The Twins’ New Broadcast Tandem Could Be Generational
The Minnesota Twins might not yet have a particular home for fans to find their television broadcasts, but the results could be extraordinary when the season kicks off with a new tandem in the booth.
Replacing a mainstay like Dick Bremer is always going to invite a certain level of scrutiny. Even though Bert Blyleven had run his course, a segment of fans still wanted to see him on a nightly basis. Bremer had adapted to the changing game over time, but the Twins saw an opportunity for fresh perspectives to be brought in. Minnesota decided a new wave was coming, and it was time to change.
While Justin Morneau has been a regular for some time now, the pairing with former radio broadcaster Cory Provus has the opportunity to be something truly new and special. Understandably, Morneau isn’t for everyone, but his style has changed substantially since he joined Bremer in the booth. While he analyzes the game in a much more laid-back manner, it is evident that he has a passion for the role and puts in the necessary preparation to do it well. He supports narratives with well-thought-out research, and beyond personal insight from his playing days, he explains the game on a much more granular level.
Bremer operated well as the play-by-play man, teeing up his partners for their additions. While Provus can bring that to the table, he acts more like a co-panelist than as a moderator. Provus has a highly distinctive voice and can be heard throughout the offseason when calling collegiate basketball games. Regardless of the sport, his preparedness and professionalism are impressive.
When Major League Baseball consistently showcases announcers like John Smoltz or other former players who clearly do not like the game’s direction, the Twins offering the pairing they will can be noteworthy. Morneau doesn’t fall into an old or new-school category and isn’t just rehashing his own exploits as a former player. Instead, he brings a well-reasoned discussion and an advanced knowledge of the game to someone who should pair perfectly alongside him. Provus has the ability to combine with different types of people, and has shown that over time in his radio work.
For years, it seemed as though Provus deserved better than what Dan Gladden offered as a radio partner, and now we will see that in action. When Provus paired with Roy Smalley or the now-taking-over Kris Atteberry on the airwaves, the product hit the highest notes. The super team now comes to television, and with both offering relative youth, there is an opportunity for the pairing to become the next household staple.
In joining the broadcast, Provus also sought to assure that more Twins fans could consume the product. He made it known during his initial public conversations that he expected blackouts would be gone, regardless of how Twins baseball is disseminated, so that many more households would have access to the action. As they grow accustomed to how Provus and Morneau present the action, there is a good chance fans enjoy what is being brought to the booth.
Eventually, Bremer will find himself in the Twins Hall of Fame, alongside broadcast greats such as John Gordon, Herb Carneal, and Bob Casey. Morneau is already in as a player, but this pairing with Provus may have both being highly regarded in the booth and make them synonymous with a generation of Twins baseball, just as those predecessors were.
Do you view Provus and Morneau as a long-term solution in the broadcast booth? What do you want most from the Twins’ TV production? Discuss it in the comments below.
