Agreed. I was impressed with Arod's performance as commentator and would be happy if Fox replaced Tom Verducci with him. He was very articulate and relevant.
1
If I were Major League Baseball, I'd treat Fox's promotion of Rodriguez and Rose to be disrespectful of baseball's serious attempts to keep the game clean. Apparently, Fox has no such scruples, and no such loyalties.
1
I turned the sound on the Fox broadcast off for the duration after the serial cheater A-roid made his first appearance, and listened instead to Howie Rose. Even with the slight disorientation of the radio broadcast being about 10 seconds ahead of the TV broadcast, this was preferable to listening to even a word uttered by the most shameless and embarrassing cheater in baseball history.
A-roid should have been banned from baseball for life after his last transgression, but instead now he's a featured analyst in the World Series?
Fox is a disgrace to baseball, and Joe Buck and the other nitwits on the broadcast are a disgrace to themselves for going along with it.
And not a word from the Commissioner. I don't think I've ever seen an emptier suit than Rob Manfred.
A-roid should have been banned from baseball for life after his last transgression, but instead now he's a featured analyst in the World Series?
Fox is a disgrace to baseball, and Joe Buck and the other nitwits on the broadcast are a disgrace to themselves for going along with it.
And not a word from the Commissioner. I don't think I've ever seen an emptier suit than Rob Manfred.
1
I cannot believe any true baseball fan would forgive this horrible fraud who has distorted the most historical aspect of the game - its stats. It is a travesty that ARoid's inflated numbers rank in the same class as Ruth, Mays and Aaron!
2
I dunno about A-Rod as an announcer and don't understand this puff piece at all. His voice is weak and annoying, always on the edge of a whine, and his presentation sounds over rehearsed and phony. I didn't like him at all as a commentator. As a ballplayer, he gets big props for coming back this year and keeping his mouth shut, playing the game, winning.
Peter Rose, on the other hand was terrific, I was sad to see him go. Kind of clownish looking with the bow tie and bad dye job, but completely loose and funny and baseball-smart in his face time.
Peter Rose, on the other hand was terrific, I was sad to see him go. Kind of clownish looking with the bow tie and bad dye job, but completely loose and funny and baseball-smart in his face time.
Really Fox? A-Rod and Pete Rose?
Why stop there?
Have your news division ask former-congressman Larry "Airport Men's Room" Craig to discuss issues involving the gay community. Maybe ormer-governor Rod Blagojevich and former-speaker Dennis Hastert can weight in on ethics during your political coverage.
(Don't say you haven't at least considered it.)
Why stop there?
Have your news division ask former-congressman Larry "Airport Men's Room" Craig to discuss issues involving the gay community. Maybe ormer-governor Rod Blagojevich and former-speaker Dennis Hastert can weight in on ethics during your political coverage.
(Don't say you haven't at least considered it.)
1
He has done a great job.
1
The same rationalizing that goes into sticking a microphone in Donald Trump's face and watching ratings skyrocket contributes to Fox's teaming Rose and Rodriguez without considering the negative role models they represent. As the Corleone Family might say: "It's business".
2
As an over 70 senior, I am constantly surprised by my passionate dislike of the Yankees. They humiliated my Brooklyn Dodgers and later my NY Mets. And of course A-Rod with his drug use, whining and complaining personified the "Evil Empire." So imagine my surprise when he surfaced on the Fox News team and I would tune in just to hear his commentary. It makes a huge difference to have a current player who enjoyed a very successful year comment on pitchers and hitters that he has seen and played against. He sure surprised me, and I hope to see him again next year after the Yankees again fail to make the post season and my Mets are in the World Series (after beefing up their middle innings bullpen, defense, and hitting!
1
I delighted with Nancy's comments in this forum. I can see the games through the MLB.TV system, and world series was broadcasted by Fox as usual, but what amazed me was to see A-Rod and Pete Rose in a panel of discussion after the games. Unfortunately MLB.TV broadcasts only the games, but not these discussions. A-Rod was also giving comments during the game, in a subtle way very much in favor of Mets. One of the things I dislike is that he never recognized the Royals's quality. Mets here, Mets there. I have nothing against the Mets, but you should recognize the team that has been a winner the whole season. He asserted that there will be Mets for more world series, the result now enables me to assert the same for the Royals
No, he's not.
The audience is being hoodwinked by Alex Rodriguez as he's a con artist; I recall him telling Katie Couric that he never used PED; surprisingly, his nose didn't grow.
He can be redeemed but I don't want to see him on my screen with his smug demeanor. It's like ESPN hiring Ray Lewis - I wonder if in his interview they asked what happened to the suit he was wearing the night those 2 men were killed!
