smalley fan. He's fair, nothing special. Not as polished a speaker as he should/could be. Kind of annoying at times. I don't really care for LaTroy very much yet. He needs to work on things. As with Smalley...he's just ok. I hope we never get Torii again...he's terrible. Just my two cents. 

[wabene]

First off nothing personal against any of these guys they all seem like good people. My favorite combination was Perk and LaTroy, nothing too serious all the time and I liked the banter. So in descending order Perk, LaTroy, Smalley and far in the rear Morneau. Honestly when I see him on I am disappointed. Perk is a nice combination of light banter and info if a little wordy. LaTroy keeps it simple and concise. Nice quiet stretches during the game. Smalley is a little old school for my tastes and not smooth, but a good vibe with him. Morneau needs a new editing circuit. He says things twice thinking he needs to explain further. He speaks double the words necessary. The golfer who takes 12 practice swings. Everything links to the psychological side of the game, confidence, which could be interesting but only once in a while. What is the opposite of edgy? A glass of warm milk. Which brings me to the guy I really like, AJ Pierzinski.

[Trov]

11 hours ago, peterb18 said:

Very seldom have I created a topic but I would like to know what you think about the color announcers…..especially Morneau and Perkins. Watching the game tonight there is non- stop talking and evaluation. Not relaxing. It almost sounds like a seminar, or lecture. Most of us all played baseball, or understand the game and we don’t need never ending babble. The Producers need to work with these people on their craft. A requirement for these color guys: listen to tapes of Vince Scully…sometimes less is more.

I am of the opinion that on TV the play by play guy servers very little role, other than to grab the viewers attention that something happened, unlike on radio where they need to paint a picture for you.  On TV the color commentator(s) job is to explain to the viewer why things were done a certain way, or what a viewer should be looking for.

Not every viewer will have the same experience, and some producers have the view that they will make sure if this is the first game someone has seen, or know nothing about the game, they will understand it.  Now, in terms of the two commentators, personally I like the debating they do because Perk is an analytic guy and Justin is not.  So they debate the two, but I like debate.  I can see why some would not like it because it is not adding much to the game and more like a sports debate show. Also, I have never heard anyone refer to Vin Scully as Vince.  His given name was Vincent, but he was always known as Vin as an announcer, but I never heard anyone call him Vince. 

[peterb18]

1 hour ago, wabene said:

First off nothing personal against any of these guys they all seem like good people. My favorite combination was Perk and LaTroy, nothing too serious all the time and I liked the banter. So in descending order Perk, LaTroy, Smalley and far in the rear Morneau. Honestly when I see him on I am disappointed. Perk is a nice combination of light banter and info if a little wordy. LaTroy keeps it simple and concise. Nice quiet stretches during the game. Smalley is a little old school for my tastes and not smooth, but a good vibe with him. Morneau needs a new editing circuit. He says things twice thinking he needs to explain further. He speaks double the words necessary. The golfer who takes 12 practice swings. Everything links to the psychological side of the game, confidence, which could be interesting but only once in a while. What is the opposite of edgy? A glass of warm milk. Which brings me to the guy I really like, AJ Pierzinski.

Good analysis! I agree.

[Linus]

I agree with the op. Way too much blathering on about stuff not even related to the action. If you have something to add to the game say it and say it succinctly. Otherwise it’s more than fine to say nothing. For this reason I like Smalley the best - he talks the least of the bunch. 

[twinsfan02]

12 hours ago, peterb18 said:

Very seldom have I created a topic but I would like to know what you think about the color announcers…..especially Morneau and Perkins. Watching the game tonight there is non- stop talking and evaluation. Not relaxing. It almost sounds like a seminar, or lecture. Most of us all played baseball, or understand the game and we don’t need never ending babble. The Producers need to work with these people on their craft. A requirement for these color guys: listen to tapes of Vince Scully…sometimes less is more.

Vin Scully was beyond boring to listen to.

[Tlaker]

Since I get 95% of my Twins coverage via the radio, I can really only comment to those guys.

I have really become a fan of Provus as he has gained more experience…. still has trouble calling the deep drives…. gets everyone thinking home run on warning track outs, nitpicking I know.

Atteberry I can do without…. talks incessantly and doesn’t bring much, imo.

Gladden needs to ride off into the sunset

[CRF]

46 minutes ago, Tlaker said:

Since I get 95% of my Twins coverage via the radio, I can really only comment to those guys.

I have really become a fan of Provus as he has gained more experience…. still has trouble calling the deep drives…. gets everyone thinking home run on warning track outs, nitpicking I know.

Atteberry I can do without…. talks incessantly and doesn’t bring much, imo.

Gladden needs to ride off into the sunset

Agree on Provus...he's pretty good. Don't mind him a bit. Atteberry is the worst. Can't stand him. He likes to hear himself talk, and he must have a notebook in front of him with every cliche known to mankind, and he uses them constantly. Yes, it's probably time for Danny to get on the bike and head out. 

