If you think Judd Sirott is painful to hear, then click here.
by znohitter on Apr 28, 2009 12:05 AM CDT
138 comments
I don't like Judd Sirott as a PBP guy.
I'm sure he's a wonderful person, and he loves his family very much, and he gives to a number of important charities. But he is not a good play-by-play man. And he and Ron don't really have any chemistry together, at least not like Cory. In fact, Judd seems pretty one-dimensional on the radio.
Now, I appreciate that the guy is new. But he's been doing AHL games for 12 years. He should be able to turn it on a bit more when he needs to. And this is the Cubs, for Ernie's sake. We couldn't have gotten someone a bit more natural?
As a result, I would like to inform all of you of the formation of the Judd Sirott Anti-Fan Club.
First meeting is tonight during the 5th inning in the Game Thread (or overflow, as applicable). BYOB, snacks provided. A smoking area will be provided.
Agenda consists of the following:
Come up with an acronym. And then a backronym.
Take nominations for a logo.
Elect representative to SABR (Society for Abolishing Bad Radio)
Write to BCB Store for sponsorship.
Quantify the level of bad Judd exhibits.
Take items for next meeting's agenda.
Nominate Moon Laser Feasibility Study directors (if we have time).
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
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Judd Sirott is freaking horrible.
Please get him off my radio!!
by aramis on Apr 28, 2009 2:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It's not as bad as the times Dave Otto was sitting in for Ronnie.
That was hard to listen to.
by katie casey on Apr 28, 2009 8:16 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You're right.
But Sirott is horrid. How they could have hired him — without really trying anyone else out in the role — is beyond me.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Apr 28, 2009 8:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not sure.
But could his name have had something to do with it?
by katie casey on Apr 28, 2009 8:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ya think?
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 28, 2009 8:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It shouldn't have.
If they wanted to hire a Sirott, they should have hired Bob, whose Cub fan credentials are impeccable.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Apr 28, 2009 8:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I find myself yelling at my radio,
“WHAT IS HAPPENING!” He simply lacks the skill to describe the action on the field for radio listeners.
It does make me REALLY appreciate Pat Hughes who is one of the best in baseball at describing the action on the field while chit chatting with Ronnie.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 28, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He constantly speaks in incredibly vague terms
“He tosses it over to first to get him”
Too many pronouns
by dr stabbingworth on Apr 28, 2009 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
All I know is
I find Bob’s newscasts painful. He projects a certain smugness that really irks me.
And on the sixth day, God created Joakim Noah...
by TheTruth11 on May 2, 2009 12:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Probably had to do with money
WGN had to pay no relocation costs, etc., to get Judd on board. I know people who applied with good credentials, but I’m not sure WGN was interested in outside parties.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Trey2317 on Apr 28, 2009 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I also suspect they hired him to save money.
As he was already on staff to cover hockey, it makes business sense to add him to the baseball staff.
It seems clear they weren’t looking for the best baseball announcer, just the most cost efficient way to fill the opening.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 28, 2009 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which is exactly the wrong reason to hire anyone.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Apr 28, 2009 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unless they're in a budget crunch
and under orders not to bring in any outside hires. Now, I don’t know that that is the case, but it could be one reason for turning to Judd (not that I agree with it).
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Trey2317 on Apr 28, 2009 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Tribune Co did just file for bankruptcy.
I bet that’s at the root of this.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 29, 2009 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plus he was already on the payroll
for Blackhawks-related broadcasts.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Apr 30, 2009 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Santo is hard to listen to, but...
I’m used to him, so I like him. I think it’s just a matter of time before Judd warms up.
I didn’t like Cory Provist much either at first.
Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.
by IowaCubs- on Apr 28, 2009 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seems kind of harsh
He is pretty much an intern. Give him some time, He has done play by play for what 16 innings of major league baseball? I think everyone got spoiled by Corey Provis (sp?) being so good.
by JonH on Apr 28, 2009 8:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If this were AAA ball, I'd be all about giving him some time.
But it isn’t. It’s a MLB team. It’s THE MLB team, as far as most of us are concerned. There should be no learning curve; any of that could have been handled in spring training. And Judd has enough experience in front of a microphone that he should be able to ease right into a rhythm. The fact that he hasn’t yet demonstrated the ability to sound natural makes me think he never will. And I really don’t relish the thought of spend the rest of the season, let alone future seasons, listening to his awkward play-calling, and (what’s worse) his interlocutory foot-stomping contests with Ron.
