View Full Version : Who is Mike Preston?
jburns
10-30-2007, 08:13 PM
Does Preston even go to the Ravens headquarters? I know he used to just use spies like Mike Simon and maybe Jamal Lewis to get info. When you watch interviews in the locker room you see guys like Aaron Wilson, Edward Lee, Jamison Hensley, and Casey Willett. I have never once seen Preston. I go to training camp every year and see these guys but no Preston. Who is this guy? Who reads his crap? And what happens when Brian Billick eventually leaves the Ravens? What will Preston write about then? Will he follow Billick wherever he goes so he has something to write about?
jburns
10-30-2007, 08:32 PM
And another thing- on Monday he said Billick "brought in" Corey Fuller and Deion Sanders!! Since when has Billick been the General Manager. Who is Mike Preston? Nobody.
Ravens0587
10-30-2007, 08:55 PM
Mike Jones..........WHO..........Mike Jones
Big Bird
10-30-2007, 10:17 PM
The man is paid to stir up shit!!! Plain and simple.
:insane:
Galen Sevinne
10-30-2007, 10:22 PM
Mike Preston is the antagonist in the Ravens story. This is healthy and a good thing...provides balance. Too bad the Orioles don't have a Mike Preston. I don't understand why Ravens fans can't appreciate his articles. Yeah..he is sometimes wrong in his analysis but over the years he has been right on with locker room issues before anyone wrote about it. Cmac, Jamal, Ray and this year Ogden...maybe Pryce, still to be seen.
Of course if you want to hear about how great the Ravens are this year, he is probably not the one to read. As far as why he isn't too visible, that is a good point...maybe because as a Ravens player it would look bad to be seen talking to him.
JimBone
10-31-2007, 05:28 AM
He isn't visible because he has a face for newspaper not tv. Having balance is fine , but he makes it personal. Which in my mind is just unprofessional. Besides he writes for the Sun which might be one of the worst papers in the country.
highwater
10-31-2007, 08:39 AM
Of course if you want to hear about how great the Ravens are this year, he is probably not the one to read.
There is a gigantic middle ground between between nothing-but-positive columns and Preston's predictable nonstop attacks. I don't need to read about how great the Ravens are, but I'd sure like to read something more intelligent than Preston's usual garbage. He's simply a bad columnist. He's too transparent to be interesting.
festivus
10-31-2007, 08:43 AM
Agreed. It's not like Aaron Wilson writes about how great everything is. But he, unlike Preston, is widely respected.
On the other hand, I actually *do* like how he writes about lacrosse. I just wish he'd stick to what he does best, and not be the voice of the locker room malcontent and hater fan.
ravenwoman
10-31-2007, 09:15 AM
I guess I am in the minority, but I like reading Mike Preston. I think his analysis is right on the money 95% of the time. The reason most don't like him, is that he looks for flaws in the team. However, there are times that he compliments players, too. No, I think his presentations are fair and balanced.
festivus
10-31-2007, 09:19 AM
fair and balanced.
Interesting word choice. Like Fox news?
Aaron Wilson is fair and balanced, basing his stories and columns - sometimes critical, sometimes not - on things he observes when he is actually *at* the facility. Mike Preston's sources have been team malcontents. How is he supposed to get 'fair and balanced' columns if his sources are malcontents?
:2c:
crazyraven
10-31-2007, 09:20 AM
Too bad the Orioles don't have a Mike Preston. I don't understand why Ravens fans can't appreciate his articles.
I don't think any critic of the O's could survive for any amount of time before being run out of town by the organization. O's fans seem to want the facts about their team, give a negative opinion, and you'll get your head ripped off. The Sun Should consider bringing in someone like Preston to harass and challege the brass at OPACY.
I like Prestons articles because its not the usual report, its his opinion based on his inside knowledge. Its a side that you dont hear often and something you need to consider even if its not something that you believe in. Even so He has been right over the years than wrong.
I'll always admire a guy who is edgy and willing to say the things he feels rather than a guy like Wilson, who usually plays it safe. * and thats not to say that I dont like wilson because i do.
pyite32
10-31-2007, 11:27 AM
I don't think any critic of the O's could survive for any amount of time before being run out of town by the organization. O's fans seem to want the facts about their team, give a negative opinion, and you'll get your head ripped off.