[Squirrel]

After years of having to listen to Hawk Harrelson, I’m good with any and all announcers the Twins have had. I like Justin, Perk and Hawkins and I like that they switch off and rotate. Variety is the spice of life

[Number3]

What gets me is when the broadcasters think they are the show and not what they are broadcasting (See Joe Buck). Today very few listen to or watch an entire game and part of the reason for that, to me, is the incessant chatter. I leave the TV audio muted many times in all sports depending upon who the announcers are. There is nothing wrong with a little dead air between pitches but it seems to be the kiss of death to most of the broadcast teams who I do wish would just call the game and throw all of their notes in the trash.  "And when this ball comes down, the game is ovaaaah" Now that is broadcasting. One of the old Senators announcers once said, "That ball was gone all the way. The only question was whether it was far enough."

 

[mrtwinsfan]

20 hours ago, peterb18 said:

Very seldom have I created a topic but I would like to know what you think about the color announcers…..especially Morneau and Perkins. Watching the game tonight there is non- stop talking and evaluation. Not relaxing. It almost sounds like a seminar, or lecture. Most of us all played baseball, or understand the game and we don’t need never ending babble. The Producers need to work with these people on their craft. A requirement for these color guys: listen to tapes of Vince Scully…sometimes less is more.

You are 100% right, gqtta let the Game flow - ambiance - Morneau can be okay if he would end his subject of thought before he starts another and so on and so on, pick your thoughts Justin thats great but yours are to repetitive - Quick to the moment of the game Great, let the Game be whats important ,  , not what you think others are thinking to much of that gets boring QUICK

[Peter]

I like Corey and Danny way better. Both are great!!! Corey has perfect voice and one if not the best in all of baseball. Bremer is ok as well the TV guys miss Bert though. 

[bighat]

Agree 100% - gotta stop with the non-stop chatter. Smalley is another guy who just won't be quiet. I remember when Tim Beckham got his 1st AB this season, Smalley didn't even recognize it and talked over the entire AB about something completely unrelated. Completely wasted the opportunity to let Dick tell a good baseball comeback story. There are moments when color guys need to shut their yapper. 

I'd say when you have former teammates like Perkins and Morneau, they're going to have almost too much chemistry and shouldn't be trusted to be in the booth together. That said, Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling are masterful broadcasters for the Mets, and they are former teammates. Maybe they just have more experience? 

Overall I feel the color position on the broadcasting staff has been lacking since Blyleven left. Kaat, Perkins, Morneau, Hawkins, even Hunter - have all been decent, but I honestly can't say I love listening to any of them. 

[dxpavelka]

On 8/29/2022 at 8:43 PM, peterb18 said:

Very seldom have I created a topic but I would like to know what you think about the color announcers…..especially Morneau and Perkins. Watching the game tonight there is non- stop talking and evaluation. Not relaxing. It almost sounds like a seminar, or lecture. Most of us all played baseball, or understand the game and we don’t need never ending babble. The Producers need to work with these people on their craft. A requirement for these color guys: listen to tapes of Vince Scully…sometimes less is more.

Worth noting that Vin was a play by play guy, not a color guy.

[Otaknam]

On 8/29/2022 at 6:43 PM, peterb18 said:

Very seldom have I created a topic but I would like to know what you think about the color announcers…..especially Morneau and Perkins. Watching the game tonight there is non- stop talking and evaluation. Not relaxing. It almost sounds like a seminar, or lecture. Most of us all played baseball, or understand the game and we don’t need never ending babble. The Producers need to work with these people on their craft. A requirement for these color guys: listen to tapes of Vince Scully…sometimes less is more.

I agree with you on Perkins. He needs to come up for air once in awhile. He can be nonstop chatter. However I have no problem with Morneau. Both former players are knowledgeable and articulate but need to tone it down a bit when they are on the air together. At least they don’t butcher the English language like Gladden does. 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Of the Twins Color Anslysts, I’m thrilled that Bert retired. I was so tired of his schtick, and he never adapted his analysis even though the pitching strategy of the game had clearly changed.

I haven’t watched many games, but most of them have been the three man boothes. I really like the banter when Perk and Morneau or LaTroy and Morneau are together. Much like the Game Thread, it’s like hanging out with friends at the Ballpark. When there’s “banter”, there’s less work on filling empty air with cliches.

[gunnarthor]

I like the three man booth. I'm ready for Bremer to go but the ex-players are solid. I think LaTroy was the best and I did enjoy Hunter when he did it a few times. Morneau is fine. I wish the group wasn't so homerish, it sometimes feels like they took lessons from Hawk Harrelson but I suspect they are just instructed not to criticize the home team.

[IndianaTwin]

2 hours ago, Otaknam said:

I agree with you on Perkins. He needs to come up for air once in awhile. He can be nonstop chatter. However I have no problem with Morneau. Both former players are knowledgeable and articulate but need to tone it down a bit when they are on the air together. At least they don’t butcher the English language like Gladden does. 

