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

[Jason]

aw this sucks. I maintain we have the best TV and radio team in the business. Someone has some big shoes to fill.

[Sad]

You are the man Joe!!!

[Jmaes]

Joe and Dewayne are the best tag team duo I have seen in a long time. It has been enjoyable to watch the rays with Joe. I wish Joe the best. He will be missed!

Hopefully there are other options being considered than Anderson. He did not keep me interested when Joe was out.

[RFN]

I will miss Joe, did not care for Anderson, I would prefer Todd Kalas with a different roaming announcer (if that's needed?).

But, the Raymond move also concerns me. I know its a person in a suit that you don't see or hear, but Kelly was the best Raymond by far. Why did they not bring her back?

[Tom]

I am sad to see Joe go. His analysis was often spot on, I liked his style and the way he meshed with Dwayne Staats.

Didn't think much of Brian Anderson when he filled in a bit, but if he's the guy maybe he'll grow on me.

[Lawrence]

Joe was good I'll miss him.