News, and even new rumors, out of ESPN has been almost nonexistent as the supposed breakup of ESPN Radios longtime morning drive program, Mike & Mike, nears its apparent end.

Sports Illustrated first reported the program might end, but no timetable has been specified since that initial report weeks ago.

Still, the report seems logical, and its probably just a matter of the all-sports network finding the right timing.

Maybe it will happen around the Final Four, or maybe it will be in the somewhat slower summer months when a replacement program makes its debut.

Whenever it happens, whats next for Mike Greenberg might be a New York City-based morning program that airs on ESPN, perhaps a rebranded SportsCenter in the way the network turned its late-night show into a vehicle for Scott Van Pelt and, more recently, its approach to the 6 p.m. SportsCenter featuring Jemele Hill and Michael Smith.

Whats next for Mike Golic might be another morning partner on radio or some combination of partners.

Greenberg, who recently earned a big contract from ESPN, has seemingly sparked any potential changes to the show.

The most recent was an ill-fated move to the Big Apple a couple of years ago. That was to include an additional host, with the show possibly emanating from Times Square. It never happened.

For more than a decade and half, Mike and Mike has been the flag bearer for ESPN. The odd-couple chemistry of the two hosts might be a bit contrived at times, but it works. Still, with demographics changing, ESPN has been trying to find ways to broaden the shows audience even while the hosts age a bit.

The show is rarely intentionally controversial and never mean spirited. For the most part, its good talk radio.

ESPN often uses Mike and Mike to test out talent, too. A good performance by guests in that safe environment can often lead to bigger opportunities.

Heres the thing, though: Mike and Mike might be better as a sum than in individual pieces.

Greenbergs anti-germ sensibilities and lack of athletic experience, despite his journalism chops, still need a personality to play against. He has that in spades with self-deprecating Golic, the former NFL veteran who invariably puts his college career at Notre Dame front and center as well.

Together, theyre fun and informative. Separately, they might be nearly as good.

No matter what happens, they will be missed if the breakup occurs. From a program some thought might not last more than a few months, Mike and Mike has grown and earned a spot in the sports media landscape. The hosts and the show have earned respect throughout the industry.

For example, when Rich Russo, the Penn State alum who directed the Super Bowl for Fox Sports a pretty heady job was told his name was mentioned on Mike and Mike before the big game he sounded genuinely thrilled.

Mike and Mike is not take-a-side talk just for kicks. Its not a schtick, and that might be the biggest reason it will be a loss if the show ends. Its heart is in the fact that its genuine a rare find in sports-talk related programming anymore.

Pirates plans

With spring training underway, Pirates fans can pencil in Feb. 26 for the seasons first radio broadcast a 1:05 p.m. start in Sarasota, Florida, against the Orioles.

The Pirates first televised spring training game will be March 6, a home game in Bradenton against the Yankees.

Sampsell comments on TV and radio for the Mirror. He can be reached at stevesampsell@gmail.com.

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'Mike and Mike' chemistry was real - Altoona Mirror