Benetti and Stone

[voodoochile]

I know there are some who don't like Benetti, but I admit I've been finding the announcing to be excellent this season. Benetti and Stone offer insight into the game that often appears almost psychic. It's clear they understand both the traditional aspects of baseball and the modern stat based approach and use them both to often make predictions that come true or offer insight into a pitcher/hitter that proves prescient.

For me this is something I've only been doing over the last few months. My hearing was so bad I rarely paid attention to announcers but has continue to improve and this season I've been regularly tuning into games as I drove around for my job. I am often amazed at the stuff they predict which ends up coming true an inning or two later. I also like how they don't pull punches when the Sox are getting beat but at the same time don't dwell on it or call people out. Simple fact based statement and acknowledging the competence of the teams and players the Sox are facing makes for an easier time following a game when things aren't' going well. They were all over it in the recent sweep in Cleveland.

For me as it's something I've only returned to doing recently I find them an excellent team who make it easier to understand the nuances of the game while still managing to have some fun and make me smile.

[FielderJones]

I agree. I've enjoyed Benetti since he got here, and I think the partnership with Stone has continued to improve. They are both informative and fun.

[FourGoldGloves]

I've been finding the announcing to be excellent this season. Benetti and Stone offer insight into the game that often appears almost psychic. It's clear they understand both the traditional aspects of baseball and the modern stat based approach and use them both to often make predictions that come true or offer insight into a pitcher/hitter that proves prescient.

I'll second that. They are the reason I have watched more Sox games this year than ever. Well, the team had something to do with that too. Stone is the best, hands down. As for play by play, nothing can top Jack Brickhouse on TV (forever immortalized by his call of Willie Mays' iconic over the shoulder catch in the 1954 World Series, known as "The Catch" until Dewayne Wise) and Bob Elson on the radio. But nostalgia aside, Benetti is also great. My only gripe is that their feigned personal barbs make me uncomfortable. Are they channeling O'Reilly and Weber? ("Say something BAD about Weber!') on WLS or was it WCFL?

[fungo bat]

I enjoy the Stone and Benetti team. They interact well with each other and have fun in the booth. Stone is outstanding when it comes to insights into the game. It's a far cry from years ago when some of us more seasoned fans had to suffer through the likes of Jack Drees, J.C. Martin, Mel Parnell and company do a game. But then along came Harry Caray and Jimmy Piersall, a dynamic duo that really spiced up the booth.

[HomeFish]

Benetti is great, he's roughly the same age as me and makes a lot of cultural references I get, and he's nerdy in the same way I am nerdy. Stone has been on fire this year as a color man, it seems like so many times he predicts what the next pitch will be.

Sadly I have spent the last 3 weeks at my parents house in Chicago, and they are cord-cutters so I am stuck with the radio team. They are OK. DJ is definitely not afraid to call out players like Mazara that he thinks aren't taking a good approach to the game.

[steelrod]

Benetti and Stone are an absolute delight to the ears. A much welcome change from Hawk and whoever he was currently not getting along with. They visually describe the game to a point where it's enjoyable even without picture.

[Mohoney]

I have MLB Network and watch a lot of late West Coast games and weekday afternoon games on getaway days. When you listen to some of the other crews out there, you realize that Benetti and Stone are about as good as it gets, even if they are a little hokey at times.

[Krs1]

Momma always said if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all. I like the mute feature on my iPad.

[Nellie Fox]

If Benetti was 10% as funny as he thinks he is he might be mildly entertaining. And yucking it up in the booth when the Sox are playing miserably is incredibly annoying.

[Rocky]

I love them. Stone has gone full Tony Romo in predicting what's coming next. I also enjoy that they have openly questioned some of Renteria's decisions. I even enjoy their Nationwide routine. They are having fun in the booth and I like that.

[voodoochile]

If Benetti was 10% as funny as he thinks he is he might be mildly entertaining. And yucking it up in the booth when the Sox are playing miserably is incredibly annoying.

Even if you don't enjoy their humor do you find them insightful? I think their ability to both explain the basics and the nuances make them a great team for both casual/new fans and us experienced folks who don't need as much explained. Stone has been amazing with his predictive ability,

[JazzyCyclist]

I have MLB Network and watch a lot of late West Coast games and weekday afternoon games on getaway days. When you listen to some of the other crews out there, you realize that Benetti and Stone are about as good as it gets, even if they are a little hokey at times.

This is the key for me. Living here is DC means I get both Baltimore and Nats games locally. I also have MLB Network. Give me Benetti and Stone.

[LongLivetheBull]

I too like Benetti and Stone...its Andy Mazur who needs to go. Half the time I have no idea what's happening when a ball is put in play and his cadence has to be the worst Ive ever heard calling balls and strikes. Find someone else WGN. DJ is suffering with him too

[WSox597]

If Benetti was 10% as funny as he thinks he is he might be mildly entertaining. And yucking it up in the booth when the Sox are playing miserably is incredibly annoying.

Same here, I like Stone's knowledge, but can do without the constant attempts at comedy. The singing jingle can go away too. I understand the social media stuff, although I don't participate in it. Perhaps he'll settle into the role, and lose some of the comedy.

They're a lot better than what Hawk was doing, except when he was paired up with Paciorek.

I haven't listened to the radio for a game since before Farmer passed away, so I don't know about the new guy.

[berwyn]

Same here, I like Stone's knowledge, but can do without the constant attempts at comedy. The singing jingle can go away too. I understand the social media stuff, although I don't participate in it. Perhaps he'll settle into the role, and lose some of the comedy.

They're a lot better than what Hawk was doing, except when he was paired up with Paciorek.

I haven't listened to the radio for a game since before Farmer passed away, so I don't know about the new guy.

Agree. The comedy is everpresent and pathetic. The excitement in Jason's voice during high points sounds forced. Both of their vocabularies belong on a Sunday Morning News show rather than a sportscast. Jason's knowledge of baseball could improve and Stone's bringing him along, as a mentor should. Stone's analysis is a treat, though. Andy on the radio is about as terse as Farmer was. I can live with that.