So Dean Blundell made it to the Round Table. Since I was in traffic on Eglinton for what seemed like forever I didn’t turn my dial as I originally anticipated and inoted listened through to about 6:30. I was kind of surprised how well he performed.
It will be interesting to see where this leads for the talking heads, the different shows, and maybe even the network in general.
scarboro_scamp
November 26, 2016 4:53 pm
Please read ‘instead’ for ‘inoted.’ Pre-holiday fat fingers have affected my typing skills…
Omar
November 26, 2016 7:02 pm
Blundell did well.
JM
November 26, 2016 7:48 pm
Easy to see the standards being applied to Dean here. It's Donald Trump at the debates. A really low bar. "Trump won the debate, he didn't absolutely embarrass himself like he often does!". I admit to voting for Rob Ford and I had buyers remorse weeks later at trying to send a message about David Miller, the prevous mayor. That's where it is now, for the host of a morning host in the biggest city in the country. "He didn't do awful". That's the gold standard. But like Trump was legitimized as a presidential candidate, Dean has been legitimized as sports talk host, there's no other way to put it, yet if the rumblings from TSM are to be believed, maybe the embarrassing nature of it all has finally become too much for the bigwigs.
Randy
November 26, 2016 8:11 pm
I agree. Thought he was much better on the roundtable than in the morning. It's a different setting/crowd though – he can debate the "third best song in a gentleman's club" at 6am on a Thursday morning with George and Ryan….but you can't do that from 5-7 on a Friday with Bob. He played to the audience and stature of the show.
Saw Jonah mention on Twitter that he heard changes could be in store for the Fan mornings. Can't imagine any change involves Blair as his show seems pretty secure; only move he'd make is to replace Bob eventually. Natually you'd think Dean and George are on thin ice – they definitely don't fit in any other time slot so if there's a shake up, those two are gone. Who would take over mornings?
Primetime
November 26, 2016 9:21 pm
I thought Dean did an excellent job. One of the better round tables in a long time. Anybody over Ken Reid.
I am with you scarboro_scamp with regards to Blundell, I thought he did rather well, Colour me surprised
Steve in Waterloo
November 27, 2016 9:42 am
Yup, no fart talk.
I kept checking to see – is this really the same guy?
Why do they think AM radio needs to be so stupid???
yaz
November 27, 2016 11:21 am
Somebody told McLennan that using the word 'narrative' makes you sound more intelligent. He suddenly started using the word and overuses it, often incorrectly. Not anywhere close to the level of 'hunnerd percent' abuse by Kevin Barker though.
I was just happy to see a show without Shannon, since he appears (based on the last two weeks) to have become the de facto PTS co-host in the 4:00-5:00 slot.
A roundtable without his constant interruptions and useless commentary is refreshing.
Robinaurora
November 28, 2016 8:46 am
I’ve noticed the overuse (and often incorrectly) of the word narrative by McClennan or is it McLennan?). They could create a drinking game there. Take a drink evertical tI’m he sas it….McClennan also invented the word ” you guyses” as the plural of “you guys”… (I’m sure they’ll hate to read any form or criticism, but man those “guyses” on overdrive do an awful lot of bullying, so they’ve got it coming. If they see someone mess up, they’re lIke a pack of wolves with it….Having said all that, I think it’s a good show, enertaining, funny and they know their stuff. (And no, its not all hockey as people who don’t listen always say about the show). McCown and his crew make me feel 100 years old, so I won’t be back.
Pete
November 28, 2016 10:20 am
I didn't get a chance to hear Blundell on the roundtable, and good for him for doing an admirable job by all accounts. But I'm trying to piece together why having him on there has anything to do with a potential shakeup in the morning. Or that it will help them get listeners to his morning show. It's not like he is going to bring that intelligent conversation over to the mornings. Nor will it mean the games of George "Raspy" Rusic and Ryan "Giggles" Fabro are going to be upped.
Agree 100%……………the use of the word "narrative" on sports radio is tiresome and unnecessary…………..at one point Wheeler used to use that word several times during each show in an attempt to sound smart
MjwW
November 30, 2016 7:21 pm
Am I alone in thinking the quality of PTS has dropped dramatically since Cox returned? Especially in the last month or so. Presumably after his probation period ended and he started feeling secure, thus returning to his old, annoying ways?
In previous stints as co-host, Cox's constant interruptions and pointless diversions were more reigned in by McCown, but since McCown's mind is half-focused on retirement so he just lets Cox runs roughshod over the show. I now only listen when the guest interests me, otherwise my radio is tuned elsewhere. Honestly, I'd take over Reid over him or even Shannon.
