ESPN MLB

NEW YORK -- Cal Ripken and Harold Reynolds don't think maple is at the root of the broken-bat epidemic.

"I think they might be making a little bit too much out of it," Ripken said Tuesday.

Speaking on a conference call to promote TBS' coverage of the All-Star selection show Sunday, Reynolds said the current bat models have more to do with shattered bats than the ash vs. maple issue.

"They don't use as thick a handle anymore and the bats are a lot lighter. ... The head of the bat is a lot bigger, and it's going to break," Reynolds said. "I don't think it's maple or whatever substance they might be using to make the bat. I think it's more in the design that the players are using now."

A management-union committee is investigating the bat issue. Maple bats can't be banned without the union's agreement.

"Maple bats are a little harder. They do break. When they do break, pieces fly all over the place," Ripken said. "I can't imagine it being any more than it was, you know, when I played."

Dennis Eckersley, a Hall of Fame reliever and six-time All-Star, wouldn't express a preference for ash vs. maple.

"As long as they don't use aluminum, I'm fine with it," he said.

Jeff Behnke, Turner Sports' executive producer, said the network is interested in using Reynolds for its postseason coverage. TBS may also bring back Tony Gwynn.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press