So, They Will Air 31 Spring Training Games This Year

With 70% of the Southland unable to watch the Dodgers on television how much does it really matter if they plan on airing 31 Spring Training games this year?

Don't get me wrong.  I love that they've gone all in for the preseason.  It's a welcome improvement over past years.  Heck, I happen to live in an area with Time Warner, so I'll certainly benefit. 

Unfortunately, a large number of my Dodger Blue friends are not so lucky.  They'll be left in the dark this Spring and it's likely to stay that way the whole season - once again. 

Still, I feel a certain sense of obligation to let you all know what's in store for SportsNet LA.  Per a press release from yesterday, the Dodgers will be televising just about every Dodger Spring Training game this year.  The only games that are likely to not be televised are on days when a split squad game is on the schedule.  In those instances they'll only be able to televise one of the games played on that date.

It will all begin on Wednesday, March 4th for their opening game against the White Sox at Camelback Ranch at 12:05 PM.  Per the press release:

Most Spring Training games on the network will be called by veteran Dodger broadcaster Charley Steiner who will be joined by Rick Monday, Kevin Kennedy and Orel Hershiser.  The Dodgers’ legendary Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully returns for his 66th season in the booth to call four Spring Training telecasts including the Freeway Series.

From what I understand, Vin Scully will call all three games of the Freeway Series against the Angels and one game in Arizona.  Additionally, the Dodger daily news show, "Access SportsNet: Dodgers" will air every weekday at 6:00 PM and immediately after games played on weekends.  The cast of John Hartung, Orel Hershiser, Nomar Garciaparra, Jerry Hairston Jr. and Alanna Rizzo remains the same. 

Of course, if you can't watch these games at home you probably don't care so much.  After all, as that old saying goes (and adjusted for my purposes):

"If they televise all the games and you can't watch it, should you be expected to give a crap?"

On the other hand, the above phrase doesn't entirely ring true because that not how sports fanaticism works.  Of course you care, and the currently situation only makes you angry.  No, more than angry.  You're livid.  As a dear friend recently told me:

"There's a special place in hell for these folks"

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