A BS wet dream for most has come true. From our friends at Soccer America: I personally didn't dislike him as much as others. Open season begins...now.
I'm in Buff's camp about not really being anti-Jack. If it's a choice between J.P. and Stone, I vote for J.P. Personal preference more than anything else, I'm not going to spend energy worrying about it.
On one hand, I sort of feel sorry for Jack, as it appears that he really enjoys calling MLS and National Team games. On the other, his "human cliche" qualities really detract from the games. Oh well. No more "climbs the ladder" "puts on the speed move," etc. We still, however, get to hear, "Dude, your gettin' a card." As far as the main candidates are concerned, I'd really like to see JP be the main PBP guy. I've always liked his commentary during Champs League and international matches. Stone is better as a studio guy.
Always a good move to let someone know they're getting the boot 6 weeks before they get the boot. Why does Ty get to stay and Jack has to go? If you're going to clean house, clean the damn house.
Hale-FRIKKIN-luha! Someone at ESPN is actually listening. Or, did the guys at MLS/SUM finally pay attention and put pressure on ESPN? Either way, I don't care. He's gone and that is good for MLS. Bring on JP.
I suspect ESPN feels they'dhave a hard times replacing Ty, with the general dearth of color analysts for soccer in the US. Of course, I believe Ty is part of said dearth.
I fourth it. JP over Stone. I'll also add that the irrational exuberance among the anti-Edwards people on BS has always made me think more kindly of the guy. I hope he lands on his feet somewhere.
This is all vaguely familiar. Anyone remember who the guy was before Jack Edwards? Everyone hated him, too. In fact, I remember everyone screaming hallelujah when that guy was replaced with Jack Edwards. I have a feeling that it doesn't matter who is calling the pbp, most people are going to hate him no matter what. On a related point--I have heard many people, time after time, talk to me about soccer, and make some kind of comment about the Mexican announcer who screams "GOOOOAAAAAALLLLLL". People like that. Has an American announcer ever tried that? Who cares if it is blatant copying of the Mexican broadcaster, if people like it, then do it. All the local announcers I have heard all try to make up their own lame goal call, but nothing beats that. The worst I've heard--I don't know his name, but I think he does the play at DC United: "It's in the net! It's in the net! It's in the net!"--Man does he sound bad...
J.P. would be the best option. All the other regional announcers are actually worse than Jack Edwards.
As long as his replacement is better, and not worse, I don't see how this could be a bad move. But he would have to be pretty freaking sorry to be worse. Please get someone who can talk soccer during the match, and not gossip.
or if anyone know's Marcelo Balboa's father(lives here in socal, used to coach me) have him on to do color! "He dribble de ball too much! idiot! no soccer sense at all! idiot!"