Rangers hire

The Texas Rangers have hired Dave Barnett to replace Victor Rojas who joined the MLB Network. Barnett is a veteran of ESPN.

Powell Atlanta bound?

Indications are that Jim Powell is being strongly considered for the Atlanta Braves opening.

Pirates fill announcer opening

The Pirates announced today that Tim Neverett has been hired to join their broadcast crew. With Darrin Jackson moving over to radio with the White Sox, this leaves the Padres and Braves as teams that still have openings.

Kubek to Hall/Rojas to MLB Network

Once again, Tom Cheek misses out on the Ford Frick award. Tony Kubek is this year's winner. It is a shame that Cheek continues to fall short of election. He was the Cal Ripken of announcers, having called better than 4,300 consecutive games for the Blue Jays. Cheek passed away in 2005. Few could match his command of the language and talent for describing the game. Hopefully some time soon he will be rewarded for a lifetime of Hall of Fame work.

Congratulations to Victor Rojas who is leaving the Texas Rangers to join the MLB Network.

Markus on the mend

The news is good on the Angels' Rory Markus who had brain surgery following a blood clot. Markus expects to be at full strength for the 2009 Halos season.

Kasper re-ups with Cubs

Looks like Len Kasper is will remain in the Cubs booth for quite a while. He has a new deal to stay in Chicago through 2011.

Gordo is back

Good news for Twins fans. John Gordon just inked a new deal with the Twins which will keep him in the booth for the final game in the Metrodome and the first game at new Target Field.