The ex-factor in broadcasting. (Remote Patrol).(ex-coaches in the booth)(Brief Article)

An October ago, Bob Brenly was expert-analyzing in Fox's booth.

This fall, he was in the dugout as first-year manager of a team playing in its first World Series. Which proves broadcasters really are know-it-alls, y'know.

"His knowledge of the game is most impressive to me--that's probably how he got noticed in the first place for the job, broadcasting," praises Mike Ditka, football icon and beloved coach starring on The NFL Today. NBA commentator Mike Fratello, who coached bare cupboards in Atlanta and Cleveland, says enviously: "Brenly did a heck of a job. But he had a nice situation to step into in Arizona, huh?"

Coaches-turned-analysts on TV date back to rabbit ears. They just seemed to multiply this November because Buck Showalter, exiled Yankees and D-backs manager, was in the house wearing an ESPN microphone. (You're uncomfy having your ex around?)

Poor B.S. He's in sportscasting purgatory, that crowded way station for coaches awaiting resurrection. Dick Vermeil waited 14 years. Dick Vitale learned to accept fate and fortune. Doug Collins must have a Purgatory Gold Card.

Brenly belongs to a select Broadcasters-Turned-Coaches fraternity that includes Joe Torre, Buck Martinez, Larry Dierker and Jerry Coleman.

And there's the exclusive Coaches-Turned-Broadcasters-Turned-Coaches-Turned-Broadcasters club, whose members get recycled like baseball managers. We're talking Matt Guokas, formerly of the 76ers and ...