Are you one of the 5,000?

by baseballgirl on Apr 4, 2007 8:26 AM PDT in News

iN Demand Extra Innings goes Extra Innings

So after five years of being able to watch the A’s almost every single night on television, I am forced to start the season not knowing where my next A's game is going to come from. I have the Angels' series on TV, only because I live in Los Angeles, and I plan on trying MLB.TV for the five day free trial next week, but after that, I have no idea what to do.

According to Selig last week, there are only about 5,000 of us that are struggling with this problem.

"DIRECTV estimates that there are relatively few viewers – no more than three percent of the cable segment (approximately 180,000 Extra Innings subscribers) – who cannot receive DIRECTV service," Carey said. "This translates to roughly 5,000 subscribers – each of whom can access the games over the Internet."

Well, isn't that a presumptuous statement? This assumes one can cancel their current cable package, have a satellite installed at their place of residence, and order DirecTV, or get high-speed internet and order MLB.TV. Whatever happened to just turning on the television and getting baseball? Why is this so hard?

The Biz of Baseball wants to hear stories from those of us who are stuck in baseball limbo right now, although for me it's not so much limbo as it is hell. I just want to watch baseball, and at this point, price isn't really an object. I'd pay twice, maybe even three times as much as I did last year if I could just watch the games with my current set-up.

This stand-off has to be resolved soon, or DirecTV has already won. I would think that this can't last more than a week without cable users being forced to make different decisions.

But for now...we wait.

UPDATE: The phone number of Major League Baseball is 212-931-7800. Call and ask to be connected to the Commissioner's office if you want to vent to a live person. I'd sure appreciate the help.

Rich Harden (!!!!!) takes the mound tonight at 7:05 PST against the Mariners as the A's try to salvage one game of the opening series

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My Sympathies to you BBG ...

.. for your plight .. hope something works out for you so that you can see your beloved A's in action .. some of the A's games are "radio-only" so you could listen to those on MLB Audio, - as the rest of us even here in the bay area would be confined to radio with those games, - but the inability to view the televised games is a bummer ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Apr 4, 2007 8:37 AM PDT reply actions

I can't get DirecTV

I tried getting a satellite dish a month ago. Because of the direction it needs to point, and the limitations of my HOA, I can't get a dish. Good thing I'm not a NRAF.

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Apr 4, 2007 8:44 AM PDT reply actions

same here

I cant get a signal for DirectTV at my condo on my patio. HOA restricts anything going on the roof.

I purchased the MLB.tv premium. The wife and I moved chairs and sat in front of our little 19" computer monitor to watch the game last night. The quality was fantastic, and there werent any major hiccups with the stream. This is the first positvie experience Ive had with the mlb.tv service. I'll take the breakout pong style non commercials over regular car dealer commercials that pump up the volume anyday.

My next mission is hook my computer up to my 46" widescreen HDTV via DVI, and see if the quality is "watchable". I know it wont be as good as regular TV, or on the computer, but if its watchable, and no major stuttering, then I'll be happy.

The huge positive for mlb.tv is that they show EVERY A's game. With EI on cable, the A's would always get screwed, as they only have 10 channels for games.

The mlb.tv mosaic is pretty cool also. It was a little shaky, but being able to watch my fantasy players all at once was neat. It seems like its a work in progress. It also takes up huge resources on the computer to run.

"...we don't score six, seven runs. We score three, four runs and play defense and pitch" - Eric Chavez

by pickinmachine on Apr 4, 2007 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions

I have cable...

...and saw many A's games over the past five years. And In Demand expanded the number of channels to 14. So I never saw it as the A's always getting screwed by any means.

Second place in gigglingone's NCAA Tournament bracket contest!

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Apr 4, 2007 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions

I've never used EI, since I'm a RAF...

but 5000 unserved viewers seems like a low estimate to me.

And yeah their statement is presumptuous, if for no other reason than the implication that watching mlb.tv is comparable to watching ON TV (most people don't have their computer hooked up to their TV, or a computer monitor that's the same size as their TV). It's like last year's tarping of the Coliseum, where they told the former denizens of section 317 that section 230 was comparable seating...

