NYC Radio: Mets’ Radio Booth Could Face Shakeup

The next step in the Mets’ radio game is deciding who will be sitting next to Howie Rose in the WCBS 880 AM booth and who will be doing the pre- and postgame.

For the No. 2 play-by-play position, it will likely come down to the incumbent, Josh Lewin, and the current host, Wayne Randazzo.

Josh Lewin

Meanwhile, the most interesting aspect could be the fate of longtime WFAN Mets reporter stalwart Ed Coleman, who, according to The NY Post, has mulled retirement.

Another source said WOR lost money on its five-year deal to broadcast the Mets. CBS is all-in for seven years, which means whatever is decided could have long-term consequences.

Wayne Randazzo

In the booth, Rose, 64, has assumed the mantle as the heir to Bob Murphy, relinquished by Gary Cohen when he went to the more lucrative TV side. In a somewhat quiet way, Rose has become a New York sports broadcasting legend with his iconic, “Matteau! Matteau! Matteau!” radio call to his years with the mostly dreadful Islanders, but, most importantly, his association with the Mets. Rose and CBS’ parent company, Entercom, will have to figure out the financials.

Lewin, 49, has been in the booth since 2012. He was picked by WFAN’s Mark Chernoff. Chernoff, with FAN and CBS both owned by Entercom, is expected to have a big say in what the booth looks like. The Mets will have final approval.

Coleman, 69, could remain a part of WCBS/FAN’s coverage, perhaps on the pre- and/or postgame, depending how the potential Lewin/Randazzo decision shakes out. Coleman also could stay on the beat, especially since his job could become a bit easier with the Mets now being with a sister station to WFAN.