Courtesy Baltimore Sun

(December 11, 2009) The Mid-Atlantic Sports Network has had discussions with former Orioles executive vice president Mike Flanagan and could talk to as many as 20 other candidates about their open color commentator position, MASN spokesman Todd Webster said today.

Buck Martinez, who had broadcasted Orioles games for the past seven seasons, left MASN this week to become the play-by-play man for the Toronto Blue Jays on Rogers SportsNet.

"We've spoken to Mike, but we will speak with probably 20 other people before it's all said and done," Webster said.

Flanagan acknowledged that he's had discussions with MASN officials, but he didn't want to comment further. Flanagan, who has spent this year in a transitional period after being a top executive for the organization for six years, has had two stints as an Orioles color commentator. He has spent four decades in the organization in various roles, from Cy Young-winning pitcher, to pitching coach to the top decision maker in the front office.

Webster said that the network will consider a variety of options in replacing Martinez, who was the color commentator for approximately 80 games during the 2009 season, essentially sharing the role with Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer.

"MASN is in a unique position among regional sports networks to have such a deep bench," Webster said. "At this point, MASN is considering all of its options from its existing bench to looking outside. We'll probably be considering things until the early part of the spring. There is no immediate need to make a decision."

The rest of the MASN broadcasting team is expected to return for the 2010 season.

Martinez will be returning to Toronto, where he spent 21 years as a manager, player and broadcaster. This will be his first foray as a regular play-by-play man, and he'll also continue to provide commentary for weekend and playoff games for TBS.

"MASN was terrific. From top to bottom, it was a great place to be," Martinez said. "It was tough to leave. The fans have welcomed me in very well, and you know what, the club is going to get better. But that being said, it was an opportunity that I hadn't done in baseball. A chance to go back to Toronto, where I spent 21 years, a chance to do play-by-play and a chance to reunite with some people who I've known for years is pretty special."

blog comments powered by Disqus

Accelerate Your Sports Broadcasting Career

Meet Employers

Secrets Revealed

Radio Demos, Resumes

TV Demos, Resumes

Sports Broadcasting Books

Sportscastings Jobs

Show Prep Links