Then there's the fact that mlb.tv's "A's market" is ridiculously huge, so thousands of fans that live outside the broadcast area still can't get it without having to jump through proxy server hoops, etc...

The A's are in last place! We're all gonna die!

by Poppy on Apr 4, 2007 8:48 AM PDT reply actions

My $.02

So at the beginning of spring training I bought the MLBTV Premium package for the whole season for two reasons.

1)I wanted to be able to see spring training games.

I knew that Dish Network and InDemand where going into the last month of the off-season with nothing resolved concerning EI. If anything I wanted to play it safe and at least have a back up plan.

I have to admit I was a bit disappointed at the quality during spring training games. The image was very pixilated when watched in any format, the feed was choppy and the audio was nothing to brag about. Needless to say that I felt a little foolish for buying the premium package, the quality I was getting was not "premium" by any standards.

And then the regular season starts.

Now I'm not going to compare EI with MLBTV, there is simply no comparison,EI is by far better. Yet after watching last nights game full screen on MLBTV, I must say that I was rather shocked. The quality is a heck of a lot better than it was last year (of course at the "Premium" level).
I was able to see detail in the players faces, the field, even the ball didn't seem to do the whole disappearing act as much (when hit the ball would be hard to follow, because of the quality of the feed). The feed was choppy about 3 times during the whole game, for a period of 20 seconds max. and then if fixed itself.

What did I not like about MLBTV?

you are still stuck with the announcing crew they choose. If its an away game, you'll most likely get the away crew.

I dont know why MLBTV does this, perhaps someone can enlighten me on this but MLBTV does not play commercials. So during a pause in the action it will go to a screen that reads "Commercials in Progress". Last year it was a blue screen and annoying elevator music, towards the end of the season you did get like 10 seconds of a really bad Tom Petty song, but after hearing it over and over and over again you kind of found yourself wishing the elevator music back.

This year however, its worse. Remember "Pong"? Yes Pong, the atari game. Well thats what you get during commercial breaks, MLB's version of Pong. Except instead of a dot theres a baseball, and it moves really slow, and the sounds it makes will drive you nuts.
At this point, I dont mind silence...I dont...really!

All in all, MLBTV is not that bad. I know a lot of people here are worried that it will be terrible, but its not.

by Amnesiac727 on Apr 4, 2007 9:12 AM PDT reply actions

TV capability

Do you have an HDTV? I am wondering if the type of pixel is the main determinant in clarity. Computer/HDTV vs. regular TV could a big difference in quality.

XM played Bob Dylan's "theme time radio hour" commercial last year and I was ready to start shooting people from a tall building by the end of the season.

"Shitburger, Skip?"

by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 4, 2007 9:18 AM PDT up reply actions

I have a dell widescreen monitor

nothing on my monitor had the words HD on it. Does that answer your question?

by Amnesiac727 on Apr 4, 2007 9:44 AM PDT up reply actions

yeah

the resolution on a computer monitor is similar to an HDTV so your experience is better than someone with a normal square box. I just thought it should be noted somewhere in case an owner of the old-type tv ends up with a different opinion.

"Shitburger, Skip?"

by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 4, 2007 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions

Not Pong, Breakout!

Here's a little shockwave version of the game.

It's a pun on "commercial break in progress."

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Apr 4, 2007 9:24 AM PDT up reply actions

MLB Pong

My wife complained all season about the between inning commercial music, now there's an annoying pong spoof. I can't wait to hear the griping about this one.

I also would like to see differences in the MLB.TV coverage. For instance, there's nothing worse than watching the A's lose while watching the opponent's broadcast. I wish we could choose which broadcast we were watching.

That said, I still get to watch my A's while living in Ranger country. So I'm doing okay. :)

by Gromit1025 on Apr 4, 2007 9:42 AM PDT up reply actions

Commercial break update...

No more Pong/Breakout...same graphics, but now there's ballpark crowd ambience sounds (cheering, organ music, etc.).

Second place in gigglingone's NCAA Tournament bracket contest!

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Apr 4, 2007 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions

Boy am I glad!