Just because you as an obnoxious Yankee fan get your head ripped off about the O's doesn't mean a reporter, especially a Baltimore native wouldn't be able to find an audience criticizing the Orioles.
crazyraven
10-31-2007, 11:58 AM
Just because you as an obnoxious Yankee fan get your head ripped off about the O's doesn't mean a reporter, especially a Baltimore native wouldn't be able to find an audience criticizing the Orioles.
Nice, I got attacked because I'm a Yankee fans yet I didn't say one thing about them or anything instigating. I guess Greg is right, I have to expect this from the Baltimore Natives. That's OK, last place seems to fit you suckers well.
Anyway.
Galen said he'd like to see an opposing viewpoint, like Preston, and said there wasn't one. I may be wrong but Nestor may have been the only one vocally criticizing the organization but had press box problems and fans who turned on him because of his views to where he had to take himself off the air. Ratings have a funny way of telling you things. Hes a Baltimore native and many people ripped him and HATE him because of his views.
The Sun has been in the business of covering the O's for years and they never found anyone who could play the role of attack dog towards Baltimore's Baseball team. Its a shame. I'm sure it must be an economic issue, as is everything when it comes to baseball in Baltimore.
highwater
10-31-2007, 01:13 PM
No, I think his presentations are fair and balanced.
Fair and balanced? :laugh:
Yep, calling Billick "Compucoach" and calling Boller "The Wonder Boy" is clear evidence of his fair and balanced approach. No, he never gets personal, he's always objective. Pul-lease.
Hes a Baltimore native and many people ripped him and HATE him because of his views.
Nestor isn't ripped by SOME people and hated by a lesser number for any other reason than he at times is very self-serving. He talks about himself instead of the sporting events he is convering. That pisses people off.
Most every Baltimore fan would agree that the Orioles suck and the number one reason why is King Pete. Nestor's views on the matter are in step with almost any long time Orioles fan.
crpravens
10-31-2007, 02:36 PM
Preston is doing his job.. You are talking about him right? That brings eyeballs to his columns and thus the paper..
Sorry but things are not great in Ravensland.. They havent been great in Ravensland since 2000..
Preston should be getting on Billick, Newsome, etc for underperforming which this team has done for most of Billick's tenure..
Remember this.. 1 playoff win since winning the Super Bowl.. Lost 3 straight playoff games and the last two at home.. That is not a good record at all..
ravenwoman
10-31-2007, 04:43 PM
The thing about Mike Preston good or bad, is that he isn't dependent on the organization to get interviews, commercials, air time, etc. like the rest of the broadcasters and reporters do. Therefore, even when the Ravens stink, like right now, they have to remain positive. Otherwise, their radio shows, radio stations, internet sites, etc. will be out of business. I don't care if he makes fun of Boller and Billick with his little pet names. If the shoe fits, wear it.
deuce
10-31-2007, 06:12 PM
Preston is doing his job.. You are talking about him right? That brings eyeballs to his columns and thus the paper..
Sorry but things are not great in Ravensland.. They havent been great in Ravensland since 2000..
Preston should be getting on Billick, Newsome, etc for underperforming which this team has done for most of Billick's tenure..
Remember this.. 1 playoff win since winning the Super Bowl.. Lost 3 straight playoff games and the last two at home.. That is not a good record at all..
Welcome to the board Mike!
festivus
11-01-2007, 09:32 AM
The thing about Mike Preston good or bad, is that he isn't dependent on the organization to get interviews, commercials, air time, etc. like the rest of the broadcasters and reporters do. Therefore, even when the Ravens stink, like right now, they have to remain positive. Otherwise, their radio shows, radio stations, internet sites, etc. will be out of business. I don't care if he makes fun of Boller and Billick with his little pet names. If the shoe fits, wear it.
It's cheap and easy to be a cynic.
If things go well, you gripe. If things go poorly, you gripe and you gloat. Win/win, but not impressive.
