NESN's 1960's Replays Don't Measure Up

NESN: Your 1960's 'Rabbit-Ear' Network

One of the major downsides of subscribing to the MLB Extra Innings package is the shocking realization that most baseball fans around the country get much better coverage than we do from NESN. On almost every aspect of the broadcast—with the possible exception of on-air personalities—NESN's product pales in comparison to even the most rinky-dink markets in the country.

For example, just about every other team's coverage utilizes a state-of-the-art "X-MO" or "Super-Slo-Mo" replay function. You've probably seen this on FOX and ESPN national broadcasts—you sure as heck don't see it on NESN. X-Mo replays add an amazing dimension to the appreciation of a close play or a disputed call. At NESN, we are left with a decades-old technology that is either the standard slow-motion or a new, sponsored "freeze frame" shtick—a gimmick Roone Arledge introduced in 1960's! Are they kidding us? So, if you really want to be deluded into thinking that you're getting first-class baseball coverage in Boston, do not subscribe to the MLB package. The difference will amaze you.