::quietly puts revolver away::

by Amnesiac727 on Apr 4, 2007 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions

the world as a whole

I sympathize with your situation because I would have been screwed had I not moved the past year. This is just icing on the cake for how the world operates today. It's ALL about money and I don't see it changing anymtime soon.

People should sign a petition so that the amount of displaced fans increases from the 5000 estimate that "Darth Seligous" is giving. He doesn't give one shit about the true fans of baseball and his statement about "rougly 5000 fans" could be much, much higher.

If you have the ability to get Directv than I strongly recommend their service. I have been very satisfied since I made the change. I still have to carry local cable's internet package and wish that were not the case.

"Shitburger, Skip?"

by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 4, 2007 9:12 AM PDT reply actions

I can't wait for tomorrow,

when I assume Blez will have a post complaining about print media. We're going for the Triple Crown, folks!

I feel your pain, baseballgirl. Sashulia doesn't, but I do. Hope it works out well in the end. Isn't the 34th Amendment your inalienable right to see and hear baseball as it happens? Well it oughta be.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Apr 4, 2007 9:26 AM PDT reply actions

With all the new technology

at the Fremont park, do you think they'll be able to put drunken Yankees fans on an 8-second delay?

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Apr 4, 2007 9:30 AM PDT up reply actions

I thought it was the other way around--

It seems like Yankees fans usually scream insults at A-Rod about 8 seconds before he strikes out with RISP.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Apr 4, 2007 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions

I'm surprised at you, baseballgirl

I mean, how in the world is poor Bud Selig supposed to survive on less than $14.5 million a year? If he doesn't flip you over and shake the change out of your pockets in exchange for giving you the priviledge of watching his teams on the tube, he might have to take a pay cut.

Can we put a salary cap on Bud?

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Apr 4, 2007 9:29 AM PDT reply actions

I'm one of the "175,000"

I could get DirecTV if I wanted too, I simply choose not to at this time. May change my mind in the future.

I watched the entire Kerry hearing last week and discovered the gaping hole in logic that allows Carey and Selig to make this claim. In response to a question, Carey stated to the effect that "when our service is ordered, we are unable to deliver the service in approximately 1.5% to 2% of the cases due to physical limitations" (inability to get a clear line of site to the satellite).

What this ignores is all of the people who never call DirecTV in the first place because they are perfectly aware that they could never get the service. People who live in north-facing apartments or apartments with no reasonable place to put a dish (federal law mentioned below says the dish has to go in an "exclusive-use area" like a balcony or patio, not on the roof of the building), those who live in heavily-wooded areas...they know they couldn't get DirecTV so they don't even ask and therefore they aren't added into Carey's statistics.

Carey does make some other valid arguments. For those who claim they can't get DirecTV for the mere fact that they live in an apartment or condo and their landlord or association won't allow it...most restrictions prohibiting a dish in the lease or the condo rules are illegal, a violation of federal law. And for those who say they can't get DirecTV because they have a deal on bundled telephone, internet and television service...they have made a consumer's choice to purchase that package, there's nothing actually preventing them from getting DirecTV.

by cynthia2003 on Apr 4, 2007 9:46 AM PDT reply actions

The apartment building next to ours...

...has not one, but TWO dishes mounted on the chimney.

The A's are in last place! We're all gonna die!

by Poppy on Apr 4, 2007 9:55 AM PDT up reply actions

one's for TV, the other's Santadar

... that Hall of Fame is a piss stain. Your museum. Urine in wine. We're not coming. We're not your monkeys and so what? ~ the Sex Pistols @('.')@

by monkeyball on Apr 4, 2007 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions

Oh, sure

You can put the dish anywhere with the property owner's permission. I just think that in most cases, when the tenant calls up the property owner and asks, "Hey, can I drill some holes in the wall, run some wires out there, drill more holes in the roof and put up a satellite dish?", the owner is going to say, "No, why isn't cable good enough?" It's only when you're putting the dish in an area that is exclusive to you, like a balcony, that the federal law kicks in.

by cynthia2003 on Apr 4, 2007 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions

Yep

Couldn't agree more with this. I have no outside room to put DirecTV, and my apartment faces north, AND is covered with trees. I simply don't have this option, and although I'm going to call anyway, I don't see how it could be installed.