Frankly I assume from your comment that other media outlets are positive "like right now" just means you are either (a) not in the Baltimore area, (b) uninformed, or (c) trolling, because that assertion is just flat out wrong.
highwater
11-01-2007, 10:23 AM
Frankly I assume from your comment that other media outlets are positive "like right now" just means you are either (a) not in the Baltimore area, (b) uninformed, or (c) trolling, because that assertion is just flat out wrong.
All of the above, perhaps?
Her commentary might actually apply to some extent to the Orioles, who have made a point of hiring homer broadcasters, but not the Ravens.
Rochardrik
11-01-2007, 10:48 AM
Quote:Nice, I got attacked because I'm a Yankee fans yet I didn't say one thing about them or anything instigating. I guess Greg is right, I have to expect this from the Baltimore Natives. That's OK, last place seems to fit you suckers well.
Of course! Whattaya expect, yankees wagoneer?:rolleyes:
crazyraven
11-01-2007, 10:54 AM
It's cheap and easy to be a cynic.
A guy like Bruce Cunningham is a guy who is in step with the organization. Rarely will he say a bad thing about the ravens, he's happy to have a gig and basically tells you what you want to hear. To me his show is the most difficult show to listen too and its not so EASY to listen too. And its no wonder, there is no substansce other than a few "inside reports" from aaron.
Preston at least give you a reason to read his column. I'm always thinking What's he gonna say next?
He talks about himself instead of the sporting events he is convering. That pisses people off.
I cant imagine that his OPACY walk out isnt such a big hit with some of the fans or the O's. If he was good he'd still be doing afternoons, like I said before, rating tell a lot about his popularity. Fact is there isnt a Baltimore Orioles critic out there. And there should be, You guys deserve one. Especially with an owner such as King Pete.
festivus
11-01-2007, 11:10 AM
Crazy, obviously Bruce can't rip them too badly. He has a unique connection to the team.
But Aaron has been sharply critical at times, and unlike Preston, his criticism comes well supported and without name calling.
I understand what you're saying, and the fact is Preston is more critical then the other local media types. But that's because he's a cynic, and is the mouthpiece of the disgruntled members of the team and coaching staff. Well if those are his sources, and he's too lazy to go to the compound and talk to *everyone else*, I'm not really interested in his story, because he's only telling the story the anonymous malcontents want us to hear. I don't know who they are, I don't know if they are reliable or are just grinding their axes; no thanks, give me news and commentary from people who go out and talk to *everyone* on the team.
I've beaten this dead horse long enough. Done!
ravenwoman
11-01-2007, 06:19 PM
I am sorry if I have offended so many of you by my support of Mike Preston. I like what he writes, despite what many of you may say. By the way, I am a PSL holder and I live in Baltimore.
Galen Sevinne
11-01-2007, 07:40 PM
A guy like Bruce Cunningham is a guy who is in step with the organization. Rarely will he say a bad thing about the ravens, he's happy to have a gig and basically tells you what you want to hear. To me his show is the most difficult show to listen too and its not so EASY to listen too. And its no wonder, there is no substansce other than a few "inside reports" from aaron.
True
Preston at least give you a reason to read his column. I'm always thinking What's he gonna say next?.
So True
I cant imagine that his OPACY walk out isnt such a big hit with some of the fans or the O's. If he was good he'd still be doing afternoons, like I said before, rating tell a lot about his popularity. Fact is there isnt a Baltimore Orioles critic out there. And there should be, You guys deserve one. Especially with an owner such as King Pete.
Absolutely true
Dude, I think I could like you even though no one else does:thumbdown:
Didn't know you were a Yankees fan though...that is a tough one to digest. But your analysis of Baltimore writers is "spot on". Often times I only read Preston because the rest of the writing is predictable. Yes, Preston is wrong at times but he writes what he thinks which by the way to the haters...is what editorials are. The Orioles used to have Ken Rosenthal back in the day who could be critical but there wasn't too much to be critical of back in those days. Nestor provides that for the Orioles but his weakness is his vanity and the idea that he thinks he is good looking and everyone wants to see his mug.
ExiledRaven
11-01-2007, 08:12 PM
Preston has his role, it stirs the pot. Haters still read his columns and then everyone can debate how wrong Preston is and The Rag (er...Sun) can sells ads on its website and in its papers and make money.
