The Washington Nationals have tinkered with their announcing pair over the past few years, but most of the changes were to the color commentator, while Bob Carpenter held things down pretty consistently on the play-by-play side of things. After the season it was revealed that Carpenter's option had not been picked up by MASN, and it seemed like he might not return to the booth for 2012. Well, it turns out we won't be saying "C U LATER" to Bob Carpenter just yet.
According to Bill Ladson, Carpenter will be returning to the booth after all.
Great news, everybody. Bob Carpenter will be calling #Nats games for #MASN in 2012. #MLB
— William Ladson (@washingnats) January 5, 2012
Carpenter is somewhat of a polarizing figure among Nats fans. There are some who don't mind his schtick, while others can't stand him and feel worse about any home runs hit because they inevitably lead to his trademark call. But as the old saying goes, "better the devil you know than the one you don't." So maybe even if it is because I'm afraid of the alternative that could have replaced him, I'm glad to see Carpenter will be back in the booth.