Keith Olbermann to host MLB Network Hot Stove next week
Former SportsCenter anchor/political pundit Keith Olbermann is getting back into the sports game. The outspoken baseball fanatic will serve as a special co-host of MLB Network's new morning show Hot Stove next Tuesday and Wednesday with regular hosts Harold Reynolds and Matt Vasgersian taking time off for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Olbermann made his debut on Hot Stove Thursday, taking part in a roundtable discussing the AL MVP award along with Reynolds, Joe Posnanski, and Chris "Mad Dog" Russo. Olbermann also called into the show on Friday morning to discuss Miguel Cabrera's MVP win. In both appearances, he showed the traits that made him a popular host on ESPN, as well as a very divisive figure on MSNBC and Current TV.
MLB Network is a natural match for the baseball-fanaticized Olbermann that we've speculated he could land at in the past, and in my mind, his stint on Hot Stove seems to be almost a trial run for him getting a show of his own. MLB Network is doing a great job in diversifying their lineup in the offseason, and continuing to mix things up by interjecting Olbermann and Bob Costas (who also called into the show on Friday) is a step in the right direction. If people look past Olbermann's political biases and simply take in his passion for baseball, they'll realize he's a thoughtful, intelligent fan of the game that could serve MLB Network in the future.
After watching Keith on CH Confidential & Hot Stove, I could see how relaxed & happy he seemed, totally in his element. I even tweeted him & told him that I felt MLB Net was possibly experimenting with having him on as a guest & then as a host to see what feedback they might get which could possibly help decide whether to offer him something in the future. I think he would be a perfect fit for their network. First of all, he's a great host. And secondly, and most importantly, he KNOWS baseball, inside & out. He could bring a lot of knowledge & insight to their network & to a show of his own. As much as he loved doing his political show, I think he would love this even more, because he genuinely has a great passion for baseball. So let's hope this trial run next week results in a permanent position sometime soon. As you can tell, I am a fan & will be very happy for him if this should work out. My fingers are crossed.
People can disagree with his politics, but his baseball acumen and historical perspective are second to none. He'd be a welcomed addition.
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"Olbermann made his debut on Hot Stove Thursday, taking part in a roundtable discussing the AL MVP award along with Reynolds, Joe Posnanski, and Chris "Mad Dog" Russo"
The Island of Misfit Toys
@awfulannouncing I think you just used the terms "Keith Olbermann" and "permanent role" in the same sentence.