Anthony
December 1, 2016 10:06 am
Damien is refreshing because he keeps Bob accountable. When Shannon is there at 4, he just agrees with whatever Bob says, unless its disparaging the NHL. With other sports, Shannon doesn't have the knowledge to challenge Bob's rants. Damien does have the knowledge to challenge him, and he does challenge Bob, which is good.
jackbee
December 1, 2016 1:04 pm
Musings on recent spots media happenings alairmngy lacking fom the host of this blog, so I'll fill in for y'all.
Very competent covering of TFC playoff action on TSN last week, and last night. Wildman and analyst Greg Sutton are very solid football aka soccer announcers. though Wildman kept repeating a little too much about goal differential and who TFC would be playing if thy won this gam in the first appx. 1/3 of this game. Kristian Jack an excellent sideline announcer with astute analysis, and captured the mood of the game and the unbelievable crowd and fan reaction during game and post game TFC interviews.
Now to TSN's Andii Petrillo who is a barely adequate host on Leafs Lunch and even les adequate as TSN host for TFC playoff goals. She brings little analytical status to the coverage, plays kept mentioning at pre game and at half time what the attendance was at BMO, last night.
Just found out in listening to today's TSN Lead Lunch from Petrillo that her husband is an assistant coach with TFC. Can you repeat after me 'conflict of interest.' The optics don't look good for TSN putting Petrillo in that sceanrio, especially if TFC was out it by half time or if they had lost the game.
I don't know if she has football aka soccer playing experience but why not put TSN Kate Beirness as host for TFC game next season. She's much more personable than Petrillo and more importantly, a more experienced and better sportscaster. While we're at it. give Beirness host of TSN Leafs Lunch and watch how the ratings for said show will close the gap in listenership to Sportsnet's Hockey Central.
Beirness can easily take valuable broadcasting airwave space from Patrick O'Sullivan who brings nothing ot Leaf Lunch like he did today when to paraphrase once more "people who never played the game."
Petrillo in today's Leafs Lunch gives an 'A' grade to Calgary's Kiris Versteeg "because he's a nice guy." Flames G Johnson had a tremendous game in getting the shutout, and without him Versteeg's goaL doesn't matter and FlameS probably lose the game. Give more thoughts to your grade designations A.P.
Lastly watching Leafs-Flames game last night on Sportsnet I was surprised regular Sportsnet Flames announcers Rick Ball and Kelly Hrudey. They're a serviceable announcing team, with Hrudey giving the game some astute analysis being former NHL goalie of note.
So what message does Sportsnet send the aforementioned by having to fly in the mostly adequate Dave Randorf and the ever dull former NHL journeyman player Louis DeBrusk as analyst. Will Ball and Hrudey be the announcers of Flames return game in T.O. if game on Sportsnet — highly doubt it.
DeBrusk sounded as listless as the opening few minutes were for the Leafs. His only interesting remark was relating to Flames G Johnson being amenable to game day interviews when he's playing later that day, having spoken to him earlier said day.
Omar
December 1, 2016 1:26 pm
Another vote for Cox as cohost. As stated above, he is not afraid to challenge Bob and I think that he asks good questions as well. Overall I think he does a good job.
Mike S
December 1, 2016 2:08 pm
Bob Elliott is a guest right now on Scott MacArthur's show………………first time I have ever heard him on 1050 or any other TSN radio station
McCown's pledge earlier this year to have him on PTS regularly never ended up happening…………I guess that means he either changed his mind or he got overruled by Rogers executives
Bob Canuck
December 1, 2016 3:24 pm
There is no question that there are many valid criticisms of Toronto sports media; however, I would like to draw attention to Scott Wheeler's terrific "Is William Nylander lazy and inconsistent?" post at Pension Plan Puppets. Use the link below to read the article.
I think it is a very well-written, thorough, and balanced article, which is much needed given the superficial "analysis" that is typically presented by local media "experts". For me, it highlights the advantage that blogs have over newspapers, radio, and television: a forum where lengthy and thorough analysis can easily be presented.
Also, after reading Scott Wheeler's effective use of data, pictures and video, it re-confirms for me how poorly served we are by televised sports coverage. I recognize that there are time constraints in television but I don't see why Rogers or TSN hockey broadcasts, as examples, could not occasionally drop a between-periods chatterbox segment and replace it with a session using video to demonstrate the tactical aspects of hockey (positioning for an effective forecheck, break-out systems, etc.).
Anyway, just wanted to specifically highlight Scott Wheeler's excellent piece and also to note the good work that can be consistently found at Pension Plan Puppets.
Frank
December 2, 2016 12:02 pm
I’ve never been a Damian Cox fan, however I find recently that I’ve enjoyed listening to him and agree with his opinions. To the person who said he challenges Bob and keeps him accountable, that is bang on. He doesn’t let Bob get away with the many throwaway statements he makes on a regular basis. He also seems to watch most sports, whereas Bob doesn’t sound like he watches much outside of the Blue Jays.