Probably not!
He can be redeemed but I don't want to see him on my screen with his smug demeanor. It's like ESPN hiring Ray Lewis - I wonder if in his interview they asked what happened to the suit he was wearing the night those 2 men were killed!
Probably not!
I don't think enough has been said yet about Alex Rodriguez's remarkable comeback in the 2015 season. Historically, it have been very difficult for a player to make a successful comeback after missing a complete season, and to do so at his age is very rare, and perhaps, unprecedented. I would like to see an article on that from someone with the time to do the research.
1
Let's for a minute try to feel out how fans would react with not one, but two Mets in the box calling a Yankees world series. MLB continues to reward players who have no business trying to salvage their careers after such flagrant violation of the rules. Go home, A-fraud.
1
Alex brought a breath of fresh air to a usually stilted and predictable atmosphere. He very casually outshone the other panelists with insightful comments and a personable manner. I also enjoyed Harold Reynolds in the booth, an excellent addition. Pete Rose however is an obvious liability, being rightly banned from baseball for life, should not be on a baseball broadcast.
2
I guess my hearing must be going bad: most of what came out of Rodriguez's mouth was words-as-filler as he mumbled toward a players' observation or two. The best of his comments were mildly interesting, the kind of routine player insights that dd little to a keen understanding of the game. But most were not worth the bandwidth.
I heard there's an app out now that filters out A-Rod's comments and replaces with random quotes from Bull Durham . . . I'm buying!!
I heard there's an app out now that filters out A-Rod's comments and replaces with random quotes from Bull Durham . . . I'm buying!!
Alex Rodriguez was a delightful revelation as a baseball analyst. Articulate, and immensely knowledgeable, Rodriguez was clearly the star of the Fox announcing team. Arod showed a rare ability to explain the nuances of the game in clear, simple language, without having to rely on stale clichés. His deep love for baseball, and his impressive grasp of baseball history, made him an ideal guide. Where has this Alex Rodriguez been hiding?
3
"See ball. Hit ball." Alex, you have just sluffed off years of bad press and behavior with a line drive of Hemingway-esque simplicity. He, you and I know the complexities of reaching that exalted state.
Stick around, man. It's a more interesting baseball world with you than without you. Not that there's not anything wrong with that.
Stick around, man. It's a more interesting baseball world with you than without you. Not that there's not anything wrong with that.
1
There are many, many former and current baseball players that are insightful, articulate, and look good on TV. Most of them didn't cheat the game and fans multiple times.
The man is a disgrace to baseball, to professional sport. Shame on Fox for using him and shame on any writer that now plays to role of his PR agent.
Having Chemical Rodruguez-aka A-Fraud- calling a baseball game is equivalent to have bank robbers giving a Sunday sermon on integrity and hard work.
1
If Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr reunited for a concert on Fox, the network would hire Mark David Chapman to provide commentary if he was available.
I loathe A-Roid and resent his being rehabilitated through this commentary gig.
All year I am priveleged to watch Gary Cohen with Ron Darling and/or Keith Hernandez. Sorry, the Fox coverage is spectacularly abysmal. A-Roid is simply the best of a bad lot.
1
I feel it's offensive to have both A-Rod and Pete Rose as commentators at the same time MLB is courting kids with their "Play Ball" ads. How do you explain this to your kids who are watching, when the Met fans who know better give them 'what for' during their after-game segment - and they are IN THE RIGHT? Two cheaters, one banned from baseball (what does that even mean now??), the other banned for a year for cheating and then lying about it - repeatedly, together. Neither should be allowed in Citi Field, commenting on young players who play clean and fair. Disgraceful Mr. Commi$$ioner. Who bought 'cha?
Her is the guts of the issue with A-Rod. His athleticism is not denied. He is a great baseball player. But he cheated. As the story states "He denied those accusations. He fulminated. He sued. Then he backed down, ended the spectacle and returned to the Yankees. He made a sort-of admission of his sins...
It is the denials, the fulmination, the lawsuit and the "sort-of" admission that is the problem. Had A-Rod admitted his sins, genuinely apologized and quietly and sincerely went about seeking redemption, then redemption would have come easy for the fans. Americans especially are willing to give people another chance. But it was the sleazy way he went about seeking redemption that annoys people.
If the Fox gig is just another "image enhancer" that is hardly the kind of behaviour real redeemers pursue!
It is the denials, the fulmination, the lawsuit and the "sort-of" admission that is the problem. Had A-Rod admitted his sins, genuinely apologized and quietly and sincerely went about seeking redemption, then redemption would have come easy for the fans. Americans especially are willing to give people another chance. But it was the sleazy way he went about seeking redemption that annoys people.
