Babitt set to join A's broadcast as analyst

PHOENIX -- A new voice will be heard periodically with play-by-play man Glen Kuiper on Comcast SportsNet California's A's telecasts this year.

Former Oakland infielder and current Mets scout Shooty Babitt is set to join the broadcast team as a color analyst for 20 games this season, much like Scott Hatteberg did the previous two years. Babitt's debut in the booth is scheduled for May 5, when the A's host the Mariners.

Hatteberg, meanwhile, will not return for any telecasts, instead keeping his focus on his A's front-office role as a special assistant to baseball operations.

In addition to his telecast duties, the always energetic Babitt will continue to serve as an analyst for Comcast's "A's Pregame Live" and "A's Postgame Live" shows for a seventh straight year.

"Shooty has done a tremendous job on our pre- and postgame shows over the past six years," said Ken Pries, vice president of broadcasting and communications for the A's. "We're happy to add this fan favorite to our game telecasts."

Ray Fosse remains the network's primary A's analyst and is scheduled to work 126 games this season. This marks his 26th season in that capacity.

Comcast SportsNet California is slated to air 146 A's games, including 144 during the regular season.