- In probably the most significant story in the Pac-10 this season, negotiations on a new Pac-10 TV deal have begun. The league is current in an "exclusive negotiating window" with its current partner, which means Fox Sports, and Wilner calls Fox the "leader in the clubhouse" to get the new deal (there goes my breakfast). As Matt Daddy has been saying for the last six months, ESPN just doesn't have the room, and Comcast/NBC is the big sleeper in all of this. Wilner also says that a Pac-12 Network is no sure thing, as Time Warner Cable, the major carrier in the Los Angeles area, has been very unaccomodating to regional sports networks. A few things, though, are certain: the deal has to be in the $170 million dollar total revenue range, and if Fox were to get the deal, coverage is going to have to be a whole heck of a lot better than it is right now.
- Oregon baseball begins tomorrow, and there will be a rules change which could be an advantage to the Ducks (and Beavers). The composition of bats is changing, in order to make the game safer. This will eliminate the annoying PING! sound, but also make the bats play a lot more like wooden bats. This should reduce home runs, thus being an advantage to small ball teams like Oregon.
- Kerry Eggers also has the Portland Tribune's season preview up. According to Coach Horton, "anything less than winning a national championship would be a disappointment."
- The Statesman Journal has a profile up on Malcolm Armstead, who after struggling to adapt to the new offense for most of the season, has finally found his groove the past six games, and is a big part of the reason why Oregon is playing some of the best ball in the conference. The Daily Emerald tells us what could be said for any Duck basketball game this season: the Civil War won't be the best basketball ever, but it will be a lot of fun to watch.
- And, finally, we all know that we are fortunate enough to have one of the best beat writers in the business, and Rob Moseley was recognized as such by his peers. Its well deserved. Rob will also be making an appearance on our podcast on Sunday, so make sure you tune in for that.
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Quack Fix: New TV deal, baseball set to begin, Malcolm Armstead gets comfortable
By
David Piper