Wheeler, Sarge dropped from Phillies' broadcasts

PHILADELPHIA - The Phillies new broadcast partners are evidently not fans of Chris Wheeler or Gary Matthews.

NBCUniversal and Comcast SportsNet recently ponied up $2.5 billion over 25 years to acquire the Phillies' television rights and that kind of money buys the kind of power to replace Wheeler after four decades with the team, along with Matthews, who was a television color analyst the past seven seasons and also worked on radio.

Neither was particularly well-liked by the team's fan base but Wheeler particularly was always protected. In fact, the Phillies said Wheeler and Matthews will continue to work with the organization in other roles even after NBCUniversal flexed its muscle.

”As the longest-tenured member of the Phillies broadcasting team, Chris Wheeler will return to his club roots after stepping down from his role as a Phillies broadcaster," the club said in a statement. "With 37 years of broadcasting experience, combined with his front office background where he began his Phillies career, ‘Wheels’ will take on a new role allowing the organization to continue to benefit from his knowledge, experience and dedication to the game. 

"Additionally, Gary Matthews will continue to work with the Phillies bringing his exceptional background as a major league ballplayer, broadcaster and commenter to new roles at the Phillies.”