Mabye it's time to get rid of Joe "I have no emotion" Buck and Tim "Where's my meds?" McCarver.

 

St. Louis, MO (AHN) - Game 1 of the 2006 World Series set a record-low for TV ratings, and Game 2 showed only a slight improvement. Now Major League Baseball has tapped an ace for Game 3: fast food. Taco Bell will give away a taco to everyone in the United States if either team hits a home run ball into left field at Busch Stadium.

 

The St. Louis Cardinals' 7-2 win in Game 1 over the Detroit Tigers was 16 percent lower than any opening Series game. The Fox network reported an 8.0 fast national rating and 15 share. In comparison, Game 2 had an 11.8 fast national rating and an 18 share.

 

Ratings are a measurement of the percentage of television households with their sets tuned to a specific program in relation to the total number of television households. Shares are a measurement of the percentage of the television households tuned to a specific station in relation to all households using television on a given night.

 

The highest-rated World Series in baseball history was the 1980 Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Kansas City Royals. The Phillies took that Series in six games. The Series received a rating of 32.8 and a share of 56. The Series hasn't received a rating over 20 since 1992 when the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Atlanta Braves in six games.

 

The League Championship Series for both the American League and the National League also dipped this postseason, showing numbers down four percent from last year. The numbers have prompted a change in the starting date for next year's World Series. Instead of the Series beginning on a Saturday night when people watch less TV, the Series will start on Tuesday.

 

The hero of the 1975 World Series, Carlton Fisk, is plugging the deal for Taco Bell. He told Voice of America Sports that "if anyone from either team hits a home run to left field, the U.S. restaurant chain, Taco Bell, is going to be anxious and excited to give away a free taco to everybody in America that visits one of their establishments on November 1, between 2:00 - 5:00 PM."

 

Comparing the level of this year's ratings to 2005 is not heartening for baseball fans. The 2005 Chicago White Sox sweep of the Houston Astros was the lowest in history.

 

When the Yankees have played in the World Series, ratings have traditionally jumped. The "love them or hate them" attitude of fans make the Bronx Bombers interesting to more people. Smaller market teams like Detroit and St. Louis do not draw as much attention as New York.

 

The calamity caused by Detroit pitcher Kenny Rogers in Game 2 may bring more viewers tonight. The veteran left-hander was suspected of using pine tar to make his pitching more effective and "Dirtgate" is still being discussed in the sports media. The Series is also tied at 1 game apiece, giving fans a sense of added October drama.

 

Some fans have complained about how Fox handles the playoffs, but Fox is at least attempting to innovate.

 

"I'm not a fan of the constant replay of every single pitch," said Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily Times, "nor of the sound effects, or the moving graphics, or extreme close-ups, but the fact Fox keeps experimenting to see what takes and what doesn't is commendable."

 

Variety reporter Rick Kissel suspects that focusing too much on bigger markets has hurt baseball overall.

 

"One thing that may be hurting baseball is that Fox and ESPN put so many of their eggs in the basket of the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry. Maybe if they tried to capitalize on the stories elsewhere in the league, fans would be more invested in other teams."

 

http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7005280727

Or maybe it's because nobody cares about the 2 teams in the World Series.

Yeah, because the announcers have a huge impact on the viewers.

 

Maybe it's time for MLB to make like the NFL and share the national limelight among the top 15-18 teams during the regualr season to hedge their bets for the post season.

 

Does anyone really care about the Tigers or the Cardinals outside of their respective hometowns?

 

To me, the worst part is that it's been such a poorly played series. Little drama, lack of offense, and overwhelming controversy for one game.

 

Make the country care about more teams than just the Yankees and Red Sox and soon you'll be on to something.

BUT TEH CURSE OF HTE BAMBINO!11

Yeah, because the announcers have a huge impact on the viewers.

 

Maybe it's time for MLB to make like the NFL and share the national limelight among the top 15-18 teams during the regualr season to hedge their bets for the post season.

 

Does anyone really care about the Tigers or the Cardinals outside of their respective hometowns?

 

To me, the worst part is that it's been such a poorly played series. Little drama, lack of offense, and overwhelming controversy for one game.

 

Make the country care about more teams than just the Yankees and Red Sox and soon you'll be on to something.

 

 

 

 

 

Post of the week.

 

:notworthy

 

 

Ive been watching the Series because Im a baseball junkie but Swift is right, its been an absolute snore fest so far.

 

Lets face it, if its Mets/Yankees then the ratings are dynamite because thats what Fox and ESPN beats into everyones brains week in and week out.

