• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, October 22, 2008

ESPN's Hispanic-targeted network is launching a Spanish version of "Around the Horn," the show on ESPN that features sportswriters debating the prominent topics of the day. "Juego Cruzado" (Cross Play) is slated for a Nov. 3 debut on ESPN Deportes.

The 30-minute show will air weeknights at 7 p.m. Reporters from three U.S. Spanish-language newspapers--along with writers from Puerto Rico and Mexico--will offer their opinions and engage in a verbal tug-of-war on issues generating interest among Hispanic sports fans. As with "Around the Horn," the host will serve as traffic cop.

As "Juego Cruzado" slides in at 7 p.m., "Cronómetro" (Stop Watch)--a Spanish-language version of ESPN's popular "PTI" that has been on the network for some time--moves to 7:30 p.m. That mirrors the order on ESPN, where "Around the Horn" and "PTI" share an hour.

"Juego Cruzado" will feature reporters from New York's El Diario; Miami's El Nuevo Herald; La Opinión in Los Angeles, El Nuevo Dia in Puerto Rico and a Mexican newspaper. ESPN Deportes personality Luis Alfredo Alvarez will serve as host.

ESPN Deportes, now in some 4 million homes, launched in 2004 targeting U.S. Hispanic viewers.