Jessica Mendoza’s time on Sunday Night baseball seems to be over.
ESPN is reportedly looking into making some changes in the “Sunday Night Baseball” booth and the network has considered replacing commentator Jessica Mendoza, with ESPN wanting to build the booth around Alex Rodriguez, according to Andrew Marchand of the New York Post.
“They have discussed different combinations and there is still a possibility they could just stick with A-Rod, Mendoza and play-by-player Matt Vasgersian for this season.
But, The Post has learned, an intriguing option has emerged — YES Network’s David Cone. ESPN and Cone have been in discussions about potential roles, including SNB, sources said.
ESPN executives and A-Rod liked how Rodriguez worked with Cone and Michael Kay during a five-inning stint on YES last year.
There is also a feeling that the booth would be better served if it had a former pitcher and a hitter in it. Mendoza was an Olympic gold medalist outfielder in softball.”
ESPN also wanted to make it clear that if she is replaced, it is not because of her recent comments where she said it was “tough to swallow” that former Astros pitcher Mike Fiers spoke to The Athletic for its initial story that sparked MLB’s investigation.
“I mean, I get it. If you’re with the Oakland A’s and you’re on another team, heck yeah, you better be telling your teammates, ‘Look, heads up, if you hear some noises when you’re pitching, this is what’s going on,’” Mendoza said. “But to go public? Yeah, it didn’t sit well with me.”
After heavy backlash, Mendoza would take to Twitter and clarify her statement.
“Thought it was important to clarify my earlier remarks about the sign stealing situation in MLB. Most importantly, I feel strongly that the game of baseball will benefit greatly because that sign stealing matter was uncovered,” Mendoza said in a statement. “Cheating the game is something that needs to be addressed and I’m happy to see the league is taking appropriate action. The point I should have been much more clear on was this: I believe it’s very critical that this news was made public; I simply disagree with the manner in which that was done.”
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