Beck on Bonds on Bonds
No, I didn’t watch it tonight. And I don’t plan to watch it. Ever.
I haven’t gone on a good rant on this blog, but someone asked me last week if I watched it, and it was as if I’d missed an episode of ’24′ or something. I was watching the Twins and the Blue Jays on MLB.TV at that point last week, with Johan Santana against Roy Halladay, and Bengie Molina launching a Santana pitch off the facing of the fifth deck at Rogers Centre. This week, I watched the end of the Padres/Marlins game, in which Franklyn German struck out two in a perfect ninth. When that was over a little after seven, I checked the Weather Channel for a few minutes to get the forecast for tomorrow. And then I ate dinner. I have no interest in tuning into Barry Bonds’ reality show.
I’m not going to bash ESPN’s credibility for pushing this. If I did, I’m sure I’d get an email or two about working in a glass house with MLB.com and all. There are many other columnists and writers who can critique the politics of this show if they want. Plus, despite all the publicity, I’m sure ESPN was caught in a dicey situation being under contract for this show once details of the Bonds book came out.
But I have no problem saying I’m growing tired of reality shows of ESPN. I would’ve much rather watched more west coast games or more time for highlights during college basketball season than watch Bobby Knight pick a walk-on player, and I’d rather see another half-hour added to Baseball Tonight than see a camera follow Bonds around under restrictions. Heck, I would’ve rather seen another 30 minutes of NFL Draft analysis than Bonds. That Trifecta idea to limit Baseball Tonight and NFL Live to 20 minutes was bad enough. But as long as I have the choice of watching an actual baseball game thanks to the MLB package, I’ll watch the game. If it wasn’t raining in San Francisco tonight, I’d watch Bonds against Phil Garner’s Astros. That’s close enough to reality for me.
Jason Beck
I watched the first one, and viewed the second one on mute while working. It’s not that bad, plus I gotta root for Bonds, he’s on my fantasy team this year — a steal (hopefully) in the eigth round.
Someday we will say, “remember when ESPN used to show sports?”. Just like we say now about MTV, remember when they played music videos?
Anyway, if something would happen to Granderson right now, who would we call up to play centerfield?
You are right about ESPN showing to many reality shows, I would think that LIVE sporting events like baseball and basketball would be about as real as TV could get.
Haven’t asked about center, but I’d figure either Monroe would move to center field or the Tigers would call up Gomez.
I am a Dodgers fan. I should also add the caveat that I am a Barry Bonds’ fan.
I think the show is an excellent inside look at baseball and the man.
I also think it sheds Bonds in a very good light. And, being as I think he one of the best players to ever pick up a bat and we are blessed to say that we lived in an era where we saw him play, I like this show.
By the way, I went into the show thinking I was going to hate it…
I didn’t watch it either; and I think we both made a wise choice. The whole fooferaw leaves a person concerned at the least….
I didn’t watch it either and wouldn’t. I would also much rather see a west coast game. I’m not a Bonds fan although I recognize that he was one of the better players to play the game.
I wouldn’t watch Bonds etc if you paid me. Time is too valuable. Plus, I have a five year old and the wife told me that kid friendly programs were in order.
Bonds is a lying cheat anyway.
Watched the Sox-Blue Jays last night.
Great game. Feel bad for Rugburn, though. What did he do to deserve being ignored. Victor Martinez is wonderful.
My stomach is churning.
Placido Polanco – gold glove at 3rd base. Guess the Tigers didn’t think he played “gritty” enough.
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They better go out and spend some money on an infielder. Forget gritty. We gave up a gold glover for gritty.