Morbid analogy here but I see it fit. Retiring Sam is like putting down a pet. The time is closing in and its not living to the fullest anymore. There's sentimental value in Sam. It will take another 20 years with another lovable PBP guy in order to reach Sam's place in NYR PBP history. However, I do think it's time for Sam to retire from doing PBP. He can stay on and do a wide range of stuff that's usually covered by the others guys and even join in on the panel with a thought or two.
His ability to pay attention to the details of the game is not where it needs to be, at all. I find myself doing PBP out loud at least 5 times a period because Sam isn't highlighting a lot of the stuff that goes on that's of importance. Sometimes, when a play is developing from the neutral zone or a skilled forward is clearly trying to make a play or take the puck to a specific spot in order to take defenders with him, Sam doesn't catch on until the passes or the exciting sequence is already half way to happening.
Good old Uncle Sam is becoming a second brew of tea leaves lacking in flavor and color. He's behind on a lot of stuff and doesn't get the depth on some stuff too. It's not easy to do PBP, for sure. With his experience, he does so many things well that PBP around the league may miss. He's likable and very vanilla. He's not obnoxious, biased, rude, or an ass. Those four things sums up what's wrong with at least 25% of PBP guys around the league.
Above all, he's a lovable guy. It's hard to imagine a Rangers fan not liking Sam Rosen as a person. On that basis, he's certainly preferred by Rangers fans over at least 75% of the PBP guys around the league.
If we can find a likable guy however, I think it's a good time to start having him train with Sam to pick up on what Sam has to offer and slowly transition Sam into something else.
I watch the Canucks and their PBP guy is pretty great all around. One of my favorites in fact. The difference in how I'm able to understand the ongoing game is pretty noticeable between Canucks PBP guy and Sam. A part of that also is that Sam has gotten lazy. A lot of the time, he can add a few extra PBP in there. In fact, filling that gap and constructing a fluent narrative of the game is really important. Sam talks way too much about god knows what and remains conversational for way too long.
It's becoming a lot more like having a cup of tea with Sam and Joe now. If we weren't an average team that's battling for the playoffs, I'd break out a box of tea biscuits during games.