You know by now that the Chicago White Sox have moved Steve Stone into the TV booth.  It's a move they probably should have made in the first place, but given when the radio deal went down (almost March) it probably wasn't practical then.

Jim at Sox Machine does some outstanding analysis about this.  His observations about the fact that Hawk's contract is just two more seasons while Stone gets signed for six years is very telling.

So, what does the future of White Sox broadcasting hold? 

• Hawk is no longer the star of the TV broadcasts.  He's no longer got a partner who is beholden to him for getting the gig.  He most likely will pout a bit because of the situation.  Get it out of his system now before Hawk-Stony becomes Harry-Milo II.
• I'm not a big Harrelson basher.  He entertains me.  "Put it on the board, Yes!", "duck snort"  "He gone!" "Grab some bench" and "chopper, two hopper" are all classic catch phases.  My Hawk peeve is when he veers the broadcast off the road to talk about how Dick Green was the best second baseman in history at going to his left OR any sentence that begins "D.J., in my forty-nine years in baseball. . ."
  
• The Sox really need to make Hawk understand that he can't just disappear for a couple of innings and let Stony do play by play (which I'm sure Stony will tell them he has no interest in.)
• If Hawk gives them any grief, cut ties immediately and hire a decent play by play guy.  There are a few out there that might want to move up.  Just don't do what the Sox usually do which is get someone who can't relate to the Sox and their fans. 
  
• I  know I am the only one that feels this way but I still find Stony overrated.  He's competent, but he's just okay in my book.   I do agree moving him to TV is the right decision.  I'm sure the White Sox made sure all the sponsors were on board.
  
• On radio, give Farmer an experienced partner or better yet, an experienced play by play guy.  Call Rooney, tell him you are sorry and pay him whatever he wants (yeah, I know, just a dream.)
• Given his acrimonious exit from the Score, I don't think Mike North is in the picture to work with Farmer on the radio side.  A Farmer-North team would cause me to harm myself. Violently.
• Understand that the broadcast operation is a window to your team.  When you hire stiffs to do your broadcasting, it makes you look like clowns.  Pat Hughes and Ron Santo work.  Rooney and Farmer worked. Hawk and Wimpy worked.  PLEASE, do not try to cut corners here and find something that works.