MLB Nhl Media Watch

Sometimes familiar faces turn up in the most peculiar places.

Mike "Doc" Emrick has been behind the play-by-play mic for every game of the Stanley Cup Finals so far. There is no denying that he's the preeminent voice for NBC and the top voice in hockey right now, despite what my personal opinions may be. The guy can call a hockey game. In addition to his national television duties, he also does New Jersey Devils games during the regular season. The guy is an absolute work horse, doing 82+ games every year. Maybe not that much, but it sure seems like it especially if you live in the New York metro area.

So, imagine my surprise when the guy popped up in one of the oddest places yesterday -- the middle of a baseball diamond. The diamond isn't odd in itself but seeing Doc there sure is. But he was at rain soaked PNC Park yesterday throwing out the first pitch prior to the Pittsburgh Pirates game (I've got mad alliteration skillz). There's nothing wrong with a little Stanley Cup cross-promotion. The best part though, in my opinion, is that Doc got to hang out with the Pirate Parrot. I'd say that alone is worth the trip to Pittsburgh. Oh, and calling Stanley Cup Finals games. That ranks up there too.

Some good news for sports fans who have had to choose between Sirius or XM satellite radio service to get some live sports coverage. The US Justice Department has given its blessing to Sirius' proposed buyout of XM.

The Justice Department, in a statement explaining its decision, said the combination of the companies won't hurt competition because the companies are not competing today. Customers must buy equipment that is exclusive to either XM or Sirius, and subscribers rarely switch providers.

"People just don't do that," said Assistant Attorney General Thomas Barnett, in a conference call with reporters.

The most intense lobbying effort to block the sale was from land-based radio powers. The Justice Department, though, recognized that the competition by satellite radio wasn't against each other. The competition is with regular radio, the emerging HD Radio and internet/streaming radio.

This doesn't end potential government disruption. The Federal Communications Commission still has to grant approval. It does, however, clear a major hurdle and makes it more likely that the two will be merged.

This will be a boon for those who have been torn about which satellite service with which to sign. XM holds the rights to the PGA, MLB, NHL along with deals with the six BCS conferences. Sirius, however, has the NFL, NBA, NASCAR, the NCAA (including the NCAA Basketball Tournament) along with the rights to individual college sports teams like Ohio State, Alabama, UCLA, Pitt and Notre Dame.