Have to say that I don't mind Carlton Kirby at all under the following conditions:
(1) He isn't the main commentator on really big races (Tour of California suited him down to the ground, I thought). Having said that, he's excellent as the man in Paris during the Tour. Just as long as that's as far as he goes.
(2) When he is the main commentator on smaller races he needs someone knowledgable with him. I think Sean Kelly might lose patience, but Magnus Backstedt and Brian Smith are both outgoing and witty enough to handle him.
Anthony McCrossan nags me, he over-indulges in hyperbole even by cycling commentator standards, quite putting aside his ridiculous pronunciations. He seems affable enough, though.