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Apr 4, 2007 9:58 AM PDT up reply actions

Good analysis

Although it should be mentioned that consumers who chose cable/IE did so with no idea that MLB would pull the plug on them when they hooked up with DirectTV.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Apr 4, 2007 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions

Oh absolutely!

For me, DirecTV was never an option, but I know tons of people with packages they can't exactly cancel on the spot.

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Apr 4, 2007 10:02 AM PDT up reply actions

Installation costs

Another issue is installation costs for satellite systems.

I've never researched this, because I never really considered EI -- maybe I should have, but I always went with mlbtv -- and haven't looked in satellite. Partly because one of the last things I need is more excuses to stay up until 1:30 a.m. watching A's games!

But I heard a guy on WFAN in NYC explaining that he has 4 HDTVs (gah!) and that DirectTV charges per t.v., and requires a box for each HDTV. Meaning he'd have to shell out $200 per t.v. just to sign up -- in addition to all the other up-front costs.

Now, anyone who has 4 HDTVs probably has enough money to buy food, clothing, etc (unless the tv's fell off a truck -- no one asked). But the point is that he probably invested in the tv's based on the actual costs of EI and cable -- not based on the costs of some other service he didn't want (and whose 2007 sign-up costs he couldn't have predicted anyway).

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Apr 4, 2007 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions

You can generally get the installation for free

that's what they have listed on the website.

With DIRECTV you always get:
* Your local channels†
* 100% digital picture quality and sound
* No equipment to buy or startup costs
* FREE standard professional installation

Read my latest articles

by devo on Apr 4, 2007 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions

True but not quite the same as cable

You have to have a box for every tv which is not the case with cable. I have a box for digital to see the movie channels and EI but is is not necessary for every other tv in the house to receive cable.

I have already looked into the Direct TV thing inside and out...and will probably go with it if a deal is not made with cable soon but it will be a pain.

Not only to I have figure out what do do with the cable/high speed package I have now, but the Direct TV deal in my area only includes 4 boxes...which seems like a lot but not for a family of five with add'l tv's in the kitchen and garage.

by easyraider on Apr 4, 2007 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Well, given that Dish is a bit cheaper anyway ...

paying to lease a couple of extra boxes would probably bring the cost in line with cable.

And, hey, if it gives you an excuse to not have a TV in the kids' rooms, that might just be for the best ...

Read my latest articles

by devo on Apr 4, 2007 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions

The point isn't tv's in the kids room,

which isn't a concern.
The point is that every tv has to have a box, which is not the case with cable. And every box over X costs add'l $.

Again, it is just an big inconvenience. People that can't get Direct TV have it much worse. I will eventually cool off. I am not sure I would if I was one of those with no choice.

by easyraider on Apr 4, 2007 5:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Not that it matters any more ...

since InDemand got it done ...

NRAFs rejoice ... except those of us in an unhappy little middleground who are too close to not get blacked out, but too far to get all of the games ... I'll just get back to complaining about blackout rules now ...

Read my latest articles

by devo on Apr 4, 2007 6:59 PM PDT up reply actions

Yes...that battle can now resume.

Second place in gigglingone's NCAA Tournament bracket contest!

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Apr 4, 2007 7:05 PM PDT up reply actions

Well, except for Dish Network customers...

I hope they can get in the game again, too.

Second place in gigglingone's NCAA Tournament bracket contest!

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Apr 4, 2007 7:07 PM PDT up reply actions

OK, I am calmer now

Thank goodness I have baseball again.

And I do feel for you brother. The blackout rules are ridiculous. Any time you can't watch games you are willing to pay for sucks.

by easyraider on Apr 4, 2007 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions

Hey Devo,

Do you currently subscribe to DirecTV? If you do, there are ways around the blackouts. I think I told you how it can be done a while ago but I'm not sure if you ever read the reply.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Apr 5, 2007 1:30 AM PDT up reply actions

No, I have comcast ...

lack of a clear view of the southern sky and all ... I think I may have missed it, though.

Read my latest articles

by devo on Apr 5, 2007 7:46 AM PDT up reply actions

Ah well,

If you ever subscribe to DirecTV I will tell you how you can circumvent the blackouts.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Apr 5, 2007 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions

We have 3 DirecTV boxes...