Sometimes it seems overly harsh, but sure I know a certain someone who doesn't seem to respond well.
Orioles are a mockery. I'll be in Charlotte this time next year and was thrilled to find out about the Charlotte Knights...until I found out they're the AAA affiliates of the Orioles. Hell, even all these damn Cubs fans laughed at me. Talk about galling.
crazyraven
11-01-2007, 08:19 PM
Dude, I think I could like you even though no one else does
Nice! Good for you, think for yourself, dont let some posters who think they speak in "kings speak" make up your mind.
Didn't know you were a Yankees fan though...that is a tough one to digest.
So what I like the Yankees, I tried to keep it to myself but some of my fellow message board Buddies keep bringing it up. It shouldnt matter if we are talking about the Ravens.
Yes, Preston is wrong at times but he writes what he thinks which by the way to the haters...is what editorials are.
These people who say they hate preston are so full of shit. They love to read what other people say. Look, they are the same people who seek out opionions from total strangers from the many message boards dedicated to the Baltimore Ravens. They secretly love him --they continue to read about him.
camdenyard
11-01-2007, 08:39 PM
Well, I like to read Preston. As long as he keeps the silliness and cockiness out of it, he's right more often than he's wrong.
If he was good he'd still be doing afternoons, like I said before, rating tell a lot about his popularity.
Actually, I think Nestor is much better than Rob Long. Nestor doesn't feel like doing the afternoon show anymore, that's why he doesn't do it. He owns the station, if he wanted to do it he would. He didn't get to own a station by being unpopular, by the way.
Do you live in the area? That ain't a shot, you just don't seem to be tuned into the workings of the local media here.
Yes, Bruce is a bit of a homer. Okay, more than a bit, but he also works for the team every home Sunday. He also is a positive kind of person. But there are plenty of people who talk about the short-comings of the Ravens each and every day on the radio. Just tune in.
Preston is an ass, his takes are full of unnecessary pot-shots with little to no analysis. But his job is to get people fired up, not write well throught out articles. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
festivus
11-02-2007, 06:42 AM
Dude, I think I could like you even though no one else does:thumbdown:
I don't know what this means, I like Crazy and think his football analysis is better then Preston's. I just disagree with him sometimes, less often then I used to.
:thumbup:
crazyraven
11-02-2007, 08:31 AM
Do you live in the area? That ain't a shot, you just don't seem to be tuned into the workings of the local media here.
MASN has many Ravens shows that put me to sleep, They also carry Anita's show too--she isn't as bad as people make her out. NST is available via Internet. So, I don't know if it matters where I live. I can get most of the media that is propagated throughout Baltimore. And quite frankly it sucks.
Yes, Bruce is a bit of a homer. Okay, more than a bit, but he also works for the team every home Sunday. He also is a positive kind of person.
IIRC, you're the same guy who was hammering Bruce back over on YBR then you met him or pm'd him (or whatever) and you eased up on him. That was classic shit, yo.
Preston is an ass, his takes are full of unnecessary pot-shots with little to no analysis. But his job is to get people fired up, not write well throught out articles.
Maybe he is an Ass, I don't know-- he seems Okay to me. The man has more access to the ravens and questions the players or who ever else is associated with the team to form his opinions you cant deny him that. So what he gives nicknames to some of the coaches and Players. Dont we all? I think the only player who I've never bad mouthed is Ray. There is no bullshit in Preston. He says what he feels and thats what I like about him. He is not a phoney.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
I dont get it, is this some kind of political statement?
I don't know what this means, I like Crazy and think his football analysis is better then Preston's.
THanks man, I think?
festivus
11-02-2007, 08:49 AM
THanks man, I think?
Just trying to keep it relevant to the thread, Crazy. Carry on. :thumbup:
ExiledRaven
11-02-2007, 02:21 PM
besides, this wouldn't be any fun if everyone had the same opinion. :thumbup:
HoustonRaven
11-02-2007, 05:17 PM
As a jousnalist, Preston has a duty to get the story right, not stir the pot and be some sort of rumor mill.
