ESPN is looking to shave millions of dollars in costs off what it pays its on-air and online sportscasters and writers, sources have told The Post.
ESPN is doing this in several ways: not renewing deals, offering lesser contracts or just small increases. While in some ways this is business as usual, sources say, ESPN is trying to slow down the percentage of growth, year-to-year, it pays its front-facing personnel and is adding extra scrutiny in determining future salaries.
ESPN declined comment.
Under former ESPN president John Skipper, the high-end talent contracts grew, with Mike Greenberg ($6.5 million), Michelle Beadle ($5 million) and Katie Nolan (more than $1 million), among others.
At the same time, Skipper presided over hundreds of layoffs that affected on-camera and online personnel, as well as those behind the scenes.
There are no plans for new layoffs, according to sources.
Under current ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro, the high-earning top performers, who can directly point to ratings — such as Scott Van Pelt, Stephen A. Smith and Dan Le Batard — will still get paid, but big earners who aren’t producing will be scrutinized more heavily and could be in trouble.
Cross ESPN’s Max Kellerman off the list of people who could join Mike Francesa as his new partner and eventual replacement. Kellerman and FAN haven’t spoken in a year and a half, according to sources. A published report said Kellerman was in talks with FAN.
Kellerman, who just signed a new ESPN deal, was a prime target for FAN when Francesa first left.
Kellerman had a unique clause in his contract allowing him to stay on ESPN’s “First Take” and host on FAN. Kellerman did separate audition shows with Bart Scott and Chris Simms, among others. Ultimately, WFAN went with Scott, Maggie Gray and Chris Carlin as Francesa’s replacements.
John Jastremski is the early favorite to join Francesa, but Francesa has vowed to consider other people. Francesa seems to want more of a sidekick than an equal partner, which will likely eliminate a lot of big-name choices.
Transactions: Chris Singleton and ESPN have agreed on a new deal. Singleton is ESPN’s top radio game analyst, calling “Sunday Night Baseball” and the World Series.
Yahoo’s Mike Oz’s “Old Baseball Cards” videos have reached their 100th episode. Online video and baseball — outside of highlights — is very difficult to do, because the storylines change in a moment. Oz has created evergreen content by opening quarter-century-old cards with ex-players and then trading with them. It usually brings out another side of the athletes.
Oz has had Alex Rodriguez, Pedro Martinez and Randy Johnson as guests, among others. For his 100th spot, Pete Rose will be cracking open cards this week.
Clicker Books: It is big-time baseball book season, and it seems like there might be a read for every fan. Bob Klapisch and Paul Solotaroff have “Inside the Empire: The True Power behind the Yankees,” while Wayne Coffey has written, “They Said It Couldn’t Be Done: The ’69 Mets, New York City, and the Most Astounding Season in Baseball History.” David Cone’s and Jack Curry’s, “Full Count: The Education of a Pitcher,” details Cone’s experiences on the mound.
Meanwhile, Papa Clicker got his hands on Tyler Kepner’s “K: A history of baseball in 10 pitches,” for a review. Kepner’s love for the game comes through on every page. With so many choices, this book is ideal for fans who have a true passion for baseball history, as Kepner talks to legends to understand the history and evolution of their craft. Papa Clicker gives it a 4.2 out of 5 rating, recommending it for the most passionate of fans.