That's why he's better than most co-hosts that Bob has had in recent years, they almost always bow to Bob's comments (John Shannon anyone), be it due to lack or knowledge or being a FOB, where as Cox has more knowledge, and doesn't care what people think about him, so he's more apt to take on Bob when Bob needs to be held accountable.
Cox is a gong show online and on Twitter, Im happy he's locked his account so I don't have to read him, but he's good in this role.
First!
So Dean Blundell made it to the Round Table. Since I was in traffic on Eglinton for what seemed like forever I didn’t turn my dial as I originally anticipated and inoted listened through to about 6:30. I was kind of surprised how well he performed.
It will be interesting to see where this leads for the talking heads, the different shows, and maybe even the network in general.
Please read ‘instead’ for ‘inoted.’ Pre-holiday fat fingers have affected my typing skills…
Blundell did well.
Easy to see the standards being applied to Dean here. It's Donald Trump at the debates. A really low bar. "Trump won the debate, he didn't absolutely embarrass himself like he often does!". I admit to voting for Rob Ford and I had buyers remorse weeks later at trying to send a message about David Miller, the prevous mayor. That's where it is now, for the host of a morning host in the biggest city in the country. "He didn't do awful". That's the gold standard. But like Trump was legitimized as a presidential candidate, Dean has been legitimized as sports talk host, there's no other way to put it, yet if the rumblings from TSM are to be believed, maybe the embarrassing nature of it all has finally become too much for the bigwigs.
I agree. Thought he was much better on the roundtable than in the morning. It's a different setting/crowd though – he can debate the "third best song in a gentleman's club" at 6am on a Thursday morning with George and Ryan….but you can't do that from 5-7 on a Friday with Bob. He played to the audience and stature of the show.
Saw Jonah mention on Twitter that he heard changes could be in store for the Fan mornings. Can't imagine any change involves Blair as his show seems pretty secure; only move he'd make is to replace Bob eventually. Natually you'd think Dean and George are on thin ice – they definitely don't fit in any other time slot so if there's a shake up, those two are gone. Who would take over mornings?
I thought Dean did an excellent job. One of the better round tables in a long time. Anybody over Ken Reid.
I am with you scarboro_scamp with regards to Blundell, I thought he did rather well, Colour me surprised
Yup, no fart talk.
I kept checking to see – is this really the same guy?
Why do they think AM radio needs to be so stupid???
Somebody told McLennan that using the word 'narrative' makes you sound more intelligent. He suddenly started using the word and overuses it, often incorrectly. Not anywhere close to the level of 'hunnerd percent' abuse by Kevin Barker though.
I was just happy to see a show without Shannon, since he appears (based on the last two weeks) to have become the de facto PTS co-host in the 4:00-5:00 slot.
A roundtable without his constant interruptions and useless commentary is refreshing.
I’ve noticed the overuse (and often incorrectly) of the word narrative by McClennan or is it McLennan?). They could create a drinking game there. Take a drink evertical tI’m he sas it….McClennan also invented the word ” you guyses” as the plural of “you guys”… (I’m sure they’ll hate to read any form or criticism, but man those “guyses” on overdrive do an awful lot of bullying, so they’ve got it coming. If they see someone mess up, they’re lIke a pack of wolves with it….Having said all that, I think it’s a good show, enertaining, funny and they know their stuff. (And no, its not all hockey as people who don’t listen always say about the show). McCown and his crew make me feel 100 years old, so I won’t be back.
I didn't get a chance to hear Blundell on the roundtable, and good for him for doing an admirable job by all accounts. But I'm trying to piece together why having him on there has anything to do with a potential shakeup in the morning. Or that it will help them get listeners to his morning show. It's not like he is going to bring that intelligent conversation over to the mornings. Nor will it mean the games of George "Raspy" Rusic and Ryan "Giggles" Fabro are going to be upped.
Agree 100%……………the use of the word "narrative" on sports radio is tiresome and unnecessary…………..at one point Wheeler used to use that word several times during each show in an attempt to sound smart
Am I alone in thinking the quality of PTS has dropped dramatically since Cox returned? Especially in the last month or so. Presumably after his probation period ended and he started feeling secure, thus returning to his old, annoying ways?
In previous stints as co-host, Cox's constant interruptions and pointless diversions were more reigned in by McCown, but since McCown's mind is half-focused on retirement so he just lets Cox runs roughshod over the show. I now only listen when the guest interests me, otherwise my radio is tuned elsewhere. Honestly, I'd take over Reid over him or even Shannon.
Damien is refreshing because he keeps Bob accountable. When Shannon is there at 4, he just agrees with whatever Bob says, unless its disparaging the NHL. With other sports, Shannon doesn't have the knowledge to challenge Bob's rants. Damien does have the knowledge to challenge him, and he does challenge Bob, which is good.