 

 

On a lesser scale, I do agree with Accord though that the announcers are terminally boring. Im not so sure if it would make a huge impact on ratings but you mean to tell me that Buck/McCarver is the best Fox can come up with?

Yeah, because the announcers have a huge impact on the viewers.

 

Maybe it's time for MLB to make like the NFL and share the national limelight among the top 15-18 teams during the regualr season to hedge their bets for the post season.

 

Does anyone really care about the Tigers or the Cardinals outside of their respective hometowns?

 

To me, the worst part is that it's been such a poorly played series. Little drama, lack of offense, and overwhelming controversy for one game.

 

Make the country care about more teams than just the Yankees and Red Sox and soon you'll be on to something.

 

 

 

 

 

Post of the week.

 

:notworthy

 

 

Ive been watching the Series because Im a baseball junkie but Swift is right, its been an absolute snore fest so far.

 

Lets face it, if its Mets/Yankees then the ratings are dynamite because thats what Fox and ESPN beats into everyones brains week in and week out.

 

 

On a lesser scale, I do agree with Accord though that the announcers are terminally boring. Im not so sure if it would make a huge impact on ratings but you mean to tell me that Buck/McCarver is the best Fox can come up with?

The Tigers were built up pretty well, and they actually played the Yanks in the playoffs (so presumably people who watched the Yanks know they're good...and perhaps would take an interest). Nobody is shocked that they're in the series. And, considering that the Tigers are similar to the Cubs, RedSox, etc...the perrential losers, you'd think interest would be peaked.

 

IMO, the reason that ratings are low, is probably because the Mets/Yanks were eliminated....hence, the NY area can't stand to watch the teams that beat them play in the series.

Yeah, because the announcers have a huge impact on the viewers.

 

Maybe it's time for MLB to make like the NFL and share the national limelight among the top 15-18 teams during the regualr season to hedge their bets for the post season.

 

Does anyone really care about the Tigers or the Cardinals outside of their respective hometowns?

 

To me, the worst part is that it's been such a poorly played series. Little drama, lack of offense, and overwhelming controversy for one game.

 

Make the country care about more teams than just the Yankees and Red Sox and soon you'll be on to something.

 

Yep, Fox shows a meaningless Yankees Red Sox game in September when there are 4 or 5 games with playoff implications. So what'd they expect to happen when both those teams were gone?

 

We have one of the greatest hitters in the history of the game playing in the world series this year, that's reason enough to watch the series in my opinion, but the media would rather play up how much A-Rod is struggling then build up Pujols and the things he has accomplished in his young career.

Or maybe it's because nobody cares about the 2 teams in the World Series.

 

Away from St. Louis and Detroit, I would be willing to bet less than 5% of the country cares who wins this World Series.

If it were up to FOX and ESPN, there wouldn't be an NL team in the World Series.

Yeah, because the announcers have a huge impact on the viewers.

 

Maybe it's time for MLB to make like the NFL and share the national limelight among the top 15-18 teams during the regualr season to hedge their bets for the post season.

 

Does anyone really care about the Tigers or the Cardinals outside of their respective hometowns?

 

To me, the worst part is that it's been such a poorly played series. Little drama, lack of offense, and overwhelming controversy for one game.

 

Make the country care about more teams than just the Yankees and Red Sox and soon you'll be on to something.

 

 

 

 

 

Post of the week.

 

:notworthy

 

 

Ive been watching the Series because Im a baseball junkie but Swift is right, its been an absolute snore fest so far.

 

Lets face it, if its Mets/Yankees then the ratings are dynamite because thats what Fox and ESPN beats into everyones brains week in and week out.

 

 

On a lesser scale, I do agree with Accord though that the announcers are terminally boring. Im not so sure if it would make a huge impact on ratings but you mean to tell me that Buck/McCarver is the best Fox can come up with?

The Tigers were built up pretty well, and they actually played the Yanks in the playoffs (so presumably people who watched the Yanks know they're good...and perhaps would take an interest). Nobody is shocked that they're in the series. And, considering that the Tigers are similar to the Cubs, RedSox, etc...the perrential losers, you'd think interest would be peaked.

 

IMO, the reason that ratings are low, is probably because the Mets/Yanks were eliminated....hence, the NY area can't stand to watch the teams that beat them play in the series.