If the Fox gig is just another "image enhancer" that is hardly the kind of behaviour real redeemers pursue!
1
A-Rod's delivery has been so consistently stilted throughout the World Series that I assumed he is reading from a teleprompter. No?
If I were 12 years old, and in need of a hero, then I would comment.
Who said cheaters never prosper?
For years I have been an A-Rod hater. Big time. But watching him during the playoff has been mind altering. I like him! How can I like A-Rod -- but I do! I want to hear more from him. Amazing -- life is interesting. Pete Rose, on the other hand, can get lost!!
2
To those who hold "the good" above "the reasonable"
Get over it!
Get over it!
how are Mets fans not boycotting this? having ARod as a commentator is slap in the face to the Mets and their fans. if we stop watching they will go away.
How is he a slap in the face to Mets fans? If you want to argue his very presence is offensive to baseball fans because of his past acts, I would disagree but could accept the argument. He's a slap in the face because he plays for another NY team? What if they had a star player from one of their NL rivals? Would that be a slap in the face? What about knuckleballer Mike Scott?
The genetic haters and punitive types are often those who live in a black and white world. No grey area for them. All it is is simplistic thinking. Or perhaps a lack of thinking. From some of the comments one comes away thinking Arod is akin to a serial killer. Personally, I root for Arod to keep excelling in whatever aspect of the game he chooses to involve himself - on the field or in the studio. He knows the game of baseball.
1
Anybody else think that Harold sounds like Chris Rock?
Not only did Rose and Rodriquez cheat they both lied about it for years. They are a disgrace to the game as is Fox for hiring them. The minute I saw them on screen I turned off the television. Listening on the radio.
Please re-outfit the man on the left in the plaid Robert Hall suit from 1968.
1
Need to add Ray Lewis to the panel...then we'll have a gambler, a cheater, and a murderer.
So that we remember, Mr. Rodriquez did not make a mistake, did no lie once, but made years of "mistakes," cheated and lied for years and has been paid tens of millions of dollars all the while cheating and lying. Second chance? Ridiculous, Rodriquez has has years of chances.
I do not care if Rodriquez is good or not at talking, I know this person should not be a television model for children.
I do not care if Rodriquez is good or not at talking, I know this person should not be a television model for children.
12
Maybe it's time to give it a rest. I can't believe the vitriol.
1
Agreed. One wonders how low Fox will sink. We know Eddies Cicotte wasn't available and Barry Bonds probably growled ferociously enough to scare the Fox idiots away, so they couldn't quite honour the game with their desired full panel of most disgraced MLB players ever, but at least they got A-Roid and Rose.
1
If you are raising your kids to use TV sports commentators as role models models, than that you -- and tney -- have a problem, Stars who offer opinions on anhthing are not role models for anything other than than what tney are; single skilled individuals wh gained fame and are now leveraging it. Please, point your kids toward real role models, not sports famers.
1
Society is so ridiculous. On one hand we don't forgive anyone, holding human beings to impossible standards - absolutely no mistakes or bad decisions. On the other hand, we forgive everyone - where are the shame-and-blame folks for the corporate executives, who get golden parachutes and no fines or penalties and walk into other jobs after leaving companies in shambles. This guy has obviously made mistakes and he knows it. Give him the same break you would want for yourself or your family members. Move on.
22
I'm suprised at how unforgiving many of the commenters are with A-Rod. Isn't America the land of second chances? Richard Nixon resigns in shame and is then resurrected as an expert on foreign policy. Bill Clinton diddles in the Oval Office and is now a revered eminence grise. Darrell Issa was arrested twice, for car theft and having a concealed weapon, and went on to be elected to Congress and serve as chairman of the House Oversight Committee. In comparison with these guys, A-Rods sins seem pretty trivial ... it is only baseball, after all! He served his suspension, had a great season this year, and his comments on Fox are insightful and interesting. How about cutting him slack?!
19
A-Roid has had about fifteen second chances. The lying cheating bum should have been permanently banned from baseball years ago.
1
Unfortunately I am not surprised at the vitriol. Yes, A-Rod was horrifically dishonest. That being said, the man has tried to turn a new leaf, but there are many who would rather he be punished and punished some more and would be gleeful if he failed. I think that those that can't let the hate go and give the guy a chance need to get real. Let those without sin among us throw the first bean ball.
1
I was so surprised by ARod's wonderful commentary. His conversational style and the insights he made as a current player himself made the commentary seem updated and fresh. I think he is a real positive addition to the booth!