The first box is free, each additional box is only $5 a month.

"How dare Swisher take time off from his busy schedule of professional sex to draw a walk." Jeff, LL

by Jennifer on Apr 4, 2007 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Ditto that BBG

I could have written the exact same diary word-for-word.

I have subscribed to EI the past few years via cable and have been very frustrated with this whole ordeal. The only thing keeping me from losing it is the upcoming Angel series as well - I will be there Friday and Sunday. After that, it will hit home that I do not have A's baseball to watch. I will switch to Direct TV if I have to but it is a huge inconvenience and I will wait it out as long as I can. I am glad negotiations are ongoing but I will not wait another month...or even 2-3 weeks.

The sticking point seems to be the kick back Direct TV is getting from the MLB channel revenue. I see their point - they have a deal with MLB. I cannot believe I am sticking up for the corporate giant but if cable is going to pay as much for the package, they should be getting a piece of the MLB channel too. I am sure there is plenty I am unaware of but it sure seems they should be able to get over this hurdle with all the negotiating and everything that is at stake. MLB can pitch in a little more of the MLB channel revenue to cable...Direct TV can take a little less...it does not seem that difficult...Direct TV should get a little more because they stepped up and made the original deal but give cable something if they are ponying up the same cash.

MLB/Selig piss me off. Don't discount us or insult us with the 5K number. The number of subscribers was well over 200K. 5K is the number of impacted customers assuming everyone will drop cable and any high speed package they have and move to Direct TV.
MLB does not care about their fans. They will have fewer people watching their product but they will be making more money off those fewer fans - that is the bottom line.

by easyraider on Apr 4, 2007 9:50 AM PDT reply actions

"And into the jaws of death,

rode the 5,000."

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Apr 4, 2007 9:55 AM PDT up reply actions

I love this gem from DuPuy

"We"re talking maybe 250,000 households spread out across the whole country, which, according to Nielsen, has 111.4 million TV households. Not even one rating point's worth."

by easyraider on Apr 4, 2007 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions

There are a TON of people struggling with this

and it's by no means the West Coast. The majority of people I hear about actually are on the East Coast.

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Apr 4, 2007 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions

This does not bode well for the game

Selieg needs to remember something. There was a point in this country when Baseball was KING. There was no basketball. Football was nothing. It was Baseball.

And now?

Football is King. Basketball is 2nd. Baseball comes in Third.

And the most popular sport played by children? Soccer.

So I would not be all too supprised if in the years to come, the Big 3 end up being Football, Basketball and Soccer.

And I think this is why Wolff bought into the Earthquakes. He knows that Soccer is going to be going up and he is getting in now. If he is right, as I think he will be, it will be a very profitable investment. Think about if you could buy, say, the Giants, in 1950, and think how much the franchise is valued at now?

by Zonis on Apr 4, 2007 9:59 AM PDT reply actions

"approximately" 5,ooo? What a coinkydink ...

... that tracks pretty closely with AN registration. Hmmmm ...

... that Hall of Fame is a piss stain. Your museum. Urine in wine. We're not coming. We're not your monkeys and so what? ~ the Sex Pistols @('.')@

by monkeyball on Apr 4, 2007 10:13 AM PDT reply actions

Housing checklist:

Clean: Check
Safe: Check
Yard for the cutest little puppy dog in the world: Check
Clear view of the southern sky: _____

Read my latest articles

by devo on Apr 4, 2007 10:21 AM PDT reply actions

Hey don't forget the cats

Yard for the cutest little kitty in the world: Check

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Apr 4, 2007 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions

Seriously.

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Apr 4, 2007 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions

Now would be a fine opportunity

to point out the unique screw job that is watching A's baseball in the Sacramento area. The DirecTV vs. MLB.TV debate is irrelevant to this particular fan, since this, the 26th largest media market in the country, is still considered "Oakland" by the blackout powers that be.

Thanks to this totally insane policy, the largest number of A's games I can view on television this season is 91.