How long should we give sig lines at the bottom of the comments?
Bradley watch -- out 7 games of 18
by znohitter on Apr 28, 2009 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's a decent hockey announcer.
But hockey announcing and baseball announcing are two different skills. Example: I think Gary Thorne is a fine hockey announcer. On baseball, not so much.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Apr 28, 2009 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The point is...
… this is a high-profile job, not an internship. To hire someone with that little experience is disrespectful to the listening audience.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Apr 28, 2009 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to mention that people tuning out during the 5th is bad for ad revenues.
So I won’t mention that.
How long should we give sig lines at the bottom of the comments?
Bradley watch -- out 7 games of 18
by znohitter on Apr 28, 2009 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The only reason people
might tune out is because the team isn’t playing well.
Not because of one inning of what you people describe as poor pbp. If the team is on a 20-game winning streak, and breaking records along they way — oh sure — all of you are going to tune out during the “Judd Sirott” inning.
Yeah, right.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 28, 2009 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, but I will spend the inning complaining about Judd instead of listening to him.
Somehow I don’t think that’s what the Cubs or WGN really want.
How long should we give sig lines at the bottom of the comments?
Bradley watch -- out 7 games of 18
by znohitter on Apr 28, 2009 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They hired what they wanted, obviously.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 28, 2009 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think they hired the voice of least resistance.
I also think I will make some inquiries when I get back to DSM. Time to convince the I-Cubs that I am their next radio hire.
How long should we give sig lines at the bottom of the comments?
Bradley watch -- out 7 games of 18
by znohitter on Apr 28, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree.
Many times, I listen to the radio at home when I’m watching on TV. I simply turn off the radio during the 5th inning. It’s when I’m away from home and only listening on the radio and I stuck trying to figure out what the heck is gong on in the 5th inning.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 28, 2009 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mmm....No it isn't.
Unless you believe that they are somehow Nielsen-type ratings to study the period of time during the 5th inning of every game, and then being held at gunpoint with those #‘s by advertisers. Which WGN isn’t.
Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Apr 28, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly
This isn’t Paducah. By the time you get to Chicago, you should be reasonably polished.
Like others, I suspect finances had much to do with this decision.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 29, 2009 1:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah, the good old days of broadcasting.
You plied your trade in smaller markets until you were polished enough to make the big city.
Due to downsizing and consoldation of the industry, that’s no longer the case. The cheaper, the better.
I will repeat that I’ve never heard Sirott. But, the Cubs are stuck with the unique ‘construction’ of the radio booth. They need a 1-inning relief pitcher. They don’t want a costly talent. Therefore, the constant turnover of the “1-inning guy.”
Nobody that has the chops, stripes, and experience will take a gig that probably pays very little.
The main aspect of this job is all the interview/radio hits on WGN. The 1-inning of pbp is the lure of the job, and it is targeted for somebody young with just the minimum amount of experience.
As I said earlier, experienced broadcasters need not apply for this job. It is a stepping-stone to the next job.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 1, 2009 6:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sirott's not "young".
He’s almost 40. When Pat Hughes was 40, he was hired to do Cubs games on WGN.
This isn’t a stepping-stone for Sirott. They hired him, as noted elsewhere, because he was already on the payroll and they could do this on the cheap.
It was a bad decision.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 1, 2009 8:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and the worst part is
that while it was a stepping stone for Corey Provus, since Judd Sirott ALREADY works for WGN, he’s not likely to drop THIS assignment anytime soon.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on May 1, 2009 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seems kind of harsh?
As someone who doesn’t have cable, and listens to most of the games on the radio…. No it isn’t! My boyfriend (who hasn’t listened to Cubs games before this season) last Wednesday night as we were listening this guy is bad. It’s like he doesn’t realize he should be doing pxp.
"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 28, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Any chance you live in Madison, WI?
Just guessing from your name. Reason I ask is that I will be up there for a few days in July doing the art fair and I was hoping you could tell me if WGN comes in clearly up there or what radio station to find the games on. They will be playing St. Louis that weekend and I know I will be dying to check the score constantly while I’m there.
by katie casey on Apr 28, 2009 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can get WGN in my car and on my old school boom box
But for some of my friends its hit and miss with their stereos. The only other stations that come in are Brewer ones.