10
Arod gets a pass from the Media, however Barry Bonds get nothing? I wonder why?
4
A-Rod seems like he might actually be a nice guy. He seems like he at least wants people to like him. And he's sort of a baseball nerd, like most fans and writers.
Bonds just seems like a word that isn't printable in the NY Times. He never even bothered to pretend that he cared about either the fans or even his teammates.
Bonds just seems like a word that isn't printable in the NY Times. He never even bothered to pretend that he cared about either the fans or even his teammates.
Because Bonds is a surly angry person who is not very articulate.
Did Bonds ever admit to cheating? It's as simple as that.
ARod, always drew my eye, his batting style, expressions, kind of larger than life persona, a good , choice for this role. Thomas is s hero (I'm a White Sox fan), but he and Raul Ibañez are a waste. Let's hear from the damaged goods. I like a little danger in the broadcast.
1
Because he finally admitted transgressions. Bonds...not so much.
I'm ambivalent about this, and I'm a life-long Yankee fan (Pops took me to the 1970 Old Timers game when I was 10........future set in stone there).
A-Rod was a real A-wipe for what he did to the lottery ticket of talent he was awarded at birth, mostly due to his personal decisions. Even without 'roids, he would've been legendary.
That said... I give him all the credit I can for how he conducted himself this year, both on and off the field. He learned a Chef-load of ways to serve and eat crow in his year away from the game, and that comes through in his new gig as well. I'm gonna hang with him for now...
However, I'm drawing the line at Lance calling the 2016 Le' Tour.
A-Rod was a real A-wipe for what he did to the lottery ticket of talent he was awarded at birth, mostly due to his personal decisions. Even without 'roids, he would've been legendary.
That said... I give him all the credit I can for how he conducted himself this year, both on and off the field. He learned a Chef-load of ways to serve and eat crow in his year away from the game, and that comes through in his new gig as well. I'm gonna hang with him for now...
However, I'm drawing the line at Lance calling the 2016 Le' Tour.
4
A-Rod I can forgive. Rose doesn't belong anywhere near baseball. Betting on games is unforgivable. Gambling is the one thing that can surely destroy the integrity of sports. Major League Baseball's relationship with fantasy sports in equally reprehensible.
7
It's shameful that Fox for all their talking points about exceptionalism blah blah blah would resort to hiring a known cheat and a liar. This idea that he paid some sort of dues is a joke. How many players during the steroid era never got a chance to play because the guys "on the juice" prolonged their careers. I know there's cheating in Baseball. There always has been.
But...
When you get caught you get caught. It's called consequences. He lied and denied it all until he had no place left to go with it. Now he's an expert on TV???
Please...
But...
When you get caught you get caught. It's called consequences. He lied and denied it all until he had no place left to go with it. Now he's an expert on TV???
Please...
11
The United States of Amnesia. Sheesh. That was a past news cycle, who cares. Next!
2
He's better than I thought he would be.
1
A-Rod had a great demeanor and was very articulate. My one criticism is that his comments were very technical, talking about torque and leverage as if he were giving an engineering lecture rather than discussing baseball.
1
I really do not understand, am I supposed to admire shameless cheats because they can talk as though they weren't cheats? Why would a New York Times columnist applaud the fruits of shameless cheating? What am I missing about ethics and dignity?
Appalling. I can assure you I will never watch such a sports panel.
Appalling. I can assure you I will never watch such a sports panel.
13
I was not surprised by Rodriguez's relatively polished delivery on the Fox set. I listen to a lot of Yankees baseball on the radio because my husband wants to watch other stuff on the TV. All this season listeners have been treated to frequent installments of what I came to call the "Suzyn and Alex Show" before or after games. Clearly he had agreed to be a default interviewee. It was way more informative than the usual player interviews. He would often talk about things that happened earlier in his career.
2
Cheating has been a part of baseball from its very beginning. The main difference with PEDs is that it endangers the players health, and fosters a culture where young players coming into the sport believe they are necessary to succeed.
If every player who ever cheated were barred from the broadcast booth, there would be no former players in the broadcast booth.
If every player who ever cheated were barred from the broadcast booth, there would be no former players in the broadcast booth.
8
Hard to believe that every ex Major Leauger who has worked in the booth was a cheater when a player. Don't know how you could know that.
But assuming you are correct, is there any sense of proportionality in your analysis? Is what ARod did - which was pretty awful - tantamount to say a pitcher blowing on his free hand A dozen times in his career without the umpire's knowledge and/or approval?
You might want to rethink this one there slugger.
