Marlins Fire Broadcaster
The National League East’s Miami Marlins have ended their 19 year relationship with TV broadcaster Tommy Hutton. Hutton has been the Marlin’s color analyst since 1997. Hutton had been a first baseman with four different major league teams from 1966 to 1981. He was the Pacific Coast League’s Most Valuable Player in 1971 when he was with the Los Angeles Dodgers’ affiliate Spokane Indians. After his playing days were over, he became a sports broadcaster with the minor leagues.
Hutton was noted for his over-the-top rants which were generally very tongue-in-cheek and he was very popular with Marlins’ fans. He was not given a reason for his firing but the Marlin’s front office told the media that it was felt that Hutton had become “too critical” of the administration of the Marlins while on the air. In particular, he often criticized the dimensions of Marlins Park where the team play their home games and made fun of the fact that very few home runs were hit there because of the deep outfield. It’s been said that team owner Jeffrey Loria also felt that at age 69, Hutton was a bit out of touch with today’s game. It’s also thought that Loria wants a former Marlin to do the color work — one who will be a bit more respectful of Loria’s personal wishes. The Marlins have not been very competitive of late, but instead of looking at the front office, the coaching staff, or the players roster, they have elected to “kill the messenger.”
Can you imagine what the uproar would be here in Indy if the Pacers got rid of Mark Boyle or the Colts gave the boot to Bob Lamey? Neither man is shy about expressing their personal opinions and both will fire off criticism of their respective teams if they think it’s warranted. I do not follow the Marlins at all but such moves are usually indicative of an ownership that is not effective and doesn’t want to hear about it publicly.
Ahmad Bradshaw is on the Colts’ IR . . . Again
The Colts placed runningback Ahmad Bradshaw on the Injured Reserve after he injured his wrist during the Buccaneer game. In three years with the Horseshoe, he has yet to play a full season with them. You may recall that Bradshaw was caught smoking weed on Interstate 70 in Ohio February 2. The NFL suspended him for a game, but the Colts cut him loose for violating the team’s personal conduct policy. No other team picked him up. When the backup runningback spot became an issue, the Colts resigned him and he rejoined the team for the Patriot game on October 18. His rushing numbers have not be eye-catching but he has 3 touchdown catches on 10 catches for 64 yards. Two of the touchdowns came against Atlanta. Bradshaw has played in six games for the Big Blue this season.
The Colts are the Senior Team in 2015
With 40-year-old Matt Hasselbeck 4-0 as the Colts’ starting quarterback and 41-year-old Adam Vinatieri still winning games with his spot on kicking, maybe it’s time to ask ourselves if youth really is the answer to building a winning team. With Andrew Luck 2-5 and Hasselbeck 4-0, it’s hard to make the argument that Luck should be the starter if he recovers from his injuries this season. Luck does draw the starter’s pay however, so the Colts will more than likely put him back under center when he becomes available. In the meantime Mr. Hasselbeck has become a big hero to all of us over 40-year-old bald-headed types. Let’s face it, Matt has saved the Colts’ season and put the team back in playoff contention.
They play the Steelers Sunday night in Pittsburgh. This will be a really tough game. The team will need Matt and the defense to come through big. Ben Roethlisberger and a talented group of receivers led by Antonio Brown have been ripping opponent secondaries apart the last few games so the Horseshoe secondary will have its hands full. This is a must-win for the Colts — we are battling the Houston Texans for the AFC South Championship and a playoff berth. That means every game is critical.
snicewanger@yahoo.com