If it’s art faire on the square your going to… downtown there are a lot of bars where you can check the scores also. Sometimes State St. Brats also shows them on one of their many screens.
"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 28, 2009 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks,
I’m actually in the show. My booth is usually right near State St. so maybe my husband (who is the best husband in the world) will watch the booth for me for a little once in awhile so I can run over and check the score at one of the bars. More likely though he will just camp out at Great Dane(it’s one of his favorite brew pubs)and call me with updates.
by katie casey on Apr 28, 2009 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which art fair is this?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Apr 28, 2009 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
one in Madison, WI
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Apr 28, 2009 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh.
When she said “State St.” I immediately thought “Chicago”.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Apr 28, 2009 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, the show is in Madison, WI around the Capitol building.
They have a State St. there too. It’s a pretty fun place.
by katie casey on Apr 28, 2009 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've been to Madison.
It is a fun place.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Apr 28, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Too fun a place.
I think I lost part of my liver there in about 1997.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 29, 2009 1:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I lost mine in 2006
Hockey. Football. Halloween. 21st birthday. All were reasons for my loss.
"You just don't know understand how frustrating this is"- Kevin Borseth
by TkGoUWGB on Apr 29, 2009 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i lose mine about once a weekend
i live in madison and love it. hit up the terrace if you are here when it’s nice out.
by illinicubgirl on Apr 30, 2009 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Terrace is a must-do in the summer
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 30, 2009 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was just there last Friday night.
fun times. :)
"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 30, 2009 10:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
me too!
which says so much.. since half of madison was there! took us about an hour to get beer.. but boy did we stock up.. i think we drank 15 pitchers..
by illinicubgirl on May 1, 2009 10:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Memorial Union on the UW campus
Overlooking Lake Mendota
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on May 1, 2009 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great! I'll have to check it out.
I know I’ll want to stop over at the Babcock Dairy Store too while I’m at it. They have the best ice cream.
by katie casey on May 1, 2009 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They do, indeed have the best ice cream
Sounds like you’re familiar with Madtown. They sell the ice cream at Memorial Union.
And, they have outdoor concerts on Friday and Saturday nights in the spring/summer. Great place to go have some beer, listen to music and relax.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on May 1, 2009 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Babcock ice cream
They do sell it at the union – BUT they give you WAY more if you go to the store. And its a cool experience. I work right near babcock, its dangerous..
by illinicubgirl on May 1, 2009 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, good stuff
No beer at Babcock Hall, though!
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on May 2, 2009 8:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
State St.Brats!!
Love that place!!! Great place to watch ANY sporting event. Unless you are watching the Packers lose the Super Bowl to the Denver Broncos……didn’t enjoy that much :(
We're born again, there's new grass on the field. -John Fogerty
by muehlman on Apr 28, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The point is....
this is just something else to complain about – and how much does Ron Santo’s annoucing skills have to do with the fact that he’s still got the job
by doofus cubs guy on Apr 28, 2009 9:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The point is… this is just something else to complain about
Yeah, but at least there haven’t been 14 other posts about it. :P
How long should we give sig lines at the bottom of the comments?
Bradley watch -- out 7 games of 18
by znohitter on Apr 28, 2009 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No Ron is way better...... last night during the 5th inning
Ronnie was the one who directed Judd back to the game. Not to mention during the 5th inning last night Judd called Chris Young, Chris Rung.
Doofus do watch or listen to most of your games?
"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 28, 2009 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, no namecalling!
Oh, wait…nevermind.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 28, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Probably listen - although last night was watch
Go to a bunch too – without a radio. I just don’t get the rush to criticize him this early as I don’t find him that much worse than ‘average’, I guess.
by doofus cubs guy on Apr 28, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
NOT YET!
bwahahahahahahhahahahahhahahahhahahaa!
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Apr 28, 2009 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
Oh, you were serious.
How long should we give sig lines at the bottom of the comments?
Bradley watch -- out 7 games of 18
by znohitter on Apr 28, 2009 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, at least Al tried with this morning's post....
…but it’s obvious it didn’t work.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 28, 2009 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ronnie doesn't do play by play.
I think the quality of the play by play person is the most important of a radio baseball broadcast. I simply want to know what is going on and find it difficult to disseminate this from Sirott’s description (or lack thereof.)