162 less the 37 not televised=

125

125 less the 29 of 44 KICU games our CW affiliate refuses to carry=

Less the five games I can't get that are on FSN+, which are unavailable unless you have Comcast=

91.

Essentially, MLB is refusing to accept $120 from me, and any other A's fan in Sacramento.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Apr 4, 2007 10:44 AM PDT reply actions

Why can't you get FSN Plus?

It seems to be available on both DirecTV and Dish.

FSN Plus channels

But yes, the situtation in Sacramento is ludicrous. Actually, I have thought that a solution there would be for the Channel 36 games not carried by the over-the-air station to be carried on FSN Plus.

by cynthia2003 on Apr 4, 2007 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions

I should also point out...

The suggestion about putting Ch. 36 games on FSN Plus is similar to the arrangement the Mariners have in Portland, Oregon. Most Mariners games are televised on FSN Northwest, but about 35 or so are on an over-the-air station in Seattle and several other stations in Washington and Oregon...but not including Portland. So those games are put on the FSN-NW alternate channel which is made available only in the Portland metropolitan area.

It's not quite analagous because I think FSN-NW Alternate is more of a separate channel (whereas FSN Plus is just an overflow channel for regular FSN). I believe during NBA season FSN-NW carries the Sonics games while FSN-NW Alternate carries the Blazers games; if you're in the Blazers region, the Sonics games are blacked out. Otherwise, they share the same programming.

Just a suggestion for you Sacramento fans to pursue this. (Chances are, you would be told, contractual obligations, exclusivity, blah blah blah.)

by cynthia2003 on Apr 4, 2007 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions

I have SureWest.

Five games isn't too huge of a deal, though.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Apr 4, 2007 9:58 PM PDT up reply actions

Frankly I think the whole thing is screwy

First of all, who cares about NRAFs vs. Locals. We should ALL be able to get Extra Innings. The black out restriction is the most obsurd thing I have ever heard of.

Personally, I want Extra Innings. I would love to have it. It would be nice to watch games all over the country at the click of a button, but WHY would I get the service if I can't even watch MY OWN TEAM!!

If they lifted black out restrictions, they would get a TON more subscribers.

It feels like Selig is trying to limit the fans to the upper rim of the population. I don't know, I always thought baseball was the great equalizer. Everyone could enjoy it, regardless of class and status. Now Selig is proving that is not the case.

Can someone answer me this, how long until we get a new commisioner? I am sick of the Selig Era! He is ruining the game!

"I'm already in Barry's head! He doesn't want to play against ME!" - Kotsay on facing Zito, Fan Fest 2007

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Apr 4, 2007 11:09 AM PDT reply actions

When are we getting

a new commissioner? Perhaps when Bonds breaks the home run record and Selig's head explodes? But if that doesn't happen, 2009.

"We are a complete freak show." -- Billy Beane

by day-to-day on Apr 4, 2007 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions

Didn't he say he was planning to retire?

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Apr 4, 2007 11:23 AM PDT up reply actions

When his contract

is up in 2009 (which is far too far away).

"We are a complete freak show." -- Billy Beane

by day-to-day on Apr 4, 2007 6:12 PM PDT up reply actions

They make the lion's share of their money

off of local broadcasts. If they allow folks who have the ability to watch the local broadcasts to watch other broadcasts, they would be potentially significantly cutting into their local broadcast revenue, which wouldn't make sense by any logic.

You would be getting very few extra A's games from adding Extra Innings, anyway, since the great majority of the 37 games that are not offered regularly by local cable would not be offered by Direct TV, anyway because either; a) it conflicts with a national exclusive game or b) it's a midweek day game, most of which go completely untelevised. I can't imagine you'd be adding more than about 5 games.

Not that MLB doesn't make enough money, regardless, but they would be giving up an awful lot in return for very little value for RAFs

Read my latest articles

by devo on Apr 4, 2007 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions

Remember that...

...the Extra Innings availability on cable/Dish Network and MLB's blackout rules are two completely separate issues. The blackout rules are still in effect for DirecTV subscribers.

Right now, I'm focused on availability on cable. Then I'll worry about blackout rules (which have stunk ever since Extra Innings started, regardless of who's distributing it).

