John Rhadigan out, Dave Barnett in

[YosemiteSam]

John is easy to listen too, but he wasn't all that exciting. Especially on home runs. He wouldn't get excited until after it was out.

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ARLINGTON -- The Rangers dismissed television play-by-play announcer John Rhadigan and replaced him with Dave Barnett on Thursday.

Barnett had been the Rangers' No. 2 man on their radio broadcasts with Eric Nadel. Barnett's radio duties will be split between Steve Busby and Bryan Dolgin.

Barnett is in his third year on Rangers radio broadcasts but had spent 13 years prior to that working for ESPN on baseball, football, basketball and golf. He also was an award-winning broadcaster for the Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA. He is a native of North Texas who still lives in Denton.

Rhadigan was in his first year as the Rangers' television play-by-play man, having replaced Josh Lewin. Rhadigan had never been a play-by-play broadcaster before but had spent 20 years in the Dallas-Fort Worth market as an award-winning television sports reporter and anchor on Rangers pregame and postgame shows.

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[StylisticS]

Every last message board that has Rangers fans on there complained about him since day 1. I would think this would be welcoming news for most Ranger fans.

 

[WDN]

Every last message board that has Rangers fans on there complained about him since day 1. I would think this would be welcoming news for most Ranger fans.

It is. He is a good guy but that job was just not for him. It was painful to listen to.

 

[DIAF]

Oh thank you sweet lord.

 

[Stautner]

John is easy to listen too, but he wasn't all that exciting. Especially on home runs. He wouldn't get excited until after it was out.

I have been complaining about the same thing. It's as if he is unable to recognize the potential for a big play as it unfolds - he has to see it happen first and then he gets excited. And even then the excitement seemed forced. I just don't think color commentary is where he fits.

Josh was annoying at times, without a doubt, especially with the nonsensical trivia he woulod pull out, but he was enthusiastic and excited like a kid - the excitement always seemed genuine, and that's what you want in a home team announcer.

 

[reddyuta]

Oh thank you sweet lord.

this.

 

[YosemiteSam]

I have been complaining about the same thing. It's as if he is unable to recognize the potential for a big play as it unfolds - he has to see it happen first and then he gets excited. And even then the excitement seemed forced. I just don't think color commentary is where he fits.

Josh was annoying at times, without a doubt, especially with the nonsensical trivia he woulod pull out, but he was enthusiastic and excited like a kid - the excitement always seemed genuine, and that's what you want in a home team announcer.

A lot of people didn't like Josh, but I enjoyed him because he was exciting to listen too. He would come up with a lot of odd stuff, but it was amusing though I can see how baseball purist could get annoyed.

 

[Stautner]

A lot of people didn't like Josh, but I enjoyed him because he was exciting to listen too. He would come up with a lot of odd stuff, but it was amusing though I can see how baseball purist could get annoyed.

There were always a few points during games I would find myself saying "shut up Josh", and it seemed there were more of those moments in recent years, but I was stunned when they let him go. He was kind of like that buddy you have that tends to annoy you at times, but you love him and accept him anyway, and you never ever doubt his loyalty.

 

[DFWJC]

Oh thank you sweet lord.

Yeah, he was a good guy who was in over his head. I don't really think he had much experience....though I'm not sure that even would have helped much. He had some legendary goof-ups. He'll be fine doing something else in radio or TV, just not that.

 

[Stautner]

Yeah, he was a good guy who was in over his head. I don't really think he had much experience....though I'm not sure that even would have helped much. He had some legendary goof-ups. He'll be fine doing something else in radio or TV, just not that.

I just don't see how they thought he was the right guy from the get go.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

John is easy to listen to? He was one of the worst play by play guys in history.

 

[Stautner]

First broadcast I heard with Barnett I wasn't too thrilled. Too much of that polished professional announcer sound, which is fine for watching a nationally televised game, but not really what I care for with a home team announcer. I like the guy that comes across as a fan and who can sit and talk baseball with Tom. But I've seen a few more games since then, and I'm liking him more and more. It may be that he was just feeling out the situation a little the first game or two, but it seems he is settling into the job nicely.

 

[DIAF]

Dave Barnett is good enough. I'd rather have anyone than Rhadigan, and that includes Chip Caray. THERE I SAID IT.