God knows KNBR and me are like fire and ice, but what the hell, I'm going to give them and Lee Hammer some good free advice because I'm in the giving mood.
The "Sports Leader" has an opening at 7-10 PM and I have the ideal candidate to replace the recently departed FP Santangelo and his name is familiar in these parts: Chris Townsend.
Townsend currently has an assortment of gigs, most notably the pre and post-game host on A's broadcasts and the nightly tonsil on "Sports Overnight America", (part of the Sports Byline Network.)
Most people here remember Townsend from his KNBR days in the late 90's. He spent nine years playing sidekick to Gary Radnich in the morning. Townsend also hosted pre and post game shows for the San Francisco 49ers, San Francisco Giants and Golden State Warriors on top of producing and creating pre-game segments during Giants broadcasts.
Townsend is adept at the position of post-game shows, quickly becoming a favorite for A's fans with his spirited takes and passionate opines following games. More importantly, he was overtly critical when he had to be, yet booster too so he developed legitimate credibility. In other words, he cheers, yes, but will boo when he sees fit.
Whether or not that's good enough for Hammer and the Giants higher-ups, (namely, Larry Baer,) remains to be seen, but given the fact that, apparently, front-runner Eric Byrnes is suddenly out of the loop, and Marty Lurie, reportedly, is not interested, Townsend should be given consideration.
He's paid his dues. He knows his craft and he can step into the booth and do a quality show. Here's hoping Hammer gives him a shot.
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How about "the mouth"? He's upbeat,good natured to laugh at himself when he picks the wrong team. What's his real name-Jeff something?
ReplyDeleteI could be wrong but-isn't there some kind of bad blood between Radnich and Townsend? Radnich gave him a few shots last year. One,was how he says his name and then says "And I will work for 25 cents an hour to host my own show". Its the look on Radnich face when he say's Townsends name that looks bad blood like..
Would love to see Townsend back at KNBR, he was kind of forced out as I recall when they did some house cleaning on the morning show years ago. He does a good job and seems to know ALL sports which is important with the night shift. I liked FP but I never felt he really cared about the Dubs. While we all know the Giants are kings currently, if the 49ers come back to life they'll quickly take back ownership of the Bay Area/Nor Cal market.
ReplyDeleteOn another note anyone catch Frank Dill on KNBR this morning? Brought back great memories of "The Frank and Mike" show. I grew up waking every morning to hear their voices.
I still miss Larry Krueger, he was great, but I know Baer would never have him.
ReplyDeleteFunny how Byrnes fell out of the loop so quickly. Back in 2006 when KNBR fired Renee Brinkley - they brought in the easy on the eyes Cass Centeno but I think she pi$$ed off Radnich because she would not cow-tow to Gary. The former morning gang also had John London, Dennis Cruz and Townsend. Townsend is a great possibilty save KNBR's propensity to hold grudges. Maybe Byrnes asked for more than minimum wage? Marty Lurie will replace Urban on the weekends.
ReplyDeleteHorror: Today Radnich and his twin voices:Dibbley and WarEagle were mockingly in sorrow over the LOSS today of Ray Woodson in the so called 930 hour??? Wonder if Hammer heard Woodson's rant the other night. Radnich ALWAYS use to mock Woodson at the very beginning and now the so called great one takes shots at Marty Lurie. If KNBR wants to save money - drop the self serving 1/2 hour that Bruno spends with Radnich and the two twins.
The best thing KNBR could do is hire Rick Tittle from SportsByLine.
No! We A's fans love him, and I'd hate to lose another radio personality to the monolith that is KNBR. I hope the A's can buy 860 and sign Townsend long term.
ReplyDeleteyou mean Rick "my A's", "my Warriors", "my Raiders", Tittle. Must be a great athlete to have played with those teams because constantly uses "we" whenever talking about "his" teams. KNBR has a bunch of homers but this guy is way over the top. Too bad because he is very knowledgeable and a real good host and interviewer, but have to tune out after about the 20th "we", along with referring to almost any player by their nickname.
ReplyDeleteIf KNBR hires Chris Townsend it will be really ironic. The A's post-game show allowed people to see Townsend's true colors. Townsend went on numerous anti-KNBR and anti-Giants rants.
ReplyDeleteIf KNBR signs Townsend they must be really desperate.
Chris Townsend would make an excellent choice for the weeknight shift.
ReplyDeleteBring Damon back to 680 and rehire Krueger for 1050. Poor FP, they set him up to fail. Little experience, bad voice, immature guy.
ReplyDeleteI would listen to Sportsphone if they hired Chris Townsend. FP was not cutting it & glad he left.
ReplyDeleteChris Townsend is right where he belongs...on a station that no one listens to...he simply SUCKS...nothing more than a Krueger wannabe...
ReplyDelete