Catching Up

Another reason to follow me on Twitter? You would have known about this awesome contest from Oral Sox. The Out-Bacon Beckham contest was a huge success, even if I didn't win. Even if you're not keen to listening to two hours of White Sox talk and hilarity, this podcast included all the entries for the contest.

The Out-Bacon Beckham contest consisted of listeners suggesting their favorite 80s-ish cheesy song, which would be played after their name was called to bat. Since Beckham chose "Your Love" by The Outfield, it was everybody's task to out cheese him.

I chose "Lovin' Every Minute Of It" by Loverboy. That song is one of my secret shames of the mid eighties. The caveat was that it also had to be a song which you liked and somewhat was appropriate.

The eventual winner? I won't spoil it, but I'll say that there was tough competition and inspirational cheese prevailed.

Today is the debut for Steve Stone's blog. Great idea! I've been following him on Twitter and he has a lot of good gems about the White Sox, the Cubs and baseball in general.

The White Sox death march road trip is currently at 1-6, with the team going into the Metrodome for the very last time for a three game series. I can't wait for Target Field to open up next year. Hopefully, they won't bring the Hefty bags.

Stone Goes Full Time

Chris Singleton made a surprise departure for a career in sports broadcasting. Wait, didn't he already have that? Well, it must have been a better offer, because as Hawk would say... "He gone!"

Steve Stone has agreed to take over Chris Singleton's radio duties. I had a feeling that this part time Stoney gig wouldn't last long. He is a definite upgrade from Chris Singleton, but he really should replace Darrin Jackson on the television side. Maybe the Sox management could lure Tom Paciorek back on the television side? I'd love to see the Hawk and Wimpy show again.

Steve Stone moving to a full time position can only help the White Sox. He commands enough respect in a booth that even Ed Farmer may behave with him around. I liked Ed Farmer much better when he was second banana to John Rooney. Although Rooney is now the voice of the Cardinals. Lucky them. They've got a great sports announcer in John Rooney.

Steve could be the magical answer that the radio booth needs. He is a seasoned veteran, who gives his opinions, even when it conflicts with management. That is the type of broadcaster I like to listen to. He has a fan's point of view and isn't afraid to express it. Plus, he has the knowledge of someone who has seen it all. He brings both perspectives to the booth.

If someone can wake Darrin Jackson up from his nap long enough to get excited over the game, the White Sox would really have something. DJ is more awake, but it still sounds like he's sleepwalking. Perhaps if Steve Stone was peering over his shoulder, it would wake Feisty up?

Radio Free Stoney

Steve Stone has agreed to join Ed Farmer and Chris Singleton in the radio booth for Friday White Sox home games in 2008. This should inject a little life into the broadcast. No one has yet to fill the large voice of John Rooney after his departure for St. Louis following the 2005 season.

Steve continues his baseball analysis for 670 AM The Score, in addition to these new Friday home game duties. I, for one, welcome Steve Stone as a new addition to these radio broadcasts. Maybe this will be a primer for his eventual takeover in one of the full time broadcasting roles for the Sox.

Steve filled in on the television side in 2007, when Darrin Jackson took some time off to spend with his family after welcoming a new child to the Jackson clan. Steve's insights and commentary were a welcome change to DJ's "reading from a script" style of broadcasting. Hopefully, this is a sign of better changes for the Sox. An eventual team of Hawk Harrelson and Steve Stone on television broadcasts would be a wonderful thing. Let's hope that's where this will be heading.