Mike Flanagan, MASN, News and O's Deal, Ivan Rodriguez

As most Oriole fans know, Buck Martinez left MASN this week for a broadcasting job with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Well, it looks like the network has already begun a search for a replacement and an old school Oriole -- Mike Flanagan, the former front office executive, pitcher, coach, and one-time broadcaster -- has discussed becoming an analyst. However, he's not the only person being considered...

The Mid-Atlantic Sports Network has had discussions with former Orioles executive vice president Mike Flanagan and could talk to as many as 20 other candidates about their open color commentator position, MASN spokesman Todd Webster said today.

Buck Martinez, who had broadcasted Orioles games for the past seven seasons, left MASN this week to become the play-by-play man for the Toronto Blue Jays on Rogers SportsNet.

"We've spoken to Mike, but we will speak with probably 20 other people before it's all said and done," Webster said.

Flanagan acknowledged that he's had discussions with MASN officials, but he didn't want to comment further. Flanagan, who has spent this year in a transitional period after being a top executive for the organization for six years, has had two stints as an Orioles color commentator. He has spent four decades in the organization in various roles, from Cy Young-winning pitcher, to pitching coach to the top decision maker in the front office.

I'm not sure who else MASN has interviewed; however, looking back at part of my childhood in which I'd watch Oriole games down in Washington, Flanagan was solid behind the mic. Ok, I can only give so much perspective from that long back, but reading some of the other forums and articles about this topic, he was suitable.

He's got experience playing the game, he's a former executive and knows the organization well as anyone. I think he'd be a good fit, though I am not sure how his relationship with the team is at this point.

>>> Read More