Gladden is speaking English? 

[solomon1930]

52 minutes ago, gunnarthor said:

I like the three man booth. I'm ready for Bremer to go but the ex-players are solid. I think LaTroy was the best and I did enjoy Hunter when he did it a few times. Morneau is fine. I wish the group wasn't so homerish, it sometimes feels like they took lessons from Hawk Harrelson but I suspect they are just instructed not to criticize the home team.

I don't think these guys are to bad,

Some other team's announcers I've heard are far worse in regard to being homerish. 

[chinmusic]

3 hours ago, Otaknam said:

At least they don’t butcher the English language like Gladden does. 

Noticed the past week or so, Perkins has been pronouncing "Urshela" correctly. He'd been putting the accent on the first syllable. (how about that Gio!)  I enjoy Bremer with Morneau. They play off each other well. Three in the booth a bit overwhelming for me.  I miss Marney Gellner. Her post game player interviews were great; very authentic.

[Vanimal46]

One of the things I miss when I lived out of state and watched on mlb.tv was park audio. No commentary, literally just sounds you’d hear if you were sitting at the stadium. I wish the option still existed on that platform and the regional sports networks. 

I think our broadcast crew is okay, nothing more or less. I roll my eyes at the occasional Bremergasm when a ball is caught at the warning track. I can’t recall any insight or story from the color analysts that made me think “wow, never knew that before.” 

[wsnydes]

I rarely listen to the TV announcers...for any sport aside from golf.  I do listen to the radio frequently enough and I like Provus.  I don't mind Dazzle.

But the vast majority of the time, the TV is muted and I've got music going on in the background.  If I don't like what I'm hearing, I have only myself to blame!  

[rv78]

Not a big fan of Morneau. He's too monotone. I actually like LaTroy. Injects some humor and isn't babbling all the time. Maybe isn't as knowledgable about the game as others or just doesn't want to project that way to the listeners which I'm fine with. I don't need someone to tell me why every swing or catch was made a certain way. Smalley is my least favorite for that very reason. Rambles on and on and evaluates or tries to describe everything that happens. Probably good for someone who doesn't understand the game but I don't need that. I usually shut the sound off when he's on. I actually miss Bert and wish he'd come back for a few games every year. As for 3 guys in the booth at once, it's too much. Too much banter and analysis for me. 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

4 hours ago, chinmusic said:

Noticed the past week or so, Perkins has been pronouncing "Urshela" correctly. He'd been putting the accent on the first syllable. (how about that Gio!)  I enjoy Bremer with Morneau. They play off each other well. Three in the booth a bit overwhelming for me.  I miss Marney Gellner. Her post game player interviews were great; very authentic.

Marney is also an awesome play by play announcer! Her spring training games and Lynx games are great!

[Squirrel]

20 hours ago, gunnarthor said:

I like the three man booth. I'm ready for Bremer to go but the ex-players are solid. I think LaTroy was the best and I did enjoy Hunter when he did it a few times. Morneau is fine. I wish the group wasn't so homerish, it sometimes feels like they took lessons from Hawk Harrelson but I suspect they are just instructed not to criticize the home team.

Oh come on. As one who had to listen to Harrelson for years, they are no way near that, at all. 

[beterday]

Announcers must be given parameters about what they are allowed to say on air.   Gladden on the radio will tell it like it is a little more and criticize a player when he screws up.  Last night Correa looks at a 93 mph fastball that couldn't have been centered any better if you had a tape measure and a slide rule.  Then proceeds to swing at two unhittable pitches and no comment.  An inning later Ryan leaves his slider in the middle and Morneau says, "Not too many major league hitters will miss that pitch."  I would love to hear some analysis of why Correa might have let that pitch go.

[TopGunn#22]

You just can't compare anyone to Vin Scully.  He was the greatest ever and in doing so, everyone comes up short.  I appreciate each of our color guys for what they bring.  I don't think any of them are flat out bad, they each have their strengths.  BAD play-by-play and color commentators stick out like someone scratching their nails across a blackboard.  The Twins don't have anybody THAT bad.  I like Smalley the best.  He grew up in a baseball family and clearly understands the nuances of the game.  I wish he was on more often.  Kaat should be in the HOF as a broadcaster as well.  Still hard to believe it took THAT long for a guy with 283 wins and 16 Gold Gloves to get in, but he's been a stellar broadcaster forever!!  Every time he's on I feel like I learn something.  

[prouster]

There seems to be a viewpoint shared by some that the announcers shouldn’t speak. Interesting. 
 

Personally, I don’t mind any of the color guys they use. Smalley isn’t my cup of tea, I guess, but I can tolerate him. I like Morneau and Perkins. Hawkins is fine. They’re all better than some of the shameless homers or stuffed suits on other teams’ broadcasts. And I like Bremer’s folksiness. It’s not for everyone, but it’s unique and to me harkens to the game’s pastoral origins. Maybe my standards are just low…