But assuming you are correct, is there any sense of proportionality in your analysis? Is what ARod did - which was pretty awful - tantamount to say a pitcher blowing on his free hand A dozen times in his career without the umpire's knowledge and/or approval?
You might want to rethink this one there slugger.
1
You are correct it is a matter of degree. But, any player who has trapped a fly ball and tried to pass it off as a catch cheated. Or tried to pass off a missed tag as a tag. Or who claimed to be hit by a pitch, but wasn't.
1
The things you describe are light years away from systematically, doggedly seeking and using banned chemicals with the express purpose of gaining an artificially enhanced advantage and reaping tens of millions of dollars for your efforts.
The curse of Bud Selig will take generations to flush from the game.
The curse of Bud Selig will take generations to flush from the game.
1
I didn't read the article, but if it's about Rodriguez being good behind the mic, you're nuts!!! He speaks like a robot and adds nothing. The guy is such a joke.
8
I'm loathe to admit I have to agree with the article. I don't think much of A-Rod's ethics and when I saw he was an analyst I kind of cringed the first time I heard him start to speak. But then he kind of made a lot of sense and I was surprised at his analysis. He brings an angle that only someone who stands in that batter's box can do.
12
Sounds like he did a great job he was asked to do. Give him a break. End of story. I think we put way too much importance on sports anyway. ARod summed it up quite well - "see ball, hit ball". Reminds me of the great ridiculing description of pro basketball by Dean Kamen - "bounce bounce jump jump".
Kamen, of course, thinks our kids would be far better off putting their efforts into math and science. He is right.
Kamen, of course, thinks our kids would be far better off putting their efforts into math and science. He is right.
10
Look. We know the onscreen conversation is forbidden from discussing the elephants in the room, but the fact that this piece do not contain the words "steroid" or "gambling", is shameful and indicative of shoddy journalism. This is something you would expect in the Post or other Murdoch holding, as a PR piece for their sister outlet.
15
Two of the greatest players ever is the bottom line. Sure some poor judgement off the field but both paid their dues for their transgressions. Good for FOX for hiring them. It's win win all around. The commentary couldn't be better....why not?
They know the game as well or better than anyone in the broadcast booth today. This also gives us a little more insight on their character as well as the game.
Thanks Pete and Alex for today and the many thrills of yesterday.
K
They know the game as well or better than anyone in the broadcast booth today. This also gives us a little more insight on their character as well as the game.
Thanks Pete and Alex for today and the many thrills of yesterday.
K
3
Rodriguez lends an insightful perspective stemming from his many years in baseball. He's probably paid his dues and showed last year you can have a good year without the juice which he would have done all those past years without .
3
Fox's primary appeal is to the once-a-year fan, thus their continued harping on pitch velocity and home run power, both of which are only meaningful in context, which Fox sorely lacks. A-rod is the best of a bad lot and that's not saying much, considering the vapid, "just-dropped-in" performances of Harold Reynolds, Pete Rose and Frank Thomas. As someone who enjoys baseball all year, I'm very disappointed in Fox's coverage.
4
Congratulations to A-Rod, a class act on the field and behind the microphone. See ball. Hit ball. It works in any arena.
4
Well-written article as usual from Mr. Sandomir which poses realistic questions. Little confused though about the "Tonight" show reference in 2009. Was Fallon a guest host?
Thanks for writing.
The Details magazine piece was in 2009. Fallon asked his question recently.
Cheers,
JJL
The Details magazine piece was in 2009. Fallon asked his question recently.
Cheers,
JJL
1
Perfect, a shameless gambler on the sport he played and a shameless cheating repetitive drug user teaching kids about what being an athlete should be all about. I do not watch Fox for just this disreputable panel.
No surprise, Mr. Rodriquez and Mr. Rose do not in any way deserve to be talking baseball on television.
As for the October surprise in particular, I would not believe Mr. Rodriquez if he merely told viewers the time. I consider this column surprising and disappointing.
No surprise, Mr. Rodriquez and Mr. Rose do not in any way deserve to be talking baseball on television.
As for the October surprise in particular, I would not believe Mr. Rodriquez if he merely told viewers the time. I consider this column surprising and disappointing.
27
100% agreement with this comment from me. FOX should be ashamed for giving this cheater a platform, as he clearly doesn't deserve it. This is a man who lied repeatedly and attempted to conceal what he did for years and years. I don't care what his home run or other numbers are, they're all invalid as far as I'm concerned. Thanks, FOX, for putting someone like A-Rod on TV......great example for our youth.
3
Hey, it's Fox. "Nuff said.
