Rangers television analyst Tom Grieve has agreed to a three-year contract extension, but the team announced today that play-by-play man Josh Lewin will not be back after nine seasons on the job.
Lewin and the Rangers seem to have parted ways on good terms, but he’s generally considered one of the best in the business and letting him go is certainly curious. Lewin also does national games for FOX and is the San Diego Chargers’ announcer, so the Rangers may have wanted someone available to them exclusively.
I’ve often tuned into Rangers’ games specifically because I enjoyed the Lewin-Grieve pairing and as a Minnesotan would gladly pay several hundred dollars per season to have Lewin announce Twins games. He’s smart and funny, and had an excellent on-air chemistry with Grieve. I’ll be shocked if he doesn’t land another prominent play-by-play gig and wouldn’t be surprised if leaving the Rangers led to a higher-profile position.
Orioles option LHP Bruce Zimmermann to minors
Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports
SARASOTA, Fla. – The Baltimore Orioles have optioned left-handers Bruce Zimmermann and Nick Vespi and reassigned infielder Lewin Díaz, left-hander Darwinzon Hernandez and catcher Mark Kolozsvary to minor league camp.
The Orioles announced the moves Monday.
Baltimore’s spring training roster now has 46 players.
Zimmermann made 13 starts last season. He went 2-5 with a 5.99 ERA.
The competition for rotation spots with the Orioles has been a significant story during spring training, but after the team acquired Cole Irvin and Kyle Gibson in the offseason – and with top prospect Grayson Rodriguez in the mix as well – there were a lot of pitchers Zimmermann needed to beat out.