Mariners broadcasting crew sees shakeup with historic hire fans will love

Angie Mentink has been involved with ROOT Sports ever since first joining them as an intern in 1998, back when they were called Fox Sports Northwest. On Friday in an exciting development, she made Seattle Mariners broadcasting history.

As per Adam Jude of The Seattle Times, Mentink will reportedly be named the first woman in Mariners history to serve a regular role as an in-game color analyst on television broadcasts. This is of course excellent news, although it does connect to the future of Mike Blowers, who she has filled in for numerous times since 2021.

Blowers had been the Mariners' lead broadcast analyst since 2007, but as per Jude, will not be back for the 2025 season. The M's popular first baseman in the 1990s did not respond to a request from The Seattle Times seeking comment, so all we will say is that it is a shame he will no longer be involved in ROOT Sports' coverage.

Angie Mentink's success pre-dates joining Mariners coverage

In any event, Mentink is fully deserving of this increased opportunity to provide live game analysis after serving in a number of roles over the years, including as a reporter and pre/post-game presenter. She gained fame back in the 1990s after joining the Washington Huskies softball program and going on to became the first player in the team's history to earn All-Pac-10 and All-American honors.

That Mentink would ascend to this position is no surprise given her toughness and mental fortitude, as best evidenced by her battle with breast cancer. She took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and said: "Lots of thoughts.. but mostly how grateful for all of those who have helped me get here."

The decision regarding Mentink and Blowers are just part of a major revamp in the local coverage of the Mariners by ROOT Sports for this coming season. With Dave Sims moving to New York to take over as radio play-by-play for the Yankees, Aaron Goldsmith replaces him as the main play-by-play voice for the M's television coverage.

A different kind of rotation to the Mariners' infield platoon system

Meanwhile, joining Mentink as part of a rotation of analysts will be a trio of former Mariners players in Jay Buhner, Dave Valle and Ryan Rowland-Smith, all of whom have varying degrees of experience in the analyst role over the years. Buhner stands out as a fan favorite from his time playing for the M's during their most successful period in franchise history, going on to be inducted into the team's Hall of Fame in 2004.

For anyone wondering, Brad Adam and Jen Mueller will also both continue to be involved in television broadcasts. We are glad to know this, given how much they both bring to the television coverage with their affable and informed personalities.

On the radio side of things, Rick Rizzs will continue as the Mariners' play-by-play voice and will be joined by Gary Hill, who has been promoted to analyst. Overall, it should also be noted that Jude did advise the new lineup has yet to be officially announced, pending all agreements being finalized.

While appreciating that the long-term future of ROOT Sports is still up in the air, it is good to know that the majority of their television talent is sticking around for now, along with the return of the ever popular Buhner. They are a friendly and hard-working group of people who have earned the opportunity to continue providing Mariners coverage.

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