A few years ago, a colleague of my wife had season tickets for the handicapped spot at the top of the section by the bar where they would do pregames. We got to go to many of the games she could not make it to. Which put me in great position to see what was being broadcast ... and the moments in between.
McNab drank a fair bit, but not to excess. And both came across as much more fair minded and intelligent than they do on TV (and I am not one to think that badly of them in that regard as well...listed to the rest of the leagues guys, most are at least as bad). The homer-ism is by direction in many respects, but they are fans and friends of the players. They also watch enough and know enough to be truly critical when warranted; they just usually don't on TV because it looks bad for the home guys to rag on the players. As for their ability on screen, like I said, they aren't the worst. Having that camera on you, knowing that potentially millions are watching you, has to have an effect. Yes, they make mistakes, but so does everyone...and they are going out live, so no chance to cut, try again and edit.
I would much rather have our crew than Mickey Redmond.