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 28, 2009 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
Pat is amazing and covers most of the game. Ron feeds off him and adds something to the mix. Judd is there to take Pat’s job, not Ron’s.
by dr stabbingworth on Apr 28, 2009 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They hired on a budget
Just like the two proceeding individuals before Sirott.
Not many people with credentials are going to take a gig with 1 inning of work. The gig is really for all the other stuff he does, pre and post and elsewhere on WGN. The 1 inning of work is the icing. This job does not pay as much as many of you might think — it’s an “in” to MLB.
You will note the others who held this gig left for full-time baseball jobs, in SD and Milwaukee. This is a stepping-stone job. It will always be an initial gig, the way it is structured.
The Cubs seem to be fine with the situation. The reason this situation exists is probably due to Ron Santo being in the booth. Since obviously — Hughes calls almost the entire game, he wants a break. Santo cannot do pbp. What they really need is a color man who can also do pbp if needed — Hughes does 6 innings, the other guy, maybe 3…that’s a usual set up.
But, the Cubs radio booth is configured differently, hence the need for a ‘relief’ announcer who comes…inexpensively, and has other things to do.
Therefore…..“beginners welcome.”
And that’s the way it will be, until Santo leaves the booth.
I have no opinion on his work — I have never heard Sirott. But, many non-jocks in the booth get their feet wet in the minors before getting into an MLB booth. In this regard, Sirott is lucky — but it’s hard to improve with 1 inning of work.
Save your barbs for the Hawk, who’s been dong this for 30 years and is still terrible. To take shots at a beginner, is rather tacky — as is the poll at the beginning of this post.
The job of a pbp baseball announcer is NOT as easy as many here seem to think.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 28, 2009 9:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
No, it's not.
Which is a good reason why they should have hired someone better qualified.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Apr 28, 2009 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But --
repeating, you will not get great talent the way this job is structured. You just won’t. You’ll get a beginner, who may or may not grow into the role, and then will leave, as we have seen already.
Sirott had another sport’s pbp on his resume. I don’t know what else his background entails before the Wolves. Hell, I did baseball/football/basketball pbp at college, maybe he did too, maybe that’s what they went on — the chance he’ll improve.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 28, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jazz Man
Would you be interested in the 5th inning job? You are know your baseball and have a little bit of experience. I bet you’d be more interesting to listen to :)
I know I should give him a chance but when someone is that bad….. and I look forward to the game as much as I do, to have me dread the 5th is kinda a downer.
"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 28, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've heard him and spoken to him.
He’d be way better.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Apr 28, 2009 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not going to say I could do a better job right off the bat.
But with 12 years of hockey under my belt… yeah, yeah I could do a much better job.
How long should we give sig lines at the bottom of the comments?
Bradley watch -- out 7 games of 18
by znohitter on Apr 28, 2009 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you said exactly what i was thinking only..
much better
by doofus cubs guy on Apr 28, 2009 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
oops - the 'you' was
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man -
by doofus cubs guy on Apr 28, 2009 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just want to say
that on this board, typing the plays in, I’ve been able to beat Sirott on the description on the play.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Apr 28, 2009 9:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
We should've applied!
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 28, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
we should have.
what an awesome job to have, and he’s just destroying it.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Apr 28, 2009 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dibs on the moon laser thinggy.
This post should totally be tagged with “Moon” and “Laser.” Just in case.
by lswaidz on Apr 28, 2009 9:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I've been trying to adjust to Judd...
…but not having much success. Like most all of you, my initial impression was not good. His high pitch and hyperactive tone is jarring at first and irritating as time goes on.
Perhaps it’s a matter of rhythm – jhe doesn’t seem to be able to slow down enough to effectively call a baseball game. Of course, ironically enough, he seems to go quiet at all the wrong times. I swear there’s been at least a couple home run calls where I hear someting like, “Back…back….[MASSIVE CROWD NOISE]…and…that’s….[MORE CROWD NOISE]…a home run.” Meanwhile, I’m struggling to get oxygen back into my lungs.
I feel a little bad ripping on the guy. He is, after all, just a dude trying to do his job – and who among wouldn’t want to have his job? Maybe he’ll get better with time. But, yeah, ‘GN probably could’ve done a lot better on this particular hire.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 28, 2009 10:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It could be a rhythm thing,
given the differences between hockey and baseball, and whether he had a color man on the hockey broadcasts. And I want to reiterate that I’m not attacking Judd as a person, just as a PBP man.
