FOX's LCS Ratings And Other WORLD SERIES Questions

(From The USA Today -- By Michael Hiestand)

RATINGS
FOX's LCS ratings finished down 33% from last year's
Red Sox/Yankees festival, but up 5% from 2002, which was the last time no LCS had those teams or the Chicago Cubs.
But comparisons to 2002 are ominous. Despite a seven-game WORLD SERIES between the big-market Angels and Giants, it drew the lowest SERIES ratings EVER.

THE COMING OF INSTANT REPLAY
Generally, TV networks don't like sports officials to rely on instant replays -- it can drag them into on-field controversies. But after all the botched calls during the playoffs, FOX's TIM McCARVER says "this postseason has been a good example for those who are proponents. But I don't want to see it because I'm a traditionalist."

CELEBS YOU'LL SEE
"With players' wives, we have a seating chart to find them," says FOX's BILL WEBB, directing his eighth WORLD SERIES. There's also a seating chart for actors in FOX shows, and their shots are timed to FOX promos for their shows. Beyond crowd close-ups -- look for lots of close-ups of fans seemingly praying -- Webb loves pitcher close-ups. "It's simple -- the eyes are the windows to their souls."