Dodgers make broadcast team, network launch date official

Sometimes you just have to make it official. It may not be required, but it’s best to have it done and behind you.

So the Dodgers “officially” announced the lineup for their new regional sports network Wednesday, and by now it did not include a single surprise, including SportsNet LA’s Feb. 25 launch date.

Orel Hershiser will join Charley Steiner as the new color commentator on the TV broadcasts of games Vin Scully does not broadcast.

Rick Monday, formerly Steiner’s color man on the radio, will now become the play-by-play man, with Nomar Garciaparra doing the commentary.

Jerry Hairston Jr. and Garciaparra will do SportsNet LA’s pre- and post-game coverage. Alanna Rizzo will serve as the in-game reporter for games called by Steiner and Hershiser. John Hartung will be the studio host.

SportsNet LA is intended to exclusively cover the Dodgers, every hour of the day. Classic games, studio shows and original programming are scheduled to be a part of the daily broadcasts.

The Feb. 25 launch date is one day before the Dodgers’ first scheduled spring game. Now starts the predictable battle between Time Warner and the various carriers.