 

1) What f***ing good does it do for you if the first exposure you give a product is "game time?" It's in the interests of baseball (since it's in the interest of the network and network = $) to use June, July, August and September to introduce a team to the nation. If the only leg you have to stand on for a team is "well, they've gotten 1st round of the playoffs exposure" you're already f***ed. This isn't the NBA or NHL, making the playoffs is a big freaking deal in MLB. Moreover, the playoffs are substantially shorter than those other sports. You can't learn on the fly with a team in the playoffs and expect people to watch.

 

2) :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol People watch regardless. The reason the ratings are so low is that people just don't find either team interesting. Aside from Pudge, Rolen, Edmonds and Pujols, there's no real casual fan household name on either team. The New York area isn't the make or break ratings area, Chicago, Miami and Los Angeles are all equally influential. It's MLB/Fox/ESPN's fault that people don't say "you know what, I want to see Justin Verlander" the way Prior was shoved down our throats in 2003. Hell, even Dontrelle Willis in 2003 was marketed better, and we're talking about the f***ing Marlins here. MLB dropped the ball big time.

the cardinals are really a boring a team to watch. I don't like to watch teams without emotion. I loved how the tigers celebrated with their fans, esp. Kenny Rogers walking on top of the dugout spraying champagne on the fans, shaking hands, handing stuff out. It was a great scene. The cardinals win, they smile.

 

btw.. I think Joe Buck is awesome. He has a great voice, and calls a great game.

I'm with you Swift. If we're not supposed to be interested in these teams the whole year, once the Sox and Yanks and Mets are out the season is worthless.

Personally I dont care about the ratings.. infact I'm glad my team is in the WS ! Ratings are for tv people.. it just means nobody wants to watch midwest baseball and that's alright with me!

I think Joe Buck is a great announcer. I just think these games are way too long and usually lack offense. Alot of this has to do with football on saturday and sunday

Or maybe it's because nobody cares about the 2 teams in the World Series.

 

Away from St. Louis and Detroit, I would be willing to bet less than 5% of the country cares who wins this World Series.

Gooooo Detroit...

(lives in Miami)

Or maybe it's because nobody cares about the 2 teams in the World Series.

 

Away from St. Louis and Detroit, I would be willing to bet less than 5% of the country cares who wins this World Series.

that's probably true. Makes me think of the Tommy Lasorda commercials, where the other teams' fans are hiding in a tree or in the cabinets. Some fans don't really care who wins, unless their team is in it.

 

btw. I love at the beginning of the commercial..when tommy asks what fan he is? and the reply is the cubs, and he goes "oooo", that's hillarious.

last night's game was great.

last night's game was great.

ya it was...very exciting all the back and forth

Yeah, because the announcers have a huge impact on the viewers.

 

Maybe it's time for MLB to make like the NFL and share the national limelight among the top 15-18 teams during the regualr season to hedge their bets for the post season.

 

Does anyone really care about the Tigers or the Cardinals outside of their respective hometowns?

 

To me, the worst part is that it's been such a poorly played series. Little drama, lack of offense, and overwhelming controversy for one game.

 

Make the country care about more teams than just the Yankees and Red Sox and soon you'll be on to something.

 

 

 

 

Post of the week.

 

:notworthy

 

 

Ive been watching the Series because Im a baseball junkie but Swift is right, its been an absolute snore fest so far.

 

Lets face it, if its Mets/Yankees then the ratings are dynamite because thats what Fox and ESPN beats into everyones brains week in and week out.

 

 

On a lesser scale, I do agree with Accord though that the announcers are terminally boring. Im not so sure if it would make a huge impact on ratings but you mean to tell me that Buck/McCarver is the best Fox can come up with?

The Tigers were built up pretty well, and they actually played the Yanks in the playoffs (so presumably people who watched the Yanks know they're good...and perhaps would take an interest). Nobody is shocked that they're in the series. And, considering that the Tigers are similar to the Cubs, RedSox, etc...the perrential losers, you'd think interest would be peaked.

 

IMO, the reason that ratings are low, is probably because the Mets/Yanks were eliminated....hence, the NY area can't stand to watch the teams that beat them play in the series.

 

1) What f***ing good does it do for you if the first exposure you give a product is "game time?" It's in the interests of baseball (since it's in the interest of the network and network = $) to use June, July, August and September to introduce a team to the nation. If the only leg you have to stand on for a team is "well, they've gotten 1st round of the playoffs exposure" you're already f***ed. This isn't the NBA or NHL, making the playoffs is a big freaking deal in MLB. Moreover, the playoffs are substantially shorter than those other sports. You can't learn on the fly with a team in the playoffs and expect people to watch.

