Yankees Replacing Mets on WFAN in 2014

UPDATE, 12:14 PM:

While speaking to reporters during a visit to a firehouse in Manhattan this afternoon, Mets COO Jeff Wilpon confirmed to reporters that the Mets are leaving WFAN.  Wilpon noted that the team is “negotiating with several parties” in an effort to find its next radio landing spot.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:

According to Neil Best of Newsday, the Yankees are close to a deal that would move their radio broadcasts to WFAN beginning in 2014.  If the deal is consummated, it would force the Mets to move elsewhere.  WFAN has been the flagship station for Mets baseball since 1987.

Nov 14, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; An ESPN microphone rests on the field prior to the game between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Vikings 45-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Best notes that if the deal goes through, the Mets could conceivably move to either ESPN Radio or WOR.

Thoughts:

This news seemingly came out of nowhere, and has taken pretty much everyone by surprise.  While a larger majority of those in the Tri-State area root for the Yankees, WFAN bringing them in now seems like a foolish move.

The Yankees, even with their allure and rich history, are headed in the wrong direction.  The Mets, although beleaguered over the last several seasons, are likely about to emerge from the abyss starting next year.

Additionally, WFAN would go from having one of the best play by play men in the business (Howie Rose) to having arguably the worst (John Sterling).

It’ll be weird and disorienting if this deal goes through, but in the grand scheme of things, it really isn’t that important.  Mets games would still be on the radio every night, and Howie Rose would still be calling them.  They’d simply be on a different station.

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