ESPN MLB analyst Mark Mulder is taking some time off from his broadcasting duties in an attempt to return to the mound. The former Oakland Athletics and St Louis Cardinals pitcher has thrown for several teams already this month, and plans to do so for more before the end of the year.
The 36-year old Mulder hasn't pitched in the majors since 2008 following a series of shoulder injuries. Mulder has been one of ESPN's MLB analysts since 2011, and is one of the better ones they have. Losing him to a major league team would be a huge, and unexpected, loss for the Worldwide Leader.
The potential comeback is an interesting story, and one that everyone (including ESPN) will be rooting for. Imagine if Mulder does succeed in his return to the majors and pitches well – ESPN would have a bounty of storylines and features to run with. But if the comeback does indeed happen, ESPN should consider adding to their stable of MLB analysts – their pool for baseball analysts isn't nearly as large as their seemingly never ending parade of football analysts, and creating some new stars will eventually be necessary after the departures of Orel Hershiser, Nomar Garciaparra, Terry Francona, and maybe Mulder over the last year-plus.
[ESPN]
