The TBS broadcasters have been taking a lot of heat lately for their unispired commentary.  To be fair, I have to say I really like Ron Darling, but I think the criticism against Bob Brenley is more than fair.  He has held just about every job in baseball and still he says the most inane things.  The one job he hasn’t held is fan. Instead of complaining endlessly, I thought I would put together a little list of the important tools that any broadcaster needs to have to actually add something to the conversation.

1. TV Cameras rarely give us a shot of the whole field anymore.  Tell us how the defense is lining up.  Double play depth?  Close to the lines?  Behind the runner?

2. While hitting trends can easily be found on the internet, we shouldn’t have to watch with the computer on our laps- tell us how the hitters match-up against the pitcher.  The media relations department spends a lot of time compiling those numbers, and printing them out for you.  Read them and use them.

3.Know what types of pitcher the pitcher throws, and call them as such.  If you don’t know what they are learn about them and teach the fans at home too. Breaking pitch is ok every now and then, but if the pitcher, throws several- are you really telling us anything?

4.Even with all the “cool graphics”, the broadcaster should remind us the count, the score, the inning and who is on base on a regular basis. Yes, it might be TV, but not everyone watches every pitch.

5.Stop describing players as “real ballplayers”, “get your uniform type” or “gritty” unless you are going to point out who is not any of those things.

6.If you make a mistake, admit it.  NO ONE IS PERFECT.  Stop trying to pretend that the line-out caught by a deep second baseman but called as going out was a tiny error.  I learned a long time ago, people won’t blame you for errors that you quickly acknowledge, just for the ones you know are wrong but continue to pretend weren’t.

7. If you played, and you were a pitcher, than talk about the game from a pitchers point of view. If you were a hitter, do the same.  Don’t try to speak as a hitter if you were an American League pitcher your entire career.  You sound pompous, and I don’t believe anything.

8. Remember, this is the time of year where spouses and friends who may not know the game are watching.  Explain terms, your own or common ones.  Those new fans will remember you.

9. Have an opinion and explain why you have that opinion.  Many say things half way, hemming and hawing about it,  while others say something strong but add nothing to back it up so you are left scratching your head.

10. Save the Schtick.  Call the game.

I’m throwing up a thread on the message board about the things that you hate when broadcasters do- go ahead, get it out!   Maybe we can put together the top 10 worst offenses of broadcasters.