In San Diego, Kevin Acee reported Padres radio play-by-play voice Jesse Agler has “agreed to a multi-year contract extension.” Agler began working for the Padres in 2014, then joined Ted Leitner in the radio booth full-time in 2016. He succeeded Leitner upon his retirement in 2021. Agler’s deal comes after the Padres last week announced an extension for TV analyst Mark Grant (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 3/25).
BIG SHOES TO FILL: In Toronto, Rosie DiManno notes new Blue Jays TV analyst Joe Siddall, the “successor to beloved Buck Martinez," has “big shoes to fill.” Siddall “filled in at length” for Martinez last season when he took a leave of absence for treatment after being diagnosed with cancer. Their styles are “diametrically different” -- Siddall is more “lowkey and not so outwardly as animated” as Martinez. However, Siddall’s baseball IQ is “as high as Martinez” and he will not be trying to “out-Buck Buck” (TORONTO STAR, 3/27).
GETTING A BETTER VIEWPOINT: Phillies TV analyst Ben Davis will “spend more time in the dugout this season” after calling games there several times last season and during spring training. With the introduction of the ABS Challenge System, NBC Sports Philadelphia VP/Content Alexandra Matcham thought that it “made sense to get Davis out of the booth more during key series.” The role will also help “fill a void” created by the departure of in-stadium reporter Taryn Hatcher, whose contract was not renewed (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 3/25).
FILLING THE MARQUEE: Marquee Sports Network’s Taylor McGregor began her seventh season as the net’s field reporter and she is performing “very well” with Cubs announcers Jon Sciambi and Jim Deshaies. Her preparation “is evident, her delivery is comfortable and her banter with her broadcast mates is delightful.” Meanwhile, McGregor earlier this month called her first NBA game for ESPN after being a regular on college football coverage. Her bosses at ESPN “are noticing what Cubs fans ... already knew: She’s very comfortable in front of a crowd of thousands, let alone a camera before millions” (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 3/26).