A PBP man that makes me want to shout at my radio for the better part of an inning.
How long should we give sig lines at the bottom of the comments?
Bradley watch -- out 7 games of 18
by znohitter on Apr 28, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
judd
the reason they screwed this up is because McDonough isn’t there anymore to make the hire.
by uwbadger on Apr 28, 2009 10:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
McDonough wouldn't have had anything to do with this hire.
It comes from WGN, not from the Cubs.
Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Apr 28, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You'd have to believe that McDonough would have had some input, though.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Apr 28, 2009 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't the Cubs
have to approve whomever WGN hires? Maybe not.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 29, 2009 1:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I suspect Cubs management signed off on this one.
Why, I have no idea.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Apr 29, 2009 7:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
because
they know we’ll listen anyway.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Apr 30, 2009 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Avatar theif.
I had it first. You have to change it.
/s
Ron Santo should sing TMOTTBG everyday. Period.
by Schwa on Apr 28, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
BADGER FIGHT!!!!
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 28, 2009 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Break it up, break it up
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 28, 2009 11:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't so much as mind the lack of chemistry...
Corey was somewhat painful to listen to with Ronnie in the beginning as well.
But Sirott…he’s just not a good game caller. I won’t go so far as to say Chip-esque, but there were multiple times last night (it was too late for me to remember) where his tone is just wrong compared to how the play actually plays out. Long fly outs, hits, etc. I almost always thought the opposite of what actually happened based on Judd’s tone.
Maybe it’s because Pat is just that good.
by rgonzale on Apr 28, 2009 11:05 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
True that -
comment about Pat
by doofus cubs guy on Apr 28, 2009 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dave Otto is absolutely brutal
Judd Sirott is real, real bad. I thought Corey Provus was humorless and robotic, but Sirott is his own kind of awful.
For those not bright enough to grasp the fundamental underpinning of a message board, please take note that "EVERYTHING I state is an OPINION."
by BLou on Apr 28, 2009 2:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Provus was somewhat robotic,
but he always stayed right on top of the action. Sirott often makes a call about 5 seconds after its happened.
by aramis on Apr 28, 2009 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, that doesn't help either
His timing is delayed…that’s unacceptable, especially when you can hear the crowd.
by rgonzale on Apr 28, 2009 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sirott has zero business being in the booth, it's just that simple
Sirott being in the booth is a case of
A. Nepotism at work
B. The fact that he works dirt cheap
For those not bright enough to grasp the fundamental underpinning of a message board, please take note that "EVERYTHING I state is an OPINION."
by BLou on Apr 28, 2009 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think most of us do.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Apr 28, 2009 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm going to give him more of chance
Just like the knee-jerk reactions about ball players so too is this assessment.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Apr 28, 2009 5:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Ditto that
but I’m sure that he’s doomed no matter what – everyone’s a critic
by doofus cubs guy on Apr 28, 2009 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's pretty clear that Judd Sirott was a Rule 5 draft pick from the Wolves
For the life of me, I can’t understand why WGN thinks it can get away with carrying a rookie like that on their broadcast team. It’s not like this is a training ground where we can let him learn the ropes and break in gently. This isn’t Pittsburgh!!!!
Oh and btw, the Cubs have to keep him in the booth the whole year or offer him back to the Wolves.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Apr 28, 2009 6:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
the Wolves just called
and said they deline his return you can send him to the White Sox
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 28, 2009 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They didn't get him from the Wolves
He hasn’t been under contract for PbP with the Wolves since 2005-06. He left the Wolves organization to pursue other opportunities and occasionally filled in as a 3rd commentator – usually near ice level – for the Wolves playoffs and Calder Cup Championship run last spring.
After Pat Foley was rudely dumped by the previous ’Hawks organ-I-zation, he was reunited with Billy Gardner (also a rude dumping by the previous ’Hawks regime) in the broadcast booth for the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Apr 29, 2009 6:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
how long
can we keep Judd Sirott in the 5th inning? I say, we make him the regular tenth inning PBP guy.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Apr 28, 2009 9:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, relegate him to extra-inning mop-up work.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 30, 2009 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Solution is to get Pat Hughes a coffee can to take a leak in during the mid-innings
Judd Sirott and Ron Santo together alone for even 30 seconds in the booth is like letting a NASA chimpanzee steer the Apollo spaceship while Neal Armstrong excused himself to take a dump. I love Ronny, but he can barely recall the name of the Cub opponent on the field. Suffice to say Pat Hughes is Ronny’s “seeing eye dog” in the radio booth in very many ways.
