Willie Randolph Talked Baseball During a Yankees Telecast

I watched a couple of innings of a split squad spring training game between the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers this afternoon on the YES Network. Joining Ken Singleton and David Cone in the booth was Willie Randolph who patrolled second base for the Yankees from 1976 through 1988.

I find Yankees' telecasts extremely annoying because the crew (especially when Michael Kay is involved) talk about everything except what is actually occurring on the field. But Randolph was not only focused on what was occurring during the game, but was discussing the process of fielding a ground ball and throwing the runner out at first base. In particular, Randolph directed his attention towards Yankees third baseman Miguel Andujar who has spent the off-season trying to improve his defense.

I think this was Randolph's first time in the broadcast booth because he wasn't particularly polished. But I view that as a strength. There are so many smooth voices talking about nothing it is so refreshing to hear someone with baseball knowledge articulate in a meaningful way to the everyday viewer. I hope we will get to see more of Randolph in the broadcast booth this season. My only worry is that he will get a memo from the YES Network not to talk so much baseball.

Randolph's commentary was that of the perspective of a coach. Of course, Randolph managed the New York Mets from 2005 through the middle of the 2008 season. While Randolph guided the Mets to the NL East title in 2006, he oversaw their September collapse a year later. Singleton and Cone asked Randolph if he would like to get back into managing. Randolph replied in the affirmative, but said he hasn't received any calls. Indeed, since being sacked by the Mets, Randolph served on the coaching staff of the Milwaukee Brewers in 2009 and 2010 and the Baltimore Orioles in 2011, but has not worn a major league uniform since. I could hear some sadness in Randolph's voice. Perhaps this broadcast gig with the Yankees will get the pathway back to coaching or managing.