Stoking Sox Fever
Number one, I don't believe this is part of some corporate conspiracy because the Globe's parent, the New York Times Co., is a part-owner of the team. Number two, I'm not trying to take any of the steam out of one simmering hot stove season.
But why is the perfunctory press conference announcing the completely anticipated appointment of Sox co-GM's Ben Cherington and Jed Hoyer, (even with a hint that Theo Epstein may return) the dominant feature of the front page of a major newspaper with national and international ambitions? And yes, given the above-the-fold play and the large photo, it does dominate the page.
Seems to me that this story belonged on the Sports front with a front-page teaser. When the public turns on the media -- as was the case in the infamous Theo Epstein divorce from the Sox earlier this off-season -- journalists seem perplexed at passions run amok among the fandom. But sometimes the press is guilty of overhyped and disproportionate coverage of the team. And this is one such case.
But why is the perfunctory press conference announcing the completely anticipated appointment of Sox co-GM's Ben Cherington and Jed Hoyer, (even with a hint that Theo Epstein may return) the dominant feature of the front page of a major newspaper with national and international ambitions? And yes, given the above-the-fold play and the large photo, it does dominate the page.
Seems to me that this story belonged on the Sports front with a front-page teaser. When the public turns on the media -- as was the case in the infamous Theo Epstein divorce from the Sox earlier this off-season -- journalists seem perplexed at passions run amok among the fandom. But sometimes the press is guilty of overhyped and disproportionate coverage of the team. And this is one such case.
6 Comments:
I could go on and on on this this annoying issue just like I did here in this MediaLog posting:
http://www.blogger.com/publish-comment.do?blogID=14253577&postID=113414334732775314&r=ok
Please excuse the typos for lack of proofreading (like reeks instead of reaks)
The only thing I'd say that I think would cut down on this hubhub and WEEI incursions is for Sox Exces and more importantly Henry or less so Werner, stepping up to the mic and asking the media to stop interefering with their business and contract negotiating. We are at a stage where WEEI is not just doing its media role of questioning and analysing but actively trying to alter the picture and insert itself by influencing public opinion.
They will argely have contributed to manny's departure and Sox shoudl step up to the mic, admit Manny's flaws as another star, with ego and quirks but openly state their support for him and their appreciation and ask the media to shut up and concentrate on the game.
Lucchino can't talk as much about the Theo gate so their execs should step up and clear the air and be definitive.
I should also say I am disappointed in Theo. I wanted the kid to stay but why would he show sooooooo much pride, walk away from an idolizing town, a hefty contract increase and a lot of respect and then a few weeks later, be open to coming back through the back door?
How much pride is that and what a stupid way of handling career moves. Didn't we think he was a negotiating 'genius?'
He should come out of his 'No Comment' hibernation and clearly state his intent and his willingness to wrok with the Sox as presently constituted, ie with Lucchino looming large still.
Weren't a lot of clubs supposed to snatch him right away? What happened?
I think he realized he over-reacted and goofed. Now the media is helping him with the climbdown. Lucchino is forced to leave doors open now when he clearly stated a week ago -for example with Lobel- that the Theo experience is done and they 'are moving on.'
How about some directness and some honesty here fellows? You don't want this albatros hanging on your new GM appointees and contract negotiations. Johhny Damon is ignored in public and shouldn't. THAT should be the focus now and mending 'Manny potential' and not alowing his infidelity rumors to be echoed by EEI even if obscure sites propagate them.
Politicains and sportsmen and regular shmos cheat everyday. It is unfortunate and deplorable but if it were a disqualifier, we wouldn't be able to keep many public figures around.
Let's keep focus on the main crocks here and keep a perspective!
N.
Your questions about the merits of the Globe is interesting but I think from a media/pr perspective there is a lot for the mill on this one.
1) For the second time in roughly 6 weeks the Sox stole some thunder from the Patriots. I don't think that is going over well in Foxboro and the ice between Sox ownership and the Krafts must be thickening.
2) WEEI is and was in a tough spot. Listen yesterday for Patriots Monday coverage, live from the bowels of Gillete, and all you heard was Sox talk. Talk that was extremely critical of the Sox management. Consider that WEEI is a partner with the Pats on Patriots Monday while simultaneously negotiating a new deal with Sox and they are in a very tricky spot. I can't imagine that the Sr. Execs at either team were very happy.
3)Does anyone from the Sox look good in all this? Theo looks like the kid who took his ball and went home. Larry looks like a crazed lunatic. Henry looks incompitent. Ben and Jed looks like placeholders.
4) This can only get worse before it gets better.
It wasn't just the Globe hyping this story - the story was tops on all the TV stations as well. Must have been a slow news day.
Mark: The Boston Globe, a major newspaper "with national and international ambitions?"
Really? Since when? Certainly not since they started canning their bureaus.
Once again, the size and number of postings answer the question as to why something is biger news. When you wrote about weatherman Todd Gross getting canned there was a big response on this site and now when sports is mentioned the responses are lengthy and full of detail. People love sports and weather in this town and God bless 'em for it because both the weather and the sports are sometimes an awful lot to bear in this city.
To Anonymous 8:58 AM
You are absolutely right. This a great sports town and people are more curious about weather and linked to their usual weather people more than any other city I know.
But what you alude to, ie the volume and intensity of scrutiny is NOT because people ccare so much about Theogate or long for Todd to come back. They are not the reason. They haven't been around enough to BE a reason for or really merit that volume.
It is the action and energy BEHIND the scenes that is creating these issues and blowing them up.
Why is a weather dept always on the move. Why are TV station in Boston always moving chairs. Why is radio so obstinate and incompetent. What do the-powers-to-be do to stoke or limit these 'Telenovelas' unfolding.
That's what's motivating the talk. Literally the foundation of the media scene that is at fault and in focus really, not one subject or problem.
Cheers
N.
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