The Reds have gone through a record number of pitchers in the past two seasons, so Cincinnati fans have become well acquainted with learning new names for both starters and relievers every few weeks. However, the constant change that has been really frustrating for us who follow the games has nothing to do with the decisions on the diamond.
Almost inexplicably, the Reds have employed a random scheduling system for their many stations. Fans listening to or watching games often have no idea what voice they’ll hear calling the game, especially now that Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman has opted for a shortened schedule.
His main replacement has been veteran broadcaster Jim Kelch, who also served as Brennaman’s playmate at times. Last week, however, the club opted not to renew Kelch’s contract for the 2018 season, a sign that fans will once again have to get used to a new voice.
In addition to Kelch, Cincinnati has used ten different stations in the last two seasons. Names include George Grande, Chris Welsh, Jim Day, Jeff Piecoro, Doug Flynn and Jeff Brantley.
Joining them is Brennaman’s son, Thom, who often does TV shows. He also has a reduced schedule, as his job as a national sportscaster often has him traveling around the country.
If these nearly a dozen stations had been given a regular rotation, the slate might have worked. As it is, though, the matchups have been mixed, and assignments seem to change from series to series.
With Marty Brennaman now in his seventies, it’s time for the Reds to take a serious look at the future of their broadcast staff. None of the current voices is an exciting choice to replace the Hall of Famer, but there is an opportunity to sign a popular baseball figure who has been doing radio in Cincinnati for nearly twenty years.
Cincinnati’s next announcer should be Tracy Jones, a former Reds outfielder who hosted a postgame sports talk show for ten years before landing the afternoon slot on high-powered WLW. He and Eddie Fingers actually held the highest national ranking of number three through six at various times from 2010 until Jones left in 2017.
Jones has already established a dynamic chemistry with Marty Brennaman, as the two have hosted a daily segment called “Brennaman and Jones On Baseball.” The pair would exude the same wisecracking camaraderie in the booth, which would be a treat for Reds fans.
Since Jones has spent so many years successfully working with Fingers, a professional radio personality, he should have no problem working with anyone Cincinnati hires when Brennaman decides to leave. With a resume that includes being a professional baseball player and working with two Hall of Fame radio personalities, Tracy Jones should be a no-brainer as the Reds’ next long-term broadcaster.