The Washington Nationals switched TV color commentators last season, firing Rob Dibble and replacing him with F.P. Santangelo. Now, could they be replacing their play-by-play announcer as well. Bob Carpenter, who has been with the team since 2006 after being the St. Louis Cardinals' play-by-play man, may be on the way out after the season.
Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post reports that MASN declined to pick up Carpenter's contract option for 2012, which would mean this is his final season. Initially, it was reported that this was a mutual decision, but Kilgore now reports it was not.
According to a person with knowledge of the talks, Carpenter hoped his option for 2012 would be picked up and neither he nor his agent agreed for the optioned not be exercised.
Carpenter has plenty of professional experience and is well-regarded within the industry, but ticks off fans sometimes by being overly positive towards the Nationals.