Magrane leaving TV booth for MLB Network

A familiar face is leaving the Rays.

Joe Magrane (pictured), the informative and sometimes irreverent TV analyst for all 11 seasons, has been hired by the new MLB Network, which debuts in January.

Magrane, 44, who pitched eight seasons in the majors, is expected to do game analysis and in-studio work in his new role. An official announcement is expected later this week.

Brian Anderson, who joined Dewayne Staats in the booth last summer when Magrane did the Olympics, could be among the possible replacements.

The Rays on Monday also parted ways with Kelly Frank, who played mascot Raymond for five seasons.

Times staff writer

Comments

[Robert]

So, does anyone think Magrane and Raymond leaving at the same time is merely a co-incidence? Will we ever know the true story? Seriously, and the comments supporting Magrane indicate there is every danger of Rays fans missing the point, Joe was a likable guy but not a very good color man. He lacked variety in his comments, which were obviously planned but were attempts at spontaneous analysis. His sense of humor was a plus, but I for one tired of his ragging on the "strapping young lad" Todd Kalas. I expect and enjoy announcers being "homers" but Joe and Staats frequently not only rooted but warped their descriptions to support their biases, not a good thing. Kalas would be a breath of fresh air in the booth. How about Kalas and Staats sharing play-by-play duties?

[Steve]

The chemistry between Joe and Dewayne will never be matched. It was too good a combination to last forever. I enjoyed it while it lasted, and will miss Joe tremendously. I don't think BA is a suitable replacement---maybe he needs to put in a couple of years in the minors, but he's not ready to pair up with Dewayne yet. Good Luck Joe--you'll be missed!!

[Liz]

Loved Dewayne & Joe's sophisticated humor! Even when the Rays were boring, the two kept me watching. And they didn't talk TOO much! Listen to any other team's broadcast: the incessant chatter becomes annoying. Darn!

[T]

Todd Kallas won't get that spot. It's called "color commentator" which is code for "player with inside info or insight". Todd is holding out for Dewayne's job, although he will miss out on mingling with the ladies if he does that. LOL. Fred te Crime Dog has been auditioning on Catch 47 so he has the inside track you gotta think

[Stab]

Jack Amos you are dead wrong. MaGrane at least called a bad call when whatever team did it. I liked the combo and sad to see it go.

I hope they fill the slot with another player that has the nerve to say what we all think when we watch the game. If you want bad announcers bring McCarver and Buck in.

[Floridiot]

Wade Boggs would be a good choice.

[Lester]

Here's hoping Joe lifts MLB to the same heights that Sapp brings to the NFL Channel by offering the same level of insights, analysis and glamour power. Will Joe be the next sports darling on Dancing with the Stars following in Sapp's light footed-steps?

[Edgar]

Dewayne and Joe were the best announcers in the MLB. Put Todd Kalas to replace Magrane. Kalas is very impressive on in depth analysis. Brian Anderson sucks. And about the mascot firing....WHO CARES!!!!

[Terri]

Oh No, not Brian Anderson - Please - put Todd in there - Brian babbles way too much, about NOTHING...he overstates the obvious. I am really, really going to miss Joe.

[Taylor]

"Dewayne - get the net!!!"

[jack amos]

You are all a bunch of ignorant observers. Magrane was getting old. Same game insights with no depth. And his humor was obviously an extension of his ego. Irreverent is an understatement. He seems to be a person who has difficulty praising others, but enjoys belittling people at every opportunity. An extremely negative person who definitely has emotional problems. Perhaps, he had older sisters who beat him up at early age. As for the juvenile humor...I wonder if he will get away with it at MLB. Good riddance!

[Mark]

Anyone who happens to think they should put Todd Kalas in there as a replacement, don't think that!

How is Todd going to hang out with all of us during the game if he's stuck in the booth?!

[Clarence]

Sorry to see you go Joe, but our loss is MLB Network gain. You are a class act and always called them the way you saw them even if you stomped on someones toes. Good luck on your new position. I will be watching the MLB Network so look forward to your insight.

As for Mr. Anderson. He didn't show me very much when he filled in for you Joe. He just seem to talk and talk and then he would talk some more. Problem there is he didn't say anything that was worth while. I sure hope they find someone better than him to fill some pretty big shoes.

[Philip]

What about putting Cliff Floyd in the booth?

[steve]

I am really sad about this. Joe and Dewayne developed a chemistry together that is missing in most major league telecasts. It is a sad day in rays history and I hope the rays do the right thing by letting the strapping young lad take his spot

dang that was an entertaining duo. he will be missed. bless his heart and may the devil wreak havok on his soul and the mlb network

Joe, you are excellent in the booth. I enjoyed listening to your broadcast.

What I like most is the unseen strategy that you always point out. Whether it is pitching, the defense or even the rotation; you always had a keen eye for it.

The education helps us all enjoy the game even more.

Best of luck!

[Steve]

Hire Don Sutton!!

[mike]

Sorry to see him go. He was insightful and with Dwayne made a good team. Hope he does well with the MLB network. Our loss MLB's gain. Good luck Joe!

[RudyP]

I am also sorry to see Joe go from the Ray's broadcasts. These two guys (with Staats) were some of the best game-callers I have ever heard.
They made the Fox guys look sick, frankly. I do hope the Rays are able to get a good replacement.

[Orangeman]

Joe was awesome. He will be deeply missed by my family of Rays fans. I knew he'd bolt sooner or later. He is truly, one of the best in baseball announcing today. And who will tease the "strapping young lad" in Todd Kalas? Good luck Joe!

