Former Brewers TV announcer and longtime friend of OnMilwaukee.com Matt Vasgersian has a new gig.

MLB Network, the new cable network operated by Major League Baseball, today announced that Vasgersian will serve as studio host and anchor of "MLB Tonight," the live, nightly studio show that will be the new network's signature program.

Vasgersian, 41, is the first on-air personality announced by the network, which debuts Jan. 1.

Vasgersian spent five years in the Brewers' broadcast booth before taking over as lead announcer for the San Diego Padres in 2002. He has worked on Fox NFL Sunday and for NBC during the last three Olympic cycles.

"MLB Tonight" will air live beginning at 5 p.m. until the end of the last major-league game each night from Monday through Saturday. Based in a studio in Secaucus, N.J., the program will feature live look-ins of games in progress, updates, highlights, reporting and analysis.

"As a huge baseball fan, I'm excited about how MLB Network will change the way we enjoy baseball on TV," Vasgersian said in a statement. "These live shows will be a dream come true for baseball fans and I can't wait to get started."

"Matt's experience behind the mic, his ability to carry a broadcast and his enthusiasm for baseball make him ideally suited to serve as the 'voice of MLB Network,'" said Tony Petitti, President and Chief Executive Officer of the MLB Network.

"MLB Tonight and Hot Stove will be an important source of MLB coverage for baseball fans, and Matt's presence will help ensure that the programs have an authoritative and experienced voice from day one."