Jeanne Zelasko: Dodgers broadcast candidate?

Jeanne Zelasko was talking to a reporter for the Arizona Republic last week about the demise of Fox Sports' pre-game Major League Baseball television show and mentioned her interest in the vacant Los Angeles Dodgers part-time television play-by-play job.

Zelasko, who is in Dallas preparing for her Cotton Bowl sideline reporter duties, said that while she hadn't meant to sound so much like a candidate giving a stump speech, she has, indeed, sent the Dodgers an audition tape and that she would love to do Dodgers play-by-play on television.

"I wouldn't have applied if I didn't think I'd succeed," Zelasko said from Texas. "I believe a woman could do this job. I'm not big into self-promotion but one of the reasons I tossed my hat into the ring is because I've been around the game a very long time."

Zelasko, who is married to ABC 7 television sports reporter Curt Sandoval, said Yankees Manager Joe Girardi and former Dodger player Eric Karros have told Zelasko they would recommend her for the job. "They both called me and said, 'What can we do to help?' I've been around the sport. I'm not just a girl in the game. They know me as a colleague, they know I love the sport, they know my work ethic.

"I don't mean to be a self-promoter and that wasn't why I was talking to any reporter. But, really, why not me? Why not now? Especially with this franchise that is known for breaking down barriers. It's not brain surgery." Zelasko had worked as host of the Fox baseball pre-game show since 2001.

Dodgers spokesman Josh Rawitch did not return a message Monday about Zelasko's application.

-- Diane Pucin

Photo: St. Louis manager Tony La Russa, right, speaks with Jeanne Zelasko after the Cardinals defeated the Detroit Tigers in Game Five of the 2006 World Series in 2006. Credit: Jamie Squire / Getty Images

Comments

[Elton]

Jeanne Zelasko should make a good play-by-play announcer. However, this vacancy speaks to the fact that Ross Porter still should be part of the team. Charlie Steiner brought nothing different to the broadcast.

[Rob McMillin]

I can't speak to her enthusiasm about baseball, but there are significant concerns that she is ignorant about the state of the game; for instance, she did not know, halfway through the season this year, that the Rays were not only no longer also-rans but were leading the AL East. This is not simply a matter of having an irrational preference for male broadcasters; Suzyn Waldman does a reasonable job in the Yankees' radio booth, thus proving it is possible.

Irrespective of Zelasko's merits or lack thereof, what I find odd is how nobody in or outside the organization is really mentioning the fact that this means the end of Jerry Reuss as a broadcaster altogether. The Dodgers seem awfully moody about their broadcast team, and as with other areas of the team, the only constant is change. Are they rotating through possible replacements for Vin Scully?

[Mike in L.A.]

I happen to have enjoyed Charlie Steiner and would have liked him be Vin's replacement when that sad day ever comes, however Jeanne has shown she does have baseball smarts and would be good to listen to. How about the Dodgers just team her up with Kevin Kennedy & Eric Karros - now that would be a great announcing team!

[Chuck A.]

A team of Jeanne Zelasko & Eric Karros would be great! You break down another barrier in hiring a female play-by-play announcer and you bring in a former and still popular ex-Dodger in Karros, who has shown to be more than capable of doing a good job during Fox's Saturday games. Remember, this is only for the games east of the Rocky Mountains that Vinny doesn't do. Give the gal a shot. You got nothing to lose. Good luck Jeanne!

[Michael]

I really hope this happens, she seems like a very nice, intelligent person. I'm also very tired of Charley Steiner and Rick Monday , they go on and on in the radio booth without giving the score or sometimes even the play!