[dave]

greg,

"You doesn't has to call me Johnson."

Raymond J. Johnson, jr. here's his shtick...not so funny out of context. Wasn't that funny anyway - just annoying, which I guess was your point.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoYsfbq3vMc

However, I liked Brian Anderson. He's not Joe, but who else is? Todd would be terrific. Tough for Joe to leave the same day the mascot gets fired - bet he'll enjoy telling that story on MLB-TV!

[Jon]

Damn.
Not much else to be said, he was a great color analyst.

[DIZ]

Dewayne and Joe enjoyed working with each other, so we really enjoyed them. They really were an excellent, entertaining pair, who really knew baseball, as these comments show.

I'm gonna miss:
"Stayin' aaaaallivvveeeeee."

[Ryan]

Oh no!!!! Magrane is awesome!!! I will definately miss him, and that ends it, im gettin MLB network no doubt.

[mr]

Joe will be missed. These things happen. If I get a vote, mark me down for Dave Wills moving over to the TV side of things.

[Mark]

It just won't be the same without Joe...

[Word]

Are we going to be able to get the MLB network on Brighthouse?

[JJ Jones]

I hate to hear this but I cannot say I blame him for leaving. He is a great color guy and should do well at the next level.

[greg]

Joe will be missed for his insight into the pitchers minds and quirks. i enjoyed him much, good luck, forget that b.a. guy, talked wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy to much, never stopped. reminded me of that guy on a long ago t.v. variety show "now u can call me ray..or u can call me jay....or u can call me rayjay....or u can.......who was that chucklehead?

[beachyfl]

You'll be soooo missed! We'll raise a Fresca to you, Joe, with best wishes for your next life.

[Nashville Barney Lover 82]

Joe is an analyst that transcends the vicissitudes of time. I think that homerun ball Doug Drabek hit off of him is still in the air.

[James]

Brian Anderson was terrible. His voice is weak and it sounds way too young. For example, have you ever listened to the Marlins' broadcasting team? It's like listening to amatuer hour(s) at the Connecticut School of Broadcasting. Ouch... it hurts.

[Me]

Dwayne had better not be going anywhere, though...

[Me]

Well, we knew this was eventually going to happen... Joe was just too good for us to keep him all to ourselves. Good luck Joe!

Now as for this Raymond thing... that's inexcusable.

[Jim]

I think they should hire Todd Kalas to replace Magrane. He's solid, knows his stuff and is a good guy. Rays can find another sideline/crowd reporter.

[bob guckenberger]

I always knew Joe was too good for a smallish TV market, and that it wouldn't last. I'll miss him. I can't remember anything about Anderson's stint, perhaps because he's just bland. I would give Todd Kalas a shot. Something fishy about Kelly's departure, any comment from her?

[Zac Chase]

Joe,

You seriously were one of the best members of the Rays organization. Your seasoned approach and your relationship with Staats made for an entertaining show, even when the players didn't contribute. I've enjoyed the laughs and am glad you were here to witness the Rays first playoff run. You and Dewayne are, in my opinion, the best in the business, and it won't be the same. Thanks for a great decade, I am glad that rest of the nation can see what a talent we've had here in St. Pete.
Maybe now, I will consider the MLB network...

[Meg]

It's sad when you lose a part of the team like Joe. But he'll do great in his new role with MLB. Best of luck to you, Joe!

As for Anderson, if I were the Rays, I'd keep looking...

[Bob]

Joe is one of the best in MLB with his knowledge of the game his analysis was always insightful and his humor made every game a joy to watch. He will be a very tough act to follow

[mark]

SAY IT AIN"T SO, JOE !!!!!!!!!!! we will miss you.

[Chuck]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! JOOOOOOOOOOOOOE!

[Craig]

OW

Double-whammy today. Joe AND Raymond? I'm not a fan of BA, although with time and no choice, I guess I will be. He'll never be able to slip those jokes into the commentary like Joe did, though. Sometimes I had to rewind just to make sure he'd said what I thought he'd said. Funny guy.

THANKS JOE GOOD LUCK

[SoggyBottomBoy]

Brain Anderson prattled on and on and on and offered nary the insights of Joe McGrane. Hopefully they cast a wider net for a new co-host. I'd take the other 3rd of the team first.

[Mike]

Do you think they are doing away with the mascot all together in favor of bringing in a Sunshine mascot or something? I hope not... Not that I could even tell you what the hell Raymond was anyway...

[Amanda]

I wouldn't call Brian Anderson a "numbskull". I'd call him a guy with almost NO broadcast experience. What do you expect from a guy who'd barely been in the booth? Harry Caray?
Anderson might not be a bad choice. Only time, and practice, will tell.
(I, too, will miss Kelly. Wishing her the best... what a great Raymond!)

[David]

I will miss Joe. He and Staats worked wonderfully together and made the telecast enjoyable even when the game was not.

Joe not only brought an insider's view to the mechanics and psychology of pitching, but also has a good feel (and obviously still has good connections) on the clubhouses around the league.

[T.R.S.L.]

Brian Anderson did a really good job at it last summer, and with some time, he'll be great!

About Raymond..Kelly was the best Raymond ever. She make him into something special. Who ever take the Raymond job over has some mighty big shoes to fill! We'll miss you Kelly!

[Ch]

Tell me about it, Brian Anderson is a numbskull...

[BB]

That is bad news, splitting up a great team. They are one of the main reasons I became a Rays fan. There is nobody who can replace Joe with his knowledge and wit. I just hope they find someone who can do a decent job with Dewayne. Best wishes to Joe in his new endeavor. We will miss you on the Rays' telecasts.