For those who think Chris McGowan is out of touch with the local fan base, you may want to consider this: It's mid-June. The Blazers were eliminated from the playoffs over a month ago, we don't have a pick in this draft and this forum is blowing up talking about the product he is selling. Until yesterday, all we had to talk about were players in other markets kicking people in the balls and throwing their mouth guard at fans. Now, this place is abuzz with talk about the Blazers. The Mike and Mike are OUT? Same with 'Tone. thread is 35 pages and still going strong. The It's Calabro!!!!! thread is at 11 pages and going like gangbusters. Who will the Blazers hire to replace the Mikes? is at 9 pages and we also have several other threads related to this news (Stealing Rip City, How we as a fanbase can be more Seattle inclusive., My theory on the future of Blazer broadcasting). I'd say he knows us pretty well. And for those paranoid about the Blazers hiring a "Seattle guy", I guarantee there are a LOT more people discussing the Trail Blazers in Portland right now than there are in Seattle. I don't necessarily like the guy, but you have to admit, he knows how to keep his product on the minds of his customers. With no draft pick, this place would normally be a ghost town, but instead the place is blowing up with talk about his product. BNM
This reminds me of when my ex said that she would could consider cheating on me if one of her celebrity crushes came along and gave her the opportunity. The people who support this are like her, and I have absolutely no respect for the human condition that treats worthy people like newspapers.
What good is it doing for the Blazers for us Blazer nerds to be talking about it? Especially when most of the talk is anger.
Define "most of the talk". The overall reaction to the Calabro hire is favorable. One or two high volume butt hurt posters doesn't change that. BNM
But then again, having a terrible voice for broadcasting hasn't stopped Reggie Miller. Good god his voice is awful and he's one of TNT's main guys.
He would've merited more discussion had he just released Dame, so I am not sure why this particular event is worth celebrating, when there are many other negative decisions he could've also made to elicit discussion.
Even if that's true (which it's not, cause it's definitely more than one or two people upset that Mike and Mike were fired), you didn't answer the question. What good does it do? Are people in this forum going to watch more games because they hired this Cerebro guy? I don't think so.
Yep, Roy would be a horrible hire. I want someone professional, articulate and experienced. We just hired the best play-by-play announcer in the business,. This isn't amateur hour. I want his partner to be equally qualified. I'm so glad we didn't hire Clyde as a coach, or an announcer. He's horrible at both. Hiring former players, no matter how well the performed on the court, may tug at the heart strings, but doesn't necessarily make them qualified for the job. This shouldn't be a sentimental hire. They should get the best they can get. If they're good at what they do, the Portland fan base is intelligent enough to accept, respect and appreciate that. BNM
I'm so happy with this hire. I love all the hipster fans crying about M&M being one of ours. So what? That gives them the right to keep their job? No, they were good but if you have the option to get a guy of Calabro's caliber you make that move. Period. Barrett was getting better but will never reach Calabro's level. Rice gave me a headache haha
His name is spelled Calabro. Go back and read this thread. Many that were initially upset abut the firings have changed their tune now that they know who the replacement is. BNM
I liked Mike and Mike but this is a terrible analogy. (The take is terrible not you) I in no way vowed to be true to Mike and Mike only for the rest of my life. I will truly say that Rice was awesome as a color announced in that I was entertained by him every game. He had knowledge and made me laugh in a way hardly any other color commentator has. Barret was a very good guy who called the game very well. He was not to hubris as to point out when he was wrong but still helped me feel the emotions as a Blazer fan. If the organization deems there needed to be an upgrade then they should do what they think is best. I will have a bigger problem if they are changing it every 5 years. Stability is great I don't want a revolving door, but I foresee more changes coming and it may be the right time for this.