The fans who matter have moved past ARod's mistakes and thank him for a great 2015 comeback season. He greatly contributed to an entertaining and down-to-the-wire finish. It seems, however, that the media just won't let go of the old story. Why? It's doesn't appear to be for higher journalistic standards.
Let it go already.
Let it go already.
5
Why Fox would hire a guy who exemplifies the steroids era - a known cheater who shamed the game, is beyond me. It demonstrates a tone deafness that is remarkable.
I do not want to hear announcers fawning all over this guy. Or trying to get his "insights" in-game.
Having to put up with the obviously unprepared Harold Reynolds is trying enough. What we really need in the booth is Jessica Mendoza. An analyst who like Verducci has done their homework, understands the game, and wants to make it more interesting for us viewers.
I do not want to hear announcers fawning all over this guy. Or trying to get his "insights" in-game.
Having to put up with the obviously unprepared Harold Reynolds is trying enough. What we really need in the booth is Jessica Mendoza. An analyst who like Verducci has done their homework, understands the game, and wants to make it more interesting for us viewers.
22
Adironax, while I'm ambivalent about A-Rod taking part in the Fox broadcasts, I agree 100% about Harold Reynolds. I never cared for his work in the studio, but I find his performance in play-by-play embarrassingly inadequate. I actually find listening to A-Rod a welcome relief from listening to Reynolds. I can hardly believe I miss Tim McCarver.
There are plenty of other people who can speak with erudition about baseball besides ARod. He and Pete Rose, the two most notorious cheaters in the modern era of baseball, are the last people whose faces I want to see and whose voices I want to hear during the World Series. Baseball fans want to put the steroid era behind us, try to forget it ever happened. It is bad enough that some of baseball's most treasured records were stolen by the likes of ARod, Barry Bonds, and Mark McGuire. It is bad enough that ARod played on a World Series winning team while using PED's. Let their misdeeds fade into history to the degree possible. As far as I am concerned, all ARod's presence in the broadcast booth does is detract from my enjoyment of the Series. The belligerent, inarticulate Pete Rose was even worse.
34
Pete Rose wasn't a cheater. He was a gambler, and he never bet against his team. His gambling did not add to, or detract from, his performance as a ballplayer or manager. Gambling is indeed prohibited by Major League Baseball, but it is not cheating. He deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.
I wish they would switch A-Rod for Harold Reynolds. Reynold sounds like he's getting paid by the word.
7
Fox managed to give work to two of the most disrespected players in baseball.
What is the thinking there? Wonderful example for the young people. But it fits right in with the moral bankruptcy of this country, so I guess its cool.
What is the thinking there? Wonderful example for the young people. But it fits right in with the moral bankruptcy of this country, so I guess its cool.
22
A-Rod IS doing a surprisingly good job, but Pete Rose made me not want to miss the pre-game show. Rose's replacement, Kevin Millar (wasn't he the cousin on "King of Queens") and A-Rod and Billy Joel (didn't he say he hated "Piano Man") aren't reasons enough to race home anytime before first pitch.
2
I couldn't help but notice right away the whitewashing of bad behavior in the sport.
Let's see, we need five announcers, so who better for two of those spots than two people that have played a big role in tarnishing the sport. Yeah, lets not fix the PED problem, and lets TOTALLY ignore the gambling that goes on. Heck, lets go one step further, and make those things seem like forgivable little mistakes.
It's really quite galling to see this kind of thing, but it is par for the course for a corporation that doesnt care about truth, justice or the old American way. It just wants what it wants, and that is to keep the money rolling, keep truth, ethics and fairness only as slogans, and to just run roughshod over any attempt at making our country a better place through laws, morality, and good behavior.
Reminds me of Joe Buck's emphatic denouncement of the possibility that a call was made incorrectly, despite obvious evidence to the contrary. Why? Because, his theory of life is not to be accountable, truthful or responsible, it's just to move on and keep the show rolling. We can't have any kind of truth getting in the way, because that could create controversy, and heck, we dont like that!
Loathsome creatures, and I guess they deserve each other.
Let's see, we need five announcers, so who better for two of those spots than two people that have played a big role in tarnishing the sport. Yeah, lets not fix the PED problem, and lets TOTALLY ignore the gambling that goes on. Heck, lets go one step further, and make those things seem like forgivable little mistakes.
It's really quite galling to see this kind of thing, but it is par for the course for a corporation that doesnt care about truth, justice or the old American way. It just wants what it wants, and that is to keep the money rolling, keep truth, ethics and fairness only as slogans, and to just run roughshod over any attempt at making our country a better place through laws, morality, and good behavior.
