Sports

MARCHAND’S MATCHUP OF THE WEEK

Jody McDonald vs. Chris Carlin

(Who is a better talk-show host?)

Since Mike Francesa and Ed Coleman held down the mid-morning WFAN time slot, there hasn’t been a combination that compelled listeners to tune in daily. Sid Rosenberg and Jody McDonald have continued that trend.

McDonald likes to dominate the show, but he doesn’t deliver dominant, gotta-listen opinions. They are OK, but not spectacular. Meanwhile, his personality is fine, but not flashy.

Chris Carlin owns the potential to be a big-time sports radio talker. On shows, Carlin makes you feel as if you are hanging out with a buddy who owns solid, if not always fully informed, opinions. Carlin’s sense of humor – especially his self-deprecation – makes his shows work.

Sure, at times, there is a little too much silliness, but for the most part it is right on. In the end, Carlin may not have his own talk show yet, but he is a Matchup winner.