Stone to Broadcast with Hawk on TV

I’m thrilled with this latest news about Steve Stone moving over to the television booth after signing a 6-year deal with a club option for a seventh year.  Darrin Jackson’s option will not be picked up by the Sox, but he has reportedly been offered the radio gig next to Ed Farmer.  He has yet to say whether or not he will take it.  This year, the more I listened to DJ with Hawk, the more annoyed I became with DJ.  I just do not think he is all that good of an announcer, and I’ve felt that way for years.  Guys typically get better as time goes on, but DJ just remains mediocre in my opinion.  Having Stoney next to Hawk will make it the best television call in Chicago baseball as far as I’m concerned.  I’ve been listening to the radio with TV this year, just to hear Stone.  If DJ does take the radio gig, I will be listening to TV alone, even though I very much like Ed Farmer. 

The Sox blew it with Harry Carey when he went to the other side of town.  After the Cubs blew it with Stone after their childish ‘booth calling’ antics, I saw a great opportunity for the Sox to ‘right the ship’ after the Carey deal by snatching up Stone.  It took a few years, but they finally did it, and I’m very excited about this. 

Even if DJ was a better announcer, I think having a balance from a hitter and a pitcher’s perspective is a good idea, and always thought having Hawk with Stone would be a good combination.  I enjoyed the games they did together on ’07.  I’m very much looking forward to hearing the new broadcast team next year.