You know how Cleveland's owner Dan Gilbert grew up a Pistons fan and how he's trying to model the Cavs after Detroit?
The Cleveland Cavaliers fired TV play-by-play announcer Michael Reghi and replaced him with Detroit Pistons broadcaster Fred McLeod.
Reghi, who held the position the past 12 seasons, had the last two years of his contract bought out by the Cavaliers.
McLeod is a good announcer, but that's ruthless. I don't know much about Reghi, but canning a guy with over a dozen years of experience to bring in an out-of-towner from a divisional rival? I'm curious what the fans in Cleveland think about Gilbert's little brother/big brother infatuation with the Pistons.
I've always enjoyed McLeod as an announcer, but there is a possible silver lining to the move. From the Free Press:
McLeod has been the voice of the Pistons on cable for more than two decades. [FSN media relations director Tim] Bryant said FSN will give "strong consideration" to George Blaha.
Blaha did play-by-play for Channel 20 telecasts and radio broadcasts on WDFN-AM (1130) last season. FSN color analyst Greg Kelser will return, Bryant said.
I didn't have cable growing up, so almost all of my memorable Pistons memories include Blaha narrating the action. Sometimes in the playoffs I still turn down the sound to the TV and listen to Blaha on the radio, so I would love to have him doing the majority of the broadcasts on cable. And, not to get my hopes up too much, is there any reason he can't do TV 20 and FSN?
McLeod leaving Local 4, Pistons broadcasts
Cavs replace TV announcer Reghi with McLeod [ESPN]