So  a couple of weeks ago,  wrote a 10 things broadcasters must do to be adequate post.  Its really one of my favorite topics since fans spend so much time hearing the game through them, and yet most broadcasters not only lack passion, they have no idea what information really needs to get out there.

Well, after watching many games on both TBS and FOX this post-season, I have a bigger complaint.  While its great that FOX managed to get a shot of John Lackey last night trying to talk his way back into the game when Mike Scioscia came to remove him, they have fallen in love just a little too much with the close-up.  I don’t care what ARod’s face looks like when he is swinging the bat, I want to see his swing! Same with Vlad Guerrero.  I want to see where someone is standing in relation to the catcher.  I want to see how the defense is lined up.  I don’t care about the concentration on Jeter’s face as he is waiting for a pitch, I want to see where he is standing!

Remember the days when there were two cameras? One shooting in from center field to see the pitch to home plate, and the other behind home that had to pan from left to right field to show all the distance between home plate.  Well I miss that.  You saw the runner going.  You saw the wheel play.  You saw baseball.  Now?  All you see are serious faces.

How are we supposed to see the game (and not the people) if they don’t show us the game?

OK, we all know FOX likes to be dramatic and build tension in the later innings.  Fine.  Then at that point feel free to move from the pitcher staring in for the sign, the first baseman’s face as he stands ready, the batter focusing on the pitcher’s hand.  But at least in the early innings, show us the entire field!

And show us the stretch, the swing, the slide step, etc.  Both TBS and FOX are doing it.  Too many cameras. Too many cool angles.  Not enough baseball.

Maybe for the World Series FOX might figure out that those watching want to watch baseball.  I won’t hold my breath though.