Wednesday, December 16, 1998

BY JOHN FAY
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Marty Brennaman

The Reds' television deal for 1999 isn't final, but it's almost certain that two things will not be part of it: Over-the-air games and Marty Brennaman.

"It's cable only," Reds Managing Executive John Allen said.

Allen said whether Brennaman is used or not is up to Fox Sports Ohio, which will air Reds games. Steve Liverani, general manager of Fox Sports Ohio, said Brennaman would be part of the TV team only if there are over-the-air games.

So if you put what Allen and Liverani said together, it means no Brennaman, who enters his 26th year as radio play-by-play man. Brennaman split his time between radio and TV when the games were carried on Channel 12 or 64.

"I haven't been told anything official," Brennaman said. "I'd love to be back. Business is business . . . but frankly you'd think someone would have the common courtesy to tell me one way or another.

"But I understand, and I enjoyed the time I had."

Brennaman teamed with analyst Chris Welsh on TV.

"I'll miss it," Brennaman said.

Fox Sports Ohio holds the exclusive rights to Reds games for the next six years. Last year, FSO broadcast 50 games and distributed 45 others to Channel 12 and 64. For 1999, FSO will likely do 85 games.

Reds add Listach