For those not bright enough to grasp the fundamental underpinning of a message board, please take note that "EVERYTHING I state is an OPINION."
by BLou on Apr 28, 2009 10:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if the one inning gig is to get Pat a breather from being said seeing eye dog
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 28, 2009 11:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
P.U.S.S.
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 28, 2009 11:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Please Unemploy Stinky Sirott
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 29, 2009 8:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So the acronyms proposed in the game thread are:
SUSS: Shut Up Sirott Society
or
PUSS: Please Unemply Stupid Sirott
Please vote below. Voting more than once is, in the Chicago tradition, encouraged.
How long should we give sig lines at the bottom of the comments?
Bradley watch -- out 7 games of 19
by znohitter on Apr 28, 2009 11:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
*Unemploy
How long should we give sig lines at the bottom of the comments?
Bradley watch -- out 7 games of 19
by znohitter on Apr 28, 2009 11:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's even bad when they are finally winning a game :(
"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 29, 2009 12:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Of Masur, Provus and Sirott
Clearly, Judd might be the worst. I know he does a good job with hockey, but that’s a little different.
BTW, I’m surprised how good Masur and Provus sound in their new locales. Better than they sounded in Chicago.
Speaking of hockey announcers, does anybody remember when Pat Foley did a Cubs game from Minnesota about 10 years ago? I think it was on TV. I still have no idea why he was there.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 29, 2009 1:07 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Dont' be dissin Pat Foley
As a diehard Blackhawks fan it is my humble opinion that Pat Foley is one of the greatest and most thoroughly underrated announcers on the planet. Foley is THE best voice in professional hockey and actually happens also to be a great human being and a longtime Cub fan. I recall that Cub game he did. Under the circumstances he actually did quite well.
Pat Foley is GOD. Never diss him.
For those not bright enough to grasp the fundamental underpinning of a message board, please take note that "EVERYTHING I state is an OPINION."
by BLou on Apr 29, 2009 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Don't think he was dissing Pat nearly as much as he was just asking why he was in MN
But I agree, Pat is an AWESOME PbP guy.
We should be happy that in our pro sports in Chicago we have many outstanding PbP guys. Both the ’Hawks and Cubs regulars on both radio and TV are outstanding.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Apr 29, 2009 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pat Foley is the best.
I don’t remember him doing a Cubs game. Anyone have details?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Apr 29, 2009 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, I love Pat Foley
I grew up with Lloyd Pettit, but Pat is nails. I had no idea why he was doing a Cubs game, that’s all.
Like I said, I think it was about 10 years ago, and it definitely was at Minnesota.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 29, 2009 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1 rec'd
I grew up listening to him call Hawk games, and it is great that Rocky brought him back to the UC for the Hawks this season.
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 29, 2009 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Those two individuals now have
a real job, not a one-inning quickie. You get better at any job when you allowed to actually do it. This one-inning and out debacle does nothing to gain experience. It’s actually amazing that the other two had enough good material to be able to convince another employer they’d be able to handle a full-time gig.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 1, 2009 6:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Someone on this post who also “gets it”.
I reiterate a previous statement, but updated to reflect the number of Cubs’ games. Cubs played now 21 games. That’s (21) 5th innings and IIRC, no game has gone to the 14th inning where I would guess Sirott would give Pat another inning off so….
He’s called the equivalent now of a disproportionately-large TWO AND ONE THIRD GAMES!Holy shit! Call the radio police! Call 60-minutes! Call Jay Mariotti! This guy sucks! He’s called a total of 21 innings and STILL hasn’t figured it out yet.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on May 1, 2009 7:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I ALMOST applied for this job...
…but an overall lack of experience coupled with who I knew was being considered discouraged me to the point where I didn’t.
I will say Judd is a very smart and solid hockey announcer, and I haven’t listened to him baseball work at all yet. Also, as a baseball guy, I imagine my first few hockey games behind the mic will be pretty poor overall.
