Originally Posted by
Anthony J. Pierzynski
Fox Sports has an institutional preference for hiring outspoken and controversial ex-players. Bickering and controversy sells, but they've clearly identified a need to have some sober and restrained analysis from a grounded figure who's not going to bring a lot of ego to the table.
I've gotten so many questions about this that I probably need to put false modesty aside and kick some truth to the youth.
Sometimes you have a team full of talented but lazy underachievers who need a kick in the ass from a certified alpha Silverback. That's what I did for the World Champion 2005 White Sox, that's what I did for the Braves, and that's what I'll do for Fox Sports. Let's look at what they're working with: I carried Frank Thomas in Chicago and turned Nick Swisher into my Mich Ultra caddy in Atlanta. Alex Rodriguez finished second to me every year for most hated player in MLB, and if they hate you, they fear you, right? Pete Rose? A slap-hitter who isn't even in the Hall of Fame. You want a winner at the track? Ask Pete. You want a winner on the diamond, ask AJP. Since the spreadsheet dweebs running MLB clubs now didn't want to offer me a job, I figure I'll wait my mandatory 5 years before HoF induction by building another legacy. Buckle up, buttercups.