Bordow: D-Backs broadcasters stray too far from game

The mute button on my remote control generally is reserved for commercials, local news reporters who hyperventilate at the first sight of rain and any show on the Disney Channel.

Last week, however, I did something I rarely ever do when watching a game.

I silenced the broadcasters.

The occasion was last Wednesday’s contest between the Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs at Chase Field.

Now, I’m not one who hates the broadcast team of Daron Sutton and Mark Grace. Nor am I president of their fan club. I’m neutral, like Switzerland.

But they drove me over the edge last Wednesday, so much so that I told my wife I couldn’t stand listening to them for another minute.

It was early in the Cubs-Diamondbacks game. The third inning, I believe. Anyway, Sutton and Grace were on one of their jags when they’re focused more on fans and signs than they are on the game.

Normally, the diversion lasts for a couple of minutes or so. But not this time.

They prattled on ceaselessly, it seemed, about the fans in the Redheads section — a promotional stunt started by Sutton and Grace earlier this season. Every other camera shot was of a fan holding up a sign or showing off his red wig. Pre-and post-game host Todd Walsh got into the act, interviewing fans in the section.

The game became so secondary that when Diamondbacks outfielder Chris Burke came to bat it took Sutton three pitches before he identified who was at the plate.

Look, I don’t mind Sutton and Grace having a little fun in the broadcast booth. They’re not calling a Supreme Court hearing.

Too often, however, the duo seems more interested in being zany than informative. And their constant references to fan participation and enthusiasm is a transparent attempt to sell tickets.

Look at the fun you’re missing out on! How can you even think about staying home and watching the game? No one is going to see your sign if you do that.

To be fair, Sutton and Grace aren’t doing anything the Diamondbacks don’t want them to. The organization is in constant sell mode; the broadcasters are simply doing their part.

But when the shilling becomes as much of the telecast as the game itself, it’s gone too far.

It’s a shame, really, because when Sutton and Grace are focused on the game, they’re a pleasure to listen to.

Sutton can be a little homerish, but he’s no different from most of his peers. With the exception of legendary broadcasters like Vin Scully and Marty Brennaman, play-by-play voices in baseball openly root, root, root for the home team.

Grace does a terrific job of taking viewers inside the game and he’s not afraid of criticizing a Diamondbacks’ player. His sense of humor plays well in the booth, as well. He’s the rare broadcaster who can make me laugh out loud.

I’m not asking for Sutton and Grace to start calling out every ball and strike. They aren’t doing a radio broadcast. But it would be nice if they’d spend more time talking about the players and less time about the Redheads.

That’s not too much to ask, is it?