Shane Victorino Loves to Hear Himself Talk and Apparently So Does TBS

Shane Victorino has landed a temporary gig this week as a guest analyst for TBS. Originally Matt Kemp was supposed to offer his words of wisdom for TBS’ Division Series coverage, but Matt is instead recovering from shoulder surgery he underwent last Friday.

September 25, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Shane Victorino (8) and San Diego Padres shortstop Everth Cabrera (2) exchange words after a slide into second base by Cabrera during the seventh inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-US PRESSWIRE

The Flyn’ Hawaiian will join Matt Winer, Dennis Eckersley, and David Wells in the Atlanta based TBS studio for three days beginning today. The temporary job will be relinquished once Cal Ripken Jr. returns to Atlanta during the American League Championship series after he is finished announcing with TBS’ primary broadcast team for the Division Series (Ernie Johnson and John Smoltz are the other broadcasters on the primary team).

Although the late season acquisition wasn’t able to help much down the stretch for the Dodgers this year, Victorino does have postseason experience as a Phillie. He hit six homeruns and had 30 RBIs in his 46 postseason games for Philadelphia. As Dodger fans, we cannot forgot or forgive Shane’s antics in the 2008 and 2009 NLCS versus the Dodgers.

As a Dodger, Shane batted just .245 with 26 runs, 2 homeruns, 15 stolen bases, and 15 RBIs in 53 games. Victorino will be eligible for free agency for the first time in his career this

August 20, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Shane Victorino (8) reacts as he is tagged out on a steal attempt by San Francisco Giants second baseman Marco Scutaro (19) in the third inning of the game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

winter. He has said that he’d like to return next year for the Dodgers, but he wouldn’t accept anything less than a starting position. The Dodgers seem to have a full outfield for next season with Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, and Carl Crawford. They also have a surplus of infielders which has caused Ned Colletti to consider using Jerry Hairston Jr. in the outfield more next season. The Dodgers also have an option available on Juan Rivera.

The fast-talking outfielder can often be seen muttering to himself on the field or in the batter’s box. He’s always in the fray when an argument arises, and many times he is the instigator. Will Shane offer his inside look into turning into pitches or perhaps calling out pitchers who throw inside? I’m sure he has a whole repertoire of sneaky maneuvers which he can talk about.

Let’s just hope he doesn’t awkwardly bring up those nightmare we call the 2008 and 2009 NLCS. The emotional wounds are still raw for us Dodger fans, Shane.