Columnist, Kansas City

It's worth noting that this will be Jeff Rosen's first big hire since he became sports editor. So he may try to do more than promote from within. But who knows. They'll get someone good in that spot, regardless of where he/she comes from.

 

They'll want that for about half a week, right, when the new guy/gal gets half the readership.

Mellinger is a fine features columnist already, so I'm guessing they don't exactly need another one of those.

 

Where else has Rosen worked? I wonder if there's anyone he's worked with before who would be a good fit.

 

Actually, the guy I was thinking of would be more of a features columnist, so that's a very good point. If they're looking for someone who will stir up controversy and be a must-read, those guys are tough to find and the good ones will cost them a lot.

 

Oh, they might get that. But if it were me, I wouldn't.

 

The big name guys who would be perfect fits here are likely making too much money at national sites.

 

He came over from the Houston Chronicle, but I couldn't see Richard Justice bolting for this position. No idea on Jerome Solomon.

 

With the editor of the paper being the former sports editor, it's going to be hard to tell exactly who is making the hire.

 

if they promote from within, Babb is the only worthy option IMO.

I just wonder if he would be too much like Mellinger. The reason Poz-Whitlock worked so well is that they were uber-talented polar opposites.

 

I wouldn't make Blair columnist. I only say this in a good way. I don't know Blair, but his college coverage for Kansas City is among the best in the country. He does a great job with college football and basketball.

 

Honestly, they need to make an outside hire here.

 

If they want an opposite from Mellinger, I would agree.