Three former Phillies reportedly are under consideration to replace the duo of Chris Wheeler and Gary Matthews. All three of them have broadcasting experience, though some more than others. They would be former Phillies closers Ricky Bottalico and Brad Lidge, along with former Phillies catcher Chris Coste.
Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press (also of reality TV fame) reports:
Among those thought be potential replacements are former Phillies closer Brad Lidge, who was 48-for48 in save situations during the 2008 World Series championship season, Chris Coste, a backup catcher on that team, and former All-Star closer Ricky Bottalico, who currently serves as a postgame analyst.
Comcast Sports Net likely negotiated the ability to make such decisions as part of the 25 year, $2.5 billion deal signed last week.
Here's a quick look at each and their chances.
Ricky Bottalico
Bottalico may be the frontrunner. Not only has Bottalico been in broadcasting the longest, he has worked as a color commentator for the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs in the past before coming to Philadelphia full-time to serve in various roles. Best known for his work on Phillies Post Game Live on Comcast Sports Net, Bottalico is well-known to Comcast Sports Net and could have their endorsement.
As the blog Crossing Broad pointed out in 2012, Bottalico would love to be a color commentator for the Phillies.
Chris Coste
Coste has some experience on Phillies Post Game Live, but not all that much beyond that. The level-headed Coste may not have the enthusiasm the team is looking for. If the Phillies did hire Bottalico to serve as color commentator, Coste could see extra work on Phillies Post Game Live in 2014. Coste partnered with Bottalico on a more regular basis in the past, but was third on the depth chart behind Ben Davis and Ricky Bottalico, possibly due to Coste living in Fargo, North Dakota, where he serves as Program Director for the Power Baseball Academy.
Brad Lidge
Lidge is the newest to broadcasting of the three. However, in just a short while as a part-time host on MLB Network Radio, Lidge has done a remarkable job. Lidge can be heard doing evening and weekend shows on the satellite channel. Lidge is intelligent and well-spoken. Lidge attended the University of Notre Dame and studied Biblical Archaelogy at Regis College. If not selected, Lidge would also be a strong candidate to appear on Phillies Post Game Live.
Take a listen to Lidge vent about Alex Rodriguez on his MLB Network Radio show.
