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Toronto Blue Jays fans have Opening Day ruined from brutal update by Apple TV
Toronto Blue Jays and their fan base received news that Apple TV will be the carrier that will cover the opening weekend of the Toronto Blue Jays season at home.
It's the first time in three seasons that the Blue Jays will be opening at Rogers Centre rather than being on the road and this news will throw a wrench into Blue Jays fans plans if they do not have a subscription to Apple TV.
Apple TV will hold a prominent role for opening weekend
Apple TV has entered the baseball market and has become a lucrative
option for the league which is why the Blue Jays will have several appearances on Apple TV this season.
option for the league which is why the Blue Jays will have several appearances on Apple TV this season.
Apple TV messes with Sportsnet's season opening Blue Jays coverage
But that doesn't mean the Jays - and especially its broadcaster, Rogers Sportsnet - are pleased with the development. Quite the contrary, we're told.
The opening series, especially with a Friday prime time first pitch, is a welcome opportunity for a huge ratings score for Sportsnet as it launches its full season schedule. After a long spring training and such a miserable season a year ago, the story lines are aplenty affording Sportsnet's deep roster of analysts the opportunity to set up the season with in-depth previews and content. Rob Longley
The opening series, especially with a Friday prime time first pitch, is a welcome opportunity for a huge ratings score for Sportsnet as it launches its full season schedule. After a long spring training and such a miserable season a year ago, the story lines are aplenty affording Sportsnet's deep roster of analysts the opportunity to set up the season with in-depth previews and content. Rob Longley
Sportsnet forced to play ball with MLB decision
It was also revealed that the Blue Jays schedule will only allow sports net to have their first prime time game until after the Orioles weekend as they will face off against the Washington Nationals.
This, coupled with their first road. game against the New York Mets on April 4th but only give sports that two games out of nine that will be in the prime-time spotlight.
The Blue Jays discovered Lazaro Estrada - who has some of the most unique pitch characteristics in the organization - at an old Dominican Air Force base in 2016 Nearly a decade later, he's on the cusp of the majors
While recognizing that they have no choice in the matter, Sportsnet officials are less than pleased about the development given the possibility of a solid ratings bump associated with the start of any season. That opening Friday telecast had the potential to be ratings gold. It's also an annoyance for fans looking forward to the insight of the team's knowledgeable game calling tandem of Buck Martinez and Dan Shulman. Rob Longley
The Blue Jays are back! #TOTHECORE @Sportsnet is the home of everything @BlueJays
with every base covered across TV, Sportsnet+, digital, & audio platforms all season long, starting with Spring Training on Feb. 22
with every base covered across TV, Sportsnet+, digital, & audio platforms all season long, starting with Spring Training on Feb. 22
It remains to be seen on how all this will play out as many people do not have Apple TV subscriptions and could see a drop in viewership as Blue Jays fans along with the Blue Jays themselves are the only team in baseball from Canada.
But it's clear money talks and Sportsnet along with the Blue Jays will have to follow suit as this season continues to be one of the most pivotal and questionable years in Blue Jays history.
Source: The Toronto Sun
Apple TV messes with Sportsnet's season opening Blue Jays coverage
Apple TV messes with Sportsnet's season opening Blue Jays coverage
Previously on Toronto Baseball Insider
| POLL | ||
MARS 14 | 794 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays fans have Opening Day ruined from brutal update by Apple TV Will you be watching the opening day weekend of the Blue Jays? | ||
| Yes | 472 | 59.4 % |
| No | 322 | 40.6 % |
| List of polls | ||