 

2) :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol People watch regardless. The reason the ratings are so low is that people just don't find either team interesting. Aside from Pudge, Rolen, Edmonds and Pujols, there's no real casual fan household name on either team. The New York area isn't the make or break ratings area, Chicago, Miami and Los Angeles are all equally influential. It's MLB/Fox/ESPN's fault that people don't say "you know what, I want to see Justin Verlander" the way Prior was shoved down our throats in 2003. Hell, even Dontrelle Willis in 2003 was marketed better, and we're talking about the f***ing Marlins here. MLB dropped the ball big time.

I'm confused about your arguments, as well as who you're arguing with. Are you suggesting that the first time the Cards or the Tigers were on national television was in the playoffs??? I hope not, because they were on TV plenty of times. Also, Pujols is perhaps the best player in baseball. He is all over ESPN, FOX, and other media outlets. People know who he is. Chris Carpenter won the Cy Young last year. The Tigers have been discussed all year. They got off to a great start, and were discussed early and often as a potential playoff team. They stumbled into the playoffs...but it doesn't mean they were never talked about.

 

Oh, and to my knowledge, the NY market is the biggest TV market in the country. If nobody in NY cares to watch the games (particularly because the teams playing both ELIMINATED the two NY teams), that will negatively impact ratings. Chicago, Miami, and LA are not as influential, because they are not as big. I don't even know how you argue against that....unless for some reason they have a disproportionate amount of Nielson viewers in those areas. The fact that the two teams playing are from the same area (midwest) has a lot more to do with why the ratings are down than any of your arguments (not enough publicity...and too much Yanks/RedSox). Nobody on the east coast or west coast cares about two midwest teams...and there is no amount of publicity around that could substantially change that.

Fox's coverage is so pathetic...the shameless plugs, the horribly inept broadcasters, the annoying graphics and sounds, scooter

That and it's two teams that don't really cary much interest....when the same team is around this time of the year like St. Louis, and they don't have the same kind of fan base than Boston and New York have, that's always bad for ratings...and the Tigers, even with their feel good story, draw lower ratings than the other three AL teams would have

I agree with both Swift and Accord here. If you want people to be interested in the games, get announcers that don't suck and build up teams instead of betting on the Northeast. People that don't watch baseball regularly aren't going to tune in because they could care less about the teams, especially with no other motivating factor. What incentive is there to watch the World Series between the Tigers-Cards if you live in LA and watch 0 games out of Dodger contests? None. It isn't like the Super Bowl where people get sucked in because of the commercials, or the NBA where the league does a great job of marketing individual players to the community (and yes, I know the NBA gets lower ratings than MLB, but that's a different argument there). Pujols is the greatest hitter alive and people aren't watching.....that's saying something. The Tigers do what every baseball purist wants (pitch well top to bottom).....and those people aren't watching. If you don't give the casual fans a reason to tune in other than getting a free taco, they aren't going to watch. Plain and simple. And if you are bringing in baseball junkies from across the country and you have a crappy announcing team, they might just turn off a boring series when Tim "A walk is better than a homerun" McCarver is making you scream in agony and Joe Buck just plain sucks.

seriously the announcers can show some emotion...i mean dam...the tigers can hit 10 bak to bak homeruns to win the game in walkoff fashion and they would beas excited as DVH :|

One kid in my class today, didn't realize that the world series was more than 1 game. :huh

The announcers and Fox's excessive use of graphics and cutting to fans in the stands makes me want to watch playoff baseball less when my team isn't in it.

Huge +1

 

You guys who criticize DVH for being boring, Joe Buck is no different... just a younger version.

 

You hit a walkoff home run in game 7 of the World Series and Joe Buck calls it like a routine basehit in the 2nd inning of a game in April. When the commentators show no emotion and never get excited, then the casual fan and the masses will not care and not get excited either, and that's who the ratings depend on most.

Fox's coverage is so pathetic...the shameless plugs, the horribly inept broadcasters, the annoying graphics and sounds, scooter

That and it's two teams that don't really cary much interest....when the same team is around this time of the year like St. Louis, and they don't have the same kind of fan base than Boston and New York have, that's always bad for ratings...and the Tigers, even with their feel good story, draw lower ratings than the other three AL teams would have

You oughta' see them during NASCAR. If you only knew how many commercial breaks and useless garbage they had on this station during a race, you'd want to see Fox off the air forever. They talk about the same three things the entire race and when a big wreck or something important happens, they come back from commercial and it's already happening. And then when they have the replay played, its at a horrible angle and you can't even see what went on. You just have to believe what Darrell Waltrip and his half blind eyes tell you.