Red Sox need their own version of the “ManningCast”

Top choice for a Red Sox version of the ManningCast

I saved the best for last. If NESN wanted to emulate the ManningCast formula, you won’t find a better pair from recent Red Sox history than Pedro Martinez and David Ortiz.

Both legendary figures are beloved in Boston. They were teammates for only two years but formed a bond that remains strong enough to create magical chemistry on the air. Martinez and Ortiz have appeared in studio to provide analysis for MLB Network and Fox Sports so we know they have the chops for expressing their opinions on television. A ManningCast-style show would provide an atmosphere that is similar to their studio experience compared to the standard booth setup alongside a play-by-play announcer.

The only downside to putting these two together is that they can be unpredictable with their choice of words. Martinez drew some heat last season for cursing at an umpire for his inability to properly identify a balk during an appearance on MLB Tonight. Ortiz’s “our city” speech in the aftermath of the 2013 Marathon Bombing is the perfect example that shows he isn’t shy about dropping profanity when the moment warrants it. Either of these icons could potentially give NESN their version of Eli Manning flipping the double middle finger on live TV.

It’s worth the risk. Pedro and Papi would be riveting entertainment. The recent history of the Red Sox has many players with the charms for this role but if NESN were to ever entertain the idea of a ManningCast-style broadcast, their first calls should be to Martinez and Ortiz.