ESPN MLB Telecasts Debut New Statistical Graphic

ESPN2 to Televise MLB Draft June 5

ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball Presented by Taco Bell recently debuted a new statistical graphic – commonly used to show a batter’s cumulative performance after facing a particular pitch count (i.e. “Matthews after 1-0 count: .281, 2HR, 16 RBI”) – which is revealed in advance of each pitch.  The graphic is found above the scoreboard display and is available during every ESPN telecast (Sunday, Monday and Wednesday).

The graphic:

• Displays a batter’s up-to-date season statistics prior to each at bat;
• After each pitch, shows a batter’s cumulative performance after facing that particular pitch count;
• Summarizes a pitcher’s performance after first six outs are obtained (i.e. number of fly balls, ground balls, strikeouts, walks, etc.);
• Is referred to as “ESPN Fantasy Update.”

ESPN is the first network to use the statistical graphic.  Following is a screen grab demonstrating the on-air look (Sunday Night Baseball, May 25).  After the statistic was displayed, the Los Angeles Angels’ Gary Matthews hit a two-run home run to tie the game, 2-2.  Click here for more screen grabs and a video clip.  This weekend’s Sunday Night Baseball telecast will feature the New York Mets hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers at 8 p.m. ET.

ESPN2 to Televise MLB Draft June 5

ESPN2 will televise Major League Baseball’s 2008 First-Year Player Draft live from 2-6 p.m. on Thursday, June 5.  This is ESPN2’s second consecutive year televising the event, which will be held at The Milk House at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.  ESPN2’s coverage will include the entire first round and 16 compensation picks.

Karl Ravech will host with analysts Peter Gammons, Steve Phillips and Chris Singleton. Additional commentators will include: Keith Law, ESPN.com’s lead baseball analyst for Scouts, Inc.; Baseball America’s Jim Callis; and Frank Marcos, head of the MLB Scouting Bureau.

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