Scott Bordow hates the Redheads
Okay, that's an inflammatory headline. :-) What he hates more is the coverage they get:
"It was early in the Cubs-Diamondbacks game. The third inning, I believe. Anyway, Sutton and Grace were on one of their jags when they’re focused more on fans and signs than they are on the game. Normally, the diversion lasts for a couple of minutes or so. But not this time.
They prattled on ceaselessly, it seemed, about the fans in the Redheads section — a promotional stunt started by Sutton and Grace earlier this season. Every other camera shot was of a fan holding up a sign or showing off his red wig. Pre-and post-game host Todd Walsh got into the act, interviewing fans in the section The game became so secondary that when Diamondbacks outfielder Chris Burke came to bat it took Sutton three pitches before he identified who was at the plate.
Look, I don’t mind Sutton and Grace having a little fun in the broadcast booth. They’re not calling a Supreme Court hearing. Too often, however, the duo seems more interested in being zany than informative. And their constant references to fan participation and enthusiasm is a transparent attempt to sell tickets. Look at the fun you’re missing out on! How can you even think about staying home and watching the game? No one is going to see your sign if you do that.
To be fair, Sutton and Grace aren’t doing anything the Diamondbacks don’t want them to. The organization is in constant sell mode; the broadcasters are simply doing their part. But when the shilling becomes as much of the telecast as the game itself, it’s gone too far."
4 months ago
Jim McLennan
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ugggggh...
Gracie and Sutton drive me NUTS. I would much rather just listen to the radio while watching the games, but they do not sync. I wish they would talk about BASEBALL and not ignore the action on the field. The next time Gracie says “carrrrrrrrrr” I think I’m going to tear my hair out! I also wish they would comment more on the other games in progress. I think that Grace and Sutton are much better paired with other sportscasters b/c I think G and S bring out the worst in each other.
by Lisalisa8 on Jul 29, 2008 5:09 PM EDT 2 recs
The Mute button
is my friend
Will Hope Prevail?
by unnamedDBacksfan on Jul 29, 2008 5:31 PM EDT 0 recs
There are so many other things
for people to complain about right now, that you’d think the announcers would low on the list.
On the other hand, I can at least understand the duo not being perfect or tolerable for everyone. I think one thing everyone can agree on, though, is that they are very good at making the game and team accessible to those that don’t follow everyday. When I talk to friends or coworkers about the games, I realize how much signficantly more I watch the team than probably the average, so they kind of need the signposts of Sutton and Grace to lead them in the right direction.
Knock off the hippie crap, strap on a helmet, and start shooting. This is baseball, Diamondbacks, I want you to storm that beach like it's Normandy!
by soco on Jul 29, 2008 7:05 PM EDT 0 recs
Grace and Sutton get a little zany
But I like their enthusiasm. It would have been easy for them to lose their good cheer (ala Marty Brennaman) during the Big Slump™. Instead, they stayed upbeat and gave us little reasons for enjoyment. I also think Sutton has been really good for Grace. He’s much more relaxed (and his voice conveys a much wider range of emotion) than he was with Thom Brennaman.
I can understand how the Redheads promotion gets to people. I’m torn between “that’s a clever little promotion” and “enough already!” But I still usually enjoy listening to the game.
"We...probed them all the way through. They're completely meat." — Terry Bisson
by Scrbl on Jul 29, 2008 7:51 PM EDT 0 recs
To be honest
The coverage of the Redheads section has done a very good job of putting me off going there. Between the wigs, facepaint and demented shrieking apparently required to take part, it just doesn’t seem like my cup of tea. The section – and the blanket coverage it gets – seem almost designed to attract the same obnoxious attention-seekers who can be found behind home-plate, waving at the camera while yakking on their cellphones. I’ll pass.
by Jim McLennan on Jul 29, 2008 8:32 PM EDT 0 recs
I agree with you, Jim...
Last year, we did Grace’s place. That was awesome. One big Redhead party…but it wasn’t every week. It was one game out of the entire season for everyone to dress up and make signs and be crazy.
Plus, I got his autograph on my (surprisingly, still) lucky jersey, and a picture with him on my birthday. Also got him to break the “one item per person” signature policy and sign my “Hey it’s my birthday!” sign. :-)
My point, I suppose, is- NOT EVERY WEEK.
Maybe the Diamondbacks should just sign me...
by emilylovesthedbacks on
Jul 30, 2008 1:35 AM EDT
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Conversely
there are people that crave a situation where they can be more than just the stereotypical “meek Arizona fan.” Perhaps they look over at other teams or other sports and wonder why they can’t do that, and then they hear people whine about how much Chase Field discourages exuberant fan support.
So then they come up with Redhead thing. Here’s something that is obviously supported by the organization, so for some (well, more than some) it’s appealing. They get a chance to be crazy, to dress up, or yell.
Is the coverage of the group a bit much? Sure, sometimes, but I wouldn’t consider it over the line. On the other hand, I’ll remember this argument the next time someone whines about how bad Diamondbacks fans are.
Knock off the hippie crap, strap on a helmet, and start shooting. This is baseball, Diamondbacks, I want you to storm that beach like it's Normandy!
by soco on
Jul 30, 2008 10:36 AM EDT
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