Reminds me of Joe Buck's emphatic denouncement of the possibility that a call was made incorrectly, despite obvious evidence to the contrary. Why? Because, his theory of life is not to be accountable, truthful or responsible, it's just to move on and keep the show rolling. We can't have any kind of truth getting in the way, because that could create controversy, and heck, we dont like that!
Loathsome creatures, and I guess they deserve each other.
12
One can only hope that as A-Rod tapered off this season it was not due to a decline in his abilities. That he is very talented is witnessed by how well he has done with Fox. I'm an A-Rod fan and not afraid of saying so. He's exciting to watch.
6
Cheating is rewarded. Great lesson the Fox network is teaching young people.
He cheated, he lied about it, and now he is being rewarded with a high paying gig on Fox. The whole thing is laughable. Absolutely pathetic!
He cheated, he lied about it, and now he is being rewarded with a high paying gig on Fox. The whole thing is laughable. Absolutely pathetic!
17
He cheated. He served a one year suspension. He was reinstated. He had a good year. Grow up. Move on.
1
I wonder how MLB feels about Fox promoting Rose and Rodriguez.
6
MLB has complete and utter control of the broadcast so I think you have your answer. I know for sure that MLBs love one thing and it's not a small white ball with red stitches - It's a piece of paper with a picture of a dead president that compels them - nothing more.
5
Next year, don't be surprised if you see Barry Bonds. Rafael Palmeiro and Mark McGuire added to the panel, as baseball continues its dive into oblivion. The empty suit of Rob Manfred will cheer-lead them all right to the bottom.
He took some steroids when 20-80 % of major leaguers at least tried them and handled the hubbub badly but this is selfish behavior and he appears to be over it and had a remarkable year and is arguably about the best hitter over the last 15 years. If he and Bonds and Clemmons are not in the Hall of Fame eventually (along with Pete Rose), then the place is a joke. Not clear that steroids helped him at all.
3
What is the source for your comment that 20-80% of major leaguers took steroids?
Unlike a lot of Seattle baseball fans, I've never booed A-Rod when he has returned to Safeco Field; his decision to sign with Texas was a financial one, and I had no problem with it.
I HAVE had a problem with his use of PEDs, and his denials and evasions--as well as with his undeserved statistical records.
For the latter reason, I'm disappointed to see him (and gambling denier Pete Rose) as a TV commenter on the game. You might as well get Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Sammy Sosa up there, too, and others who have falsely inflated their own statistics, set records to which they're not entitled, and have forever cheapened the game.
I HAVE had a problem with his use of PEDs, and his denials and evasions--as well as with his undeserved statistical records.
For the latter reason, I'm disappointed to see him (and gambling denier Pete Rose) as a TV commenter on the game. You might as well get Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Sammy Sosa up there, too, and others who have falsely inflated their own statistics, set records to which they're not entitled, and have forever cheapened the game.
5
He is doing very well. I enjoy watching him. Nice to have a Yankee!
7
Yeah, because the Yankees hardly ever get any media attention...
I've been surprised at how good Arod is. (I usually have low expectations when athletes first do TV.) He's thoughtful, articulate, insightful. A positive addition to the broadcasts.
Whatever his moral failings as a ballplayer and person, he's smart, knows baseball, and expresses himself well. (This from a Mets fan who's opinion of the Yankees and Rodriguez is pretty low.)
Whatever his moral failings as a ballplayer and person, he's smart, knows baseball, and expresses himself well. (This from a Mets fan who's opinion of the Yankees and Rodriguez is pretty low.)
17
I like Arod and I think he is the consummate athlete lets not forget his performance on the field all these years and try to forgive his off the field lapses in judgement. Pete Rose is a jerk but belongs in the hall of fame. I feel the same about Alex.
1
Obviously he is new to the broadcasting game, but I can't get past his nervous and meek voice. He definitely needs a lot of polishing. He's not a natural.
A-Rod and Pete Rose! Where's Lance?
32
coming up, July 2nd '16
Or Bonds? Or a big picture of Chick Gandil and Eddie Cicotte?
Why is this A-Rod performance an "October surprise" or a "rather remarkable evolution"?
A-Rod has been known as a student of the game since his days in Seattle. It is to Fox's credit that they solicited him to become an analyst for them. As such it is A-Rod's job to give viewers his insights into the game - something he is extremely qualified in giving.
This article is listed under the Baseball heading. Maybe it should be under Fashion and Style. The ramifications from his PED usage have nothing to do with his ability to analyze baseball games. A-Rod was not hired to write The Ethicist column for the NYT.