Musings on recent spots media happenings alairmngy lacking fom the host of this blog, so I'll fill in for y'all.
Very competent covering of TFC playoff action on TSN last week, and last night. Wildman and analyst Greg Sutton are very solid football aka soccer announcers. though Wildman kept repeating a little too much about goal differential and who TFC would be playing if thy won this gam in the first appx. 1/3 of this game. Kristian Jack an excellent sideline announcer with astute analysis, and captured the mood of the game and the unbelievable crowd and fan reaction during game and post game TFC interviews.
Now to TSN's Andii Petrillo who is a barely adequate host on Leafs Lunch and even les adequate as TSN host for TFC playoff goals. She brings little analytical status to the coverage, plays kept mentioning at pre game and at half time what the attendance was at BMO, last night.
Just found out in listening to today's TSN Lead Lunch from Petrillo that her husband is an assistant coach with TFC. Can you repeat after me 'conflict of interest.' The optics don't look good for TSN putting Petrillo in that sceanrio, especially if TFC was out it by half time or if they had lost the game.
I don't know if she has football aka soccer playing experience but why not put TSN Kate Beirness as host for TFC game next season. She's much more personable than Petrillo and more importantly, a more experienced and better sportscaster. While we're at it. give Beirness host of TSN Leafs Lunch and watch how the ratings for said show will close the gap in listenership to Sportsnet's Hockey Central.
Beirness can easily take valuable broadcasting airwave space from Patrick O'Sullivan who brings nothing ot Leaf Lunch like he did today when to paraphrase once more "people who never played the game."
Petrillo in today's Leafs Lunch gives an 'A' grade to Calgary's Kiris Versteeg "because he's a nice guy." Flames G Johnson had a tremendous game in getting the shutout, and without him Versteeg's goaL doesn't matter and FlameS probably lose the game. Give more thoughts to your grade designations A.P.
Lastly watching Leafs-Flames game last night on Sportsnet I was surprised regular Sportsnet Flames announcers Rick Ball and Kelly Hrudey. They're a serviceable announcing team, with Hrudey giving the game some astute analysis being former NHL goalie of note.
So what message does Sportsnet send the aforementioned by having to fly in the mostly adequate Dave Randorf and the ever dull former NHL journeyman player Louis DeBrusk as analyst. Will Ball and Hrudey be the announcers of Flames return game in T.O. if game on Sportsnet — highly doubt it.
DeBrusk sounded as listless as the opening few minutes were for the Leafs. His only interesting remark was relating to Flames G Johnson being amenable to game day interviews when he's playing later that day, having spoken to him earlier said day.
Another vote for Cox as cohost. As stated above, he is not afraid to challenge Bob and I think that he asks good questions as well. Overall I think he does a good job.
Bob Elliott is a guest right now on Scott MacArthur's show………………first time I have ever heard him on 1050 or any other TSN radio station
McCown's pledge earlier this year to have him on PTS regularly never ended up happening…………I guess that means he either changed his mind or he got overruled by Rogers executives
There is no question that there are many valid criticisms of Toronto sports media; however, I would like to draw attention to Scott Wheeler's terrific "Is William Nylander lazy and inconsistent?" post at Pension Plan Puppets. Use the link below to read the article.
http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2016/12/1/13786304/is-william-nylander-lazy-and-inconsistent
I think it is a very well-written, thorough, and balanced article, which is much needed given the superficial "analysis" that is typically presented by local media "experts". For me, it highlights the advantage that blogs have over newspapers, radio, and television: a forum where lengthy and thorough analysis can easily be presented.
Also, after reading Scott Wheeler's effective use of data, pictures and video, it re-confirms for me how poorly served we are by televised sports coverage. I recognize that there are time constraints in television but I don't see why Rogers or TSN hockey broadcasts, as examples, could not occasionally drop a between-periods chatterbox segment and replace it with a session using video to demonstrate the tactical aspects of hockey (positioning for an effective forecheck, break-out systems, etc.).
Anyway, just wanted to specifically highlight Scott Wheeler's excellent piece and also to note the good work that can be consistently found at Pension Plan Puppets.
I’ve never been a Damian Cox fan, however I find recently that I’ve enjoyed listening to him and agree with his opinions. To the person who said he challenges Bob and keeps him accountable, that is bang on. He doesn’t let Bob get away with the many throwaway statements he makes on a regular basis. He also seems to watch most sports, whereas Bob doesn’t sound like he watches much outside of the Blue Jays.
That's why he's better than most co-hosts that Bob has had in recent years, they almost always bow to Bob's comments (John Shannon anyone), be it due to lack or knowledge or being a FOB, where as Cox has more knowledge, and doesn't care what people think about him, so he's more apt to take on Bob when Bob needs to be held accountable.
Cox is a gong show online and on Twitter, Im happy he's locked his account so I don't have to read him, but he's good in this role.