Yeah, I know, Peter Brown is probably still alive, but I digress.
This is the annual ranking of the sports talkers in the Cleveland Market.
1. Ken Carmen – 92.3 The Fan
This young up-and-comer is the new Cleveland. Clever, smart, and funny, he is able to seamlessly shift gears between serious sports analysis and entertaining radio shtick.
2. Tony Rizzo – 850 WKNR
Like the spoiled athletes that he covers, 5 years ago he was the clearly the best, but now he seems distracted by off the mic issues and whining about his workload.
3. Adam the Bull – 92.3 The Fan
A well-rounded, likeable host whose teaming with Dustin Fox creates afternoon magic for the Fan.
4. Les Levine – 92.3 The Fan / Spectrum Sports
Around the holidays, I hear him liven up every show on the Fan. Otherwise, he plies his trade on Time/Warner (now Spectrum).
5. Greg Brinda – 850 WKNR
Cleveland Broadcasting Hall-of-Famer who has the smarts to be in the Indians Front Office
6. Dustin Fox – 92.3 The Fan
Benefits from being teamed with Adam the Bull, but chemistry make those two the best duo in Cleveland.
7. Jeff Thomas – 92.3 The Fan
Best supporting cast member on any show in the city
8. Tony Grossi - 850 WKNR
No one knows the Browns better. No one.
9. Jim Donovan – 850 WKNR
Radio sub who should have his own show, but a little too busy on Channel 3 and being the Voice of the Browns.
10. Je’Rod Cherry -850 WKNR
The best broadcaster in the city when it comes to giving the story from the players’ perspective.
11. Nick Wilson – 92.3 The Fan
Stepping into the Ken Carmen late night shoes quite nicely.
12. Brian Windhorst - 850 WKNR
What he lacks in delivery is more than made up for in knowledge and insight.
13. Mike Trivisonno – 1100 WTAM
30 Years Ago, he was second best sports opinion-maker behind the historically great Pete Franklin. Today? See Jason Giambi’s 2014 season for the Cleveland Indians for reference.
14. Mark ‘Munch’ Bishop – 850 WKNR
Torn here, because I believe if you built a bigger show around Munch’s energy he would be much higher on the list.
15. Mike Snyder - 1100 WTAM
No nonsense sports delivery.
16. Andy Baskins – 92.3 The Fan
Well informed yin to Phelps’ yang .
17. Jeff Phelps – 92.3 The Fan
Pleasant and even handed.
18. Michael Reghi – 850 WKNR
He was fired from KNR, then turns up on shows on KNR. Would be higher if I knew his job status…
19. Bruce Drennen – Drennan Live Fox Sports Ohio
His act has worn thin.
20. Kenny Roda – 1480 WHBC
Deserves better than 1480 Canton.
21. Anthony Lima – 92.3 The Fan
Maybe he’ll grow into his new role and be less annoying. Or maybe not.
22. Chris Fedor – 92.3 The Fan / Cleveland.com
If he finds his niche, Fedor can be even more agitating for years to come.
23. Nathan Zegura – 850 WKNR
He’s got a good voice, content questionable.
24. Matt Wilhelm – 850 WKNR
Shill.
25. Aaron Goldhammer – 850 WKNR
Should be fired based on the fact that he was the early leader of the Johnny Manziel bandwagon. Flat out horrible otherwise.