For next year's World Series Fox should hire A-Rod to be in the booth with Joe Buck, replacing the repetitive analysis of Harold Reynolds and the statistical minutia of Tom Verducci.
A-Rod has been known as a student of the game since his days in Seattle. It is to Fox's credit that they solicited him to become an analyst for them. As such it is A-Rod's job to give viewers his insights into the game - something he is extremely qualified in giving.
This article is listed under the Baseball heading. Maybe it should be under Fashion and Style. The ramifications from his PED usage have nothing to do with his ability to analyze baseball games. A-Rod was not hired to write The Ethicist column for the NYT.
For next year's World Series Fox should hire A-Rod to be in the booth with Joe Buck, replacing the repetitive analysis of Harold Reynolds and the statistical minutia of Tom Verducci.
2
I'm generally unforgiving with regard to ARod and other people who break the rules.
But I have to admit that the baseball analysis he has provided on TV is excellent. Top notch.
But I have to admit that the baseball analysis he has provided on TV is excellent. Top notch.
12
You cannot change what he is a despicable human being in many areas
2
There seems to be nothing strange about this at all. I know we expect ulterior motives from him, but it seems to clear to me that he knows he can't play forever and that he is just trying out what might be be his future career. He'll obviously will never step away from baseball, but I think he'll never be a coach
2
He's not the least bit "humbled" to be on Fox. He's in the limelight. He's being paid. He's grinning. He's glorifying himself, as always.
3
A-Rod as commentator... fake, boring, and self-absorbed... just like A-Rod as a player!
8
I was grateful to hear his insightful comments about pitching. In most interviews, he is awkward and barely opens up. But talking about others and keeping the focus on hitting/pitching works well for him. I learned some things from listening to him. It's a short stint, two weeks, and he may have reached his expiration date, but this time it is a success.
5
Arod's past is what it is. I'm pleasantly surprised by his commentary during the Series, find it to be both entertaining and insightful.
11
As long as you can generate money for the NCAA, MLB or NFL, you will have job opportunities. I don't blame A-Rod or Rose for accepting Fox's offer but Fox is really scraping the bottom of the trash bin for hiring them. Well, I vote with my remote. And my TV goes dim when the post-game flashes on.
2
If you hit your mute button when A-Rod started talking, then you missed the only analysis that was really interesting during the entire broadcast on FOX, which continues to contribute to lessening interest in baseball in the USA.
1
All he proved this summer is that he didn't need the PEDS.How about a little forgiveness people?Best hitter in the game and with a new future in Sports casting. Good for you Alex!
3
Leave it to Fox to showcase two of the most despised athletes of the era.
7
I don't understand why this (and other) writer(s) think that the whole world had consigned Rodriguez to baseball hell forever. Personally, I thought he behaved no worse than several dozen other big name stars ... and I was not in the least surprised at his on-field performance this season. My guess is that I have a lot of company.
1
A-Roid (aka A-Fraud) can never unring the bell, he will always be a cheater.
He is, however, a surprisingly decent analyst. That cannot and never will, however, change the perception of him as a player IMO, nor should it. He knows the game yet also repeatedly chose to break its rules and lie about it.
He is, however, a surprisingly decent analyst. That cannot and never will, however, change the perception of him as a player IMO, nor should it. He knows the game yet also repeatedly chose to break its rules and lie about it.
1
It is a travesty that he is on the air announcing. What a joke...
2
When it comes to A-rod, it seems that many want to hate no matter what and not give the man any chance at redemption. Well, I say judge the man by what he does, and he has been doing very well since his return. We will see how it goes, but until proven otherwise he seems to deserve a chance.
1
Still a con artist. He and Pete Rose are perfect for Fox.
36
FAUX Sports should have a picture of Shoeless Joe and the Black Sox behind them. How can baseball be clean or have any integrity when it applauds (and the media too) the Alex Rodriguez's of the world and allows FAUX to have Rose, an unrepentant liar and gambler, comment on its showcase event? Last time I checked Rose was still banned. Shame on FAUX, but then they have no shame.
10
Very true. Sad though that Raul Ibanez is in that group. Raul is more of a man that the two clowns he's sandwiched between put together.
3
Or honor!
arod is a yankee and we love what he did this year. a year off was better for his 40-year-old body than steroids, apparently.
i look forward to next year and wish him the best. 700 or bust.
i look forward to next year and wish him the best. 700 or bust.
29
don't forget the cheater's asterisk to go along with whatever the number is ...
4
Who is this we impressed with A Rod? Even if you are over the cheating, he's a YANKEE. Cannot believe Mets fans are having this.
He's still juicin.