Dell replacing Heidi Watney on NESN had been rumored for weeks.
Jenny Dell will replace Heidi Watney as NESN's reporter during Red Sox games.Certain things are inevitable. They include Red Sox fans grumbling about the bullpen, complaining about Yankees fans -- and going gaga over NESN's in-game reporter.
The latest example is Jenny Dell, who was announced as Heidi Watney's replacement Monday. Watney was wildly popular with a certain male segment of Red Sox fans, but moved on in November to cover the Los Angeles Lakers.
NESN rolled out Dell's credentials yesterday, noting that she's a University of Massachusetts graduate and ESPN veteran who has covered professional baseball, basketball football and auto racing.
Then they tipped their hand, posting a 17-photo slide show of Dell on their own website. Point made: They've hired a pretty woman -- and former UMass cheerleader -- for the job, and they don't mind letting fans know.
Think they'd post that same slide show for Tom Caron, friends? I think not.
As it only happens with female on-air talent, Dell's hire had been rumored for days. Barstool Sports first floated the idea Jan. 21, while posting a photograph of her in an old Halloween costume.
The Boston Globe's Chad Finn followed suit Jan. 27, reporting that the hire was a done deal while citing industry sources.
Dell herself finally jumped on board yesterday, posting a message on both Twitter and Facebook to acknowledge her move to NESN.
"I'm so excited to join the NESN team!" she wrote. "Thank you for the love and support. It's going to be a great year, Red Sox Nation."
It sure is. Now, can you do something about the hole in the Red Sox pitching rotation, Jenny?