When a sport hits the big stage – and the world is re-introduced to each television network’s big names – the result in the Twitter world is predictable.
Outrage, mocking and demands for change. Rinse and repeat — just ask Harold Reynolds.
But this baseball postseason, a star has emerged, and it’s one who most would have loved to see fall flat on his face. Alex Rodriguez joined Fox Sports for their postseason coverage and generally has received high marks for his work in the studio during the ALCS and World Series. (With the exception of accidentally saying Yankees when he was discussing the Mets during the post-game show on Wednesday night).
A-Rod says Yankees instead of Mets! pic.twitter.com/pItSQIsZ7b
— Kenny Ducey (@KennyDucey) October 29, 2015
But prior to that, Rordriguez had joined the booth for the fourth inning. The praise from fans, bloggers and critics was pretty much universal.
Gotta be honest, I like @AROD in the booth etc.. who knows more about baseball and more importantly being good at it, than him?
— BKearnss (@BKearnss) October 29, 2015
A-Rod is a very good baseball analyst and I couldn't be more disappointed. I don't even have a joke for this.
— Cousin Sal (@TheCousinSal) October 29, 2015
Why isnt Arod just in the booth all night? Throw Harold Reynolds in a dumpster and let Rod do his thing
— KFC (@KFCBarstool) October 29, 2015
Bob Knight was the coach turned analyst you thought you would love, you hated- A-Rod is the opposite #WorldSeries
— Doug Gottlieb (@GottliebShow) October 29, 2015
So A-Rod is actually a pretty good analyst, kind of weird
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) October 29, 2015
Get the feeling @AROD may be in the booth full time by Friday at Citi Field.
— Michael Kay (@RealMichaelKay) October 29, 2015
Earlier this year, I got into a conversation with A-Rod about what makes certain pitchers great. His explanation of David Price blew me away
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) October 29, 2015
Rodriguez’s knowledge of the game has never been in question: He is known as one of the best players at breaking down the intricacies of the game. That, of course, has been overshadowed by his steroid-tainted past, which has made him a pariah outside of The Bronx.
But his on-air success this postseason has added to the possibility he finds a future in broadcasting after he retires, if that is the direction he opts to go.
“Alex is someone we’ve always felt has potential to be an outstanding television analyst, if he chose to pursue it. When you combine his talent on the field with the way he sees the game and looks at the game, it’s really a unique combination,” said Fox’s executive producer John Entz during a conference call before the World Series.
“After spending the week with him, I have to say he’s been even more impressive than we could have possibly hoped. He really cares about doing this the right way, and he’s truly been an incredible asset to the show. He actually tells me he’s enjoying it, which is probably the most surprising part. It’s been nothing but positive across the board, so it has been a great experience.”