That being said, if Sirott is as bad at this right now as you say he is, maybe I should have applied after all. I would have worked the job for a season’s worth lodging and meals (no better than what I would get in the Frontier League)!
As an aside, let me know if you want to listen to my work if you want a measuring stick on this one. I’ve called one season of minor-league ball, so you all think I am better than Judd I must be doing something right.
by TheNextCubsVoice on Apr 29, 2009 5:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Wish you had applied.
You’d have to be better.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Apr 29, 2009 7:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did you see that on CareerBuilder too
I almost applied as well, but then I realized I would defintely be ridiculed on this site. I had radio experience, but they wanted play-by-play experience. I did color analyst work…for women’s softball. I would have been roasted.
"You just don't know understand how frustrating this is"- Kevin Borseth
by TkGoUWGB on Apr 29, 2009 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK, got a chance to listen to him last night
I don’t know what all the bitching is about. He’s not all that bad. Don’t know if he called baseball before and it’ll take time to drop way down in intensity as compared to hockey. He does ONE INNING a game. So since this whining started at least a few days ago, opinion is being formed based on the equivalent of TWO GAMES.
Boy the tensions are high here on this site. It’s almost like lots of folks have a lot riding on this season, and it’s still only April.
Perhaps when the Cubs get on one of those amazing hot streaks like 21 out of 27 some of the whining will subside.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Apr 29, 2009 6:40 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I disagree. He stinks. We expect a bit more from our radio and TV guys. As Al has stated, he should have
been tested more for this spot. It’s bad enough having to listen to Ronnie stumble through his broadcast, but there are a host of reason why I can take that. I expect a breather from the fill-in and Sirott is not providing that.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 29, 2009 8:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well I'll let Al and deep goat go find out how Judd got the job
But the fact an assessment is made based on the cumulative innings total of 2 games is far and away too soon.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Apr 29, 2009 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Judd Sirott is awful
I actually thought Corey Provus was about as bad as it could get. But I was wrong. You could drag somebody out of the stands on a nightily basis and they would be able to do a better job than Sirott. Sirott and Santo together in the booth is a page out of Helen Keller Radio Theatre.
For those not bright enough to grasp the fundamental underpinning of a message board, please take note that "EVERYTHING I state is an OPINION."
by BLou on Apr 29, 2009 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you serious
….drag somebody out of the stands…
There’s some people at a game I wouldn’t let open a can of food for my dog, let alone get behind the mic of a top-tier MLB team’s broadcast. Get real.
There’s waaaayyyyy too much angst on this site.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Apr 29, 2009 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Come on man
I’ve seen you SCH. That site gets way worse than this site. Oh I should probably state my official position: We could have worse.
"You just don't know understand how frustrating this is"- Kevin Borseth
by TkGoUWGB on Apr 29, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
we can only hope for that
but some will still be complaining about the six games they lost and how having to listen to the 27 innings worth of judd sirott during that time made it unbearable – or uncubbable
by doofus cubs guy on Apr 29, 2009 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was somewhat better last night
But still pretty bad.
by dr stabbingworth on Apr 29, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he sucks.
I’m sorry, but he sucks.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Apr 30, 2009 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's descriptive...
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Apr 30, 2009 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's as descriptive
as his play-by-play today. It was terrible.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on May 1, 2009 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Helen Keller Radio Theatre???
Isn’t that just a tad too far over the top rope?
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Apr 29, 2009 8:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Please leave the guy alone.
or he’ll come into your work place and criticize you. It’s the career crap-tastic guys, like the guy on the south side that deserve such barbs, not an inexperienced talent like Sirott.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 1, 2009 6:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Amen!
Of course you’d never get one of their fans to admit it – and mean it.
Think of the horrors you have to deal with on PbP with the team 9 miles south. When Roonie left the radio booth after 2005, they had to have one of the absolute-worst PbP TV and radio combo’s in MLB.
And here there’s a bunch of folks bitching and whining about a one-inning guy on the radio after the equivalent of less than 3 total games.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on May 1, 2009 7:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's no question
the main TV man on the South Side is the absolute worst.
You always can tell when the Sox are doing poorly, because he goes silent. Nice way to describe what’s going on, you faux-cowboy idiot.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 1, 2009 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
we
have a higher standard.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on May 1, 2009 9:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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