Second place in gigglingone's NCAA Tournament bracket contest!

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Apr 4, 2007 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions

Right

I used to get so pissed when an A's game was on the schedule and got bumped or if they did not broadcast the A's back-to-back games.

Now, not having any games, well...

by easyraider on Apr 4, 2007 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions

extra innings

As I sit here looking at my new 42" screen hdtv (that we purchased mainly so I could watch the A's) I can only hope that I will be able to see my beloved A's on it sometime soon. Last night I watched on Gameday until 11:15 pm eastern time when I finally gave up and went to bed. To add insult to injury when I woke up I rushed to my computer this morning only to see the final score :(. Being deep in the heart of Red Sox country I can only hope that MLB will get a clue and allow extra innings on cable. I too am holding out as long as I can but as each day goes by, and I have to suffer through endless Red Sox and Dice-K coverage I know I am going to crack and get a dish. I look forward to many nights of little sleep watching the boys in green and gold battle their way through the American League.

But for now it's XM radio and Gamday. GO A's!

by asforever on Apr 4, 2007 12:19 PM PDT reply actions

MLB TV

I used MLB TV and will probably do so again this year. I liked it for the most part. Sometimes there are some problems, but it beats paying Direct TV prices.

by Arkons on Apr 4, 2007 12:25 PM PDT reply actions

A Petition

Can AN put together a petition to all Congressmen? Baseball has a government exemption for the public welfare. They have an obligation to the public. Satallite tv is an inconvience that most people do not want to undertake. For millions (not 5,000) it's impossible.

All sports blogs could put together a petition which we could ad out name to that would have an inpact.

Jim

by jarforcefatherofforce on Apr 4, 2007 12:31 PM PDT reply actions

My goodness!

Look at the number of comments from people who can't get DirecTV:

http://www.bizofbaseball.com/index.p...

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Apr 4, 2007 12:44 PM PDT reply actions

Goodness-all this activism! When do we march...

...on Washington (DC)?

"I have a dream that my little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be denied access to every A's game by the definition of their TVs, or by the radio time-delay..."

It's a draft, okay?

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Apr 4, 2007 2:41 PM PDT reply actions

And where is Sashulia to exclaim,

"Second-worst thread on AN of all time"?

Four score, and seven years ago only three would have scored...

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Apr 4, 2007 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions

I think the notion is

We do all the moaning and complaining the first week of the season and get it out of the way. Hopefully the radio and EI issues are resolved to everyone's satisfaction. But if not, then wear it. I'm going to get past all of this and enjoy the next six months of baseball.

by Soaker on Apr 4, 2007 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions

Believe me...

...I'd like nothing more than to enjoy the next six months of baseball. But I can't because I don't have baseball. And the only way that's going to be resolved is if this deal goes through. I'm a little past the 'complaining' stage, thank you very much.

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Apr 4, 2007 4:14 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't want to "wear it"

This is an issue that should be resolved. What I hate is MLB sidestepping the issue by trying to minimize its impact.

The fact is that in a time when MLB is trying to fight to retain its popularity among other professional sports--they have made a decision that alienates any baseball fan who
a) doesn't live in the same city as their preferred team
b) isn't a homeowner or doesn't have access to the southern sky.

It's difficult to imagine that there is only 5000 who fit that category. And if there are, MLB might be in pretty big trouble for other reasons.

FWIW, I think my balcony faces south, so maybe I have hope:)

by Alien @ Athletics Nation on Apr 4, 2007 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't want to wear it either!!!!

It doesn't match my shoes! (tm Jennifer)

I JUST WANT TO WATCH BASEBALL ON MY TV!!! WHY IS THIS SO HARD?!?!?!?!?!

Ahem.

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Apr 4, 2007 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions

I hope the Commish's office doesn't

have your attitude.

And "wear it?" What's next? Comments like "Man up?" I can see Bud telling the 5000 new MLB pledges to suck it up and do their 8 month keg stand in lieu of the season now.