He is a poor writer and his articles look the same every year -- Ray is over the hill, Brian doesnt know what he is doing, Ray is unhappy with his contract, blah blah blah ....
I dusted off a copy of "Next Man Up" by John Feinstein. If you dont know this book, you MUST read it if you're a Ravens fan. He spent an entire year with the team, which is collectively more time than Preston has or will ever spend out of his office, let alone with the team. The team that Feinstein talks about is NOTHING like the team Preston writes about.
Nothing personal. Im sure Id have an awesome time with him if we ever shared a beer. But just isnt a very good writer.
crazyraven
11-02-2007, 06:19 PM
It is a good book. He was able to travel with the team as if he was a player and was allowed to sit in during coaches meetings, film sessions etc. too bad the season sucked ass, the season would have been ten times better if there was a playoff game or two.
highwater
11-02-2007, 06:42 PM
As a jousnalist, Preston has a duty to get the story right, not stir the pot and be some sort of rumor mill.
You'd be absolutely right if he were an actual journalist, which he clearly is not. He's more like a gossip columnist, just trying to attract attention, instead of trying to present a true picture of what is really going on. He writes the same predictable garbage over and over.
You're right about "Next Man Up" -- excellent book. But I'm betting it's over Preston's head. That kind of writing and research is probably as recognizable to him as a textbook on quantum physics.
MASN has many Ravens shows that put me to sleep, They also carry Anita's show too--she isn't as bad as people make her out. NST is available via Internet. So, I don't know if it matters where I live. I can get most of the media that is propagated throughout Baltimore. And quite frankly it sucks.
I don't think listening over the internet a bit and watching a few MASN shows can give you the same feel. You just don't have access to every show and you aren't going to be listening as often as people who do driving around and listening at home or in the office.
There is plenty from every side of the issue, Preston offers little more to the mix than the drunk guys calling the radio shows after the games. And that isn't meant to be a joke, I mean that.
IIRC, you're the same guy who was hammering Bruce back over on YBR then you met him or pm'd him (or whatever) and you eased up on him. That was classic shit, yo.
I have said a few things Bruce has taken exception to, I don't need to say anything else on the matter. I have offended him and while I think he has taken it more personally than I meant it, it does bother him so I am more careful of my criticism. It's a shame, because beyond the poor comparison to my dog a few years back, most of what I have posted was meant to be constructive.
Maybe he is an Ass, I don't know-- he seems Okay to me. The man has more access to the ravens and questions the players . . .
He has more access, he just doesn't use it. He has a few pipelines of people who get him the dirt but he doesn't use it to give solid analysis on the team
Somebody said he is nothing more than a gossip columnist and this is the PERFECT description. He has access to the Ravens and I have access to much of the mathematics regarding quantum singularities in the universe and we both have used that access equally.
I think Preston's stuff is about National Enquirer worthy and nothing more.
crazyraven
11-02-2007, 09:08 PM
I don't think listening over the internet a bit and watching a few MASN shows can give you the same feel. You just don't have access to every show and you aren't going to be listening as often as people who do driving around and listening at home or in the office.
As far as radio goes most of the shows that are put out over the air are nationally syndicated shows. NST has more guys working in baltimore but who the heck can hear them unless the internet feed is up and running. I'm not joking when i say this but You are shit out of luck if you're not in listening range.
TV is just horrible. MASN is truly the worst. I TIVO it all but its like watching paint dry. Softball questions to the coaches or players. I know its been a while but Quadry use to drive me up the wall because he was just so silly but he may have been the only one who would speak his mind. Ravens wire is the only good show. The only episode I didnt like this year was the one with Flynn.
There is plenty from every side of the issue, Preston offers little more to the mix than the drunk guys calling the radio shows after the games. And that isn't meant to be a joke, I mean that
The drunks who call in after the game call in and say Hi or how are you doing and hte hosts go ape shit. Good for the callers if they bust balls and joke around if the radio host doesnt say hello or hi.
anyway according to some on this board there is a lack of people critizing the ravens and the o's I'll leave it at that.
He has more access, he just doesn't use it.
is it that he doesnt use it or disclose who his sources are. for the most part the man has always been right on the money with a lot of stuff.