New York Times headline: "Hold the Profanity: Telecast will Capture a Game's Sounds"

I have one comment: BAD IDEA!

The article explains that the first, second and third baseman, the shortstop, the catcher and the center fielder will be wired with microphones, as will be the coaches -- when they step on to the field... Of course, there will be a time delay to bleep out the profanity that is sure to be included in the "game's sounds". But this idea is sheer stupidity for a number of reasons beyond any swearing that is sure to be significant. Players are in constant dialogue with each other using a ligua franca, if you will, that is an extension of the 'inside' discussion, jokes and general camaraderie that knits a team together. A few fans who are REALLY engaged with the team may get some of it, but mostly miked players will find themselves trying to say the 'right things' for television, which will have a interuptive affect on the team dialogue. That dialogue is something that starts in training camp and carries, builds, with the team over the course of the season and therefore it is not something that one can turn 'off' or 'on' at will...

The whole idea of mikes on players will be a huge distraction for the teams and while it might not be initially perceived by management (that is trying to milk every dollar from their franchise), it will definitely have a damaging affect on the cohesiveness that each team needs to sustain itself. Like I said: BAD idea!