PicoBlog

Jim Edmonds was once a pretty good color analyst for Bally Sports Midwest, back in the day when it was called Fox Sports Midwest. He’s not that good anymore.

This is possible. It’s quite alright for a St. Louis Cardinals fan to point out that a man paid very well isn’t that good at his job. Edmonds should be used to the burn from his playing days, where his moves and production were critiqued and discussed. But instead of wondering how many home runs he can hit or how many fly balls he can track down in center, it’s Jimmy Ballgame’s television commentary that is getting broken down.

It’s not unwarranted. Edmonds often rambles on more than yours truly, cutting off lead play-by-play guy, Dan McLaughlin. A short story about a player turns into a longer story about Edmonds and his text threads. Last night at one point, Danny Mac told Edmonds he had no idea what he was talking about. This can’t be the only time the south city native has thought this.

How many people can’t get the Jimmy cackle out of their heads? The “I am so right, it nearly hurts” laugh that permeates a broadcast every time he’s on it. That’s not the job of a color analyst on sports telecasts. You’re supposed to add something to the main flow, not hinder it with pointless tales. Edmonds can be on point and add something intuitive to the discussion, especially when outfield positioning or hitting approach is on the burner.

But unlike a couple seasons ago, it’s less and less. More times than not, I just want him to shut it down and sit a few plays out vocally. But he will just keep on going, plowing past the barrier where the play-by-play voice should be at the wheel. Think of Brad Thompson and Rick Ankiel when they get in there. If there’s something to add or provide extra, they will speak. But they also know how to shut it down too.

It was one thing to hear Al Hrabosky just go on and on about something detached from the game, but he never made the whole thing about him. It was about the game, the Cardinals, and the broadcast.

Jimmy Ballgame never wants to be quiet. After talking about how right he is and adding the short cackle at the end, I bet McLaughlin wants to be elsewhere too. Maybe not. Maybe Danny doesn’t mind the changeup as much as many fans do, but a fair portion of Cardinal Nation is muting the B.S.M feed.

That’s unfortunate, because McLaughlin can really call a game well, bringing tons of energy each night. Maybe put him with John Rooney on the radio a few more nights a year, and pair Edmonds with Ricky Horton. Now that would be a duo worth listening to just for the mix of styles.

Horton will be sugar-coating everything, and Jimmy will be over-analyzing the rest. Danny Mac and Rooney are a dream team.

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As is, fans will have to stomach Edmonds’ takes more. He’s not going anywhere. Here’s another thing. It’s okay to critique his work, even if it’s every game. If I can get critiqued every article, Edmonds can see his color analyst job picked apart meticulously as well. It’s the way of the land. Don’t mistake it for hate.

Also, don’t feel sorry for him. He knows exactly what he’s doing, pushing buttons and triggering fans each night. Edmonds must have a handle on what the reactions are to his work at this point, and he’s leaning into it. There’s a nice salary being given, so let him take some fire.

Just remember the cackle, and you’ll understand.

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