"The future's like, who cares?" ~Eric Chavez

by rebus on Apr 4, 2007 4:23 PM PDT up reply actions

Sorry

I apologize for using a tone that appeared to trivialize this. I'm glad to see the activism and I'm participating in it myself on the radio issue. Unfortunately, I think Selig and DuPuy do have exactly the attitude I appeared to show in my initial comment.

by Soaker on Apr 4, 2007 4:27 PM PDT up reply actions

No worries.

I think you're right about baseball's attitude toward this.

"The future's like, who cares?" ~Eric Chavez

by rebus on Apr 4, 2007 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions

Ooh I am so pissed about this...

I'm about to move to Chicago, and I'd been counting on EI--just praying that Comcast would work it out.

Sure, 97% live somewhere that DirecTV services, but ask what percentage of landlords will let you install a dish or whatever you have to do. Not to mention whether the damn things work in the middle of the city.

And watching on the internet is NOT the same--who wants to sit at their desk for three hours to watch a screen with poor resolution and even worse sound.

by Alien @ Athletics Nation on Apr 4, 2007 4:07 PM PDT reply actions

Not to mention...

..there are rumors floating today that MLB.TV has outgrown the server...guess they didn't count on how many people would need to switch to MLB.TV because they took it away from us on cable.

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Apr 4, 2007 4:12 PM PDT up reply actions

great news....sheez

after tonights FSNW game courtesy of the M's, I will be back depending on mlbtv.

At my IMac, where suffering is optional.

by ak_A on Apr 4, 2007 4:40 PM PDT up reply actions

Question for DirecTv subscribers...

I've had DirecTv for around six years, and I've subscribed to EI for four.

I bought an HD set in February specifically for baseball season. I ordered the HD receiver/dish from DirecTv in mid-February and was told the installation can't be done until April 27th because they're backordered. Okay, that pisses me off, but that isn't the question.

The HD programming package is an additional ten bucks or so per month. I'll sign up for that as soon as they install the equipment. However, I got a promotional mailing from DirecTv today offering HD service for EI for an additional $40 per month.

So, do I have to dish out this extra $40 per month to get baseball in HD, or does the standard HD programming package cover all channels in HD? This has me really confused and their customer service number goes to India and believe me, that's not a fun experience.

by coffee roaster on Apr 4, 2007 4:34 PM PDT reply actions

I have DirecTV...

I've never had problems reaching an English-speaking Customer Service person.

I received the same promotional mailing this weekend. I think the $40 was for the EI Game Mix channel. Sadly, I've already tossed the packet. Did it have a bunch of Ks on it?

I also just called DirecTV to make sure I had read the packet correctly. Customer Service Lady said to get the games in HD, I'd need the HR receiver and to pay the $10 a month for the HD service. I'm pretty sure you can purchase EI and get the games in HD. I'd call to be sure.

"How dare Swisher take time off from his busy schedule of professional sex to draw a walk." Jeff, LL

by Jennifer on Apr 4, 2007 5:14 PM PDT up reply actions

thanks

When I was calling DirecTv to set up my HD service I twice got someone who spoke very poor English. Maybe the third time will be the charm.

Yep, we got the same mailing. It seemed strange to get double-charged for HD service for the FSN channels, because you'd think people would automatically sign up for the standard HD package when they upgrade their equipment - I guess some don't. I do like the game mix, though, that's been on during preview week but not well enough to shell out another forty bucks.

Thanks for the info, that's very helpful.

by coffee roaster on Apr 4, 2007 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions

From MLB.COm

Good news on pong. We're ditching it for tomorrow's games, and forever.

"I can't wait for tommorrow, cause I get so much cooler every day" - shirt worn by Swish

by Bigtoe on Apr 4, 2007 4:39 PM PDT reply actions

I can't stand the blackout Rules

I use MLB.TV, and I love it. I watch all my A's games.

Then when they play the Angles (I live in LA now), I can't watch my damn team. That is just dumb!!

I understand that the local networks have contracts and make money from adds. But, why can't MLB.TV show me the adds? Wouldn't an advertiser be happy that more people can see their adds? Wouldn't they pay more to FSW if they new that their adds were also being shown on the internet? I just don't understand this.

"I can't wait for tommorrow, cause I get so much cooler every day" - shirt worn by Swish

by Bigtoe on Apr 4, 2007 4:42 PM PDT reply actions