NewsMLB Network to air 15 hours of live trade deadline coverage Friday, July 31
Coverage to include historical features narrated by MLB Network's Bob CostasMLB.com
07/28/09 10:35 AM ET
MLB Network today announced its coverage plans for the Major League trade deadline on Friday, July 31 with MLB Tonight: Trade Deadline Special. Beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET on Friday, MLB Network will go live from Studio 3 in its Secaucus, New Jersey headquarters and remain on-air until MLB Tonight is off the air, totaling approximately 15 hours of live coverage.
MLB Network hosts Greg Amsinger, Victor Rojas and Matt Vasgersian will alternate hosting duties with analysis from MLB Network's John Hart, Jon Heyman, Joe Magrane, Dan Plesac, Harold Reynolds, Tom Verducci and Mitch Williams. MLB Scouting Bureau Director Frank Marcos and MLB.com senior writer Jonathan Mayo will also join to discuss projected club line-ups and starting rotations, free agents in 2009 and 2010, and what Minor Leaguers may soon become household names. MLB Network reporter Hazel Mae, who is traveling with the Toronto Blue Jays tracking updates on pitcher Roy Halladay through Friday, and MLB Network Baseball Insider Ken Rosenthal will check in throughout the day offering updates and predictions.
MLB Network's Bob Costas will narrate six editions of "MLB Network Remembers," looking back at significant trades in Major League Baseball history, including Hall of Famer Lou Brock's trade to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964. Other editions highlight David Cone's trade to the New York Yankees, Mark McGwire's trade to the St. Louis Cardinals, and the Boston Red Sox trading for Derek Lowe and Jason Varitek in 1997.
"The Major League trade deadline generates tremendous interest from baseball fans and we knew it would be important to provide expanded coverage on Friday and throughout this week," said Tony Petitti, President and CEO of MLB Network. "We're looking forward to using all of our resources to give fans the latest updates on each club's trade activity and predict how these trades can affect the second half of the season."
Friday's coverage will also include live streaming on MLB.com from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. ET, use of MLB Network Ballpark Cameras at U.S. Cellular Field, PETCO Park and Busch Stadium for interviews with club managers and players, and graphics with a trade-specific ticker highlighting information about clubs' trade deadline history.
About MLB Network
MLB Network launched on January 1, 2009 as the largest debut in cable television history and is currently available in approximately 53 million cable and satellite homes. With live games, original programming, highlights, classic games, and coverage of baseball events, MLB Network is the ultimate television destination for baseball fans. For more information and to find MLB Network in your area, go to mlbnetwork.com.
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
