If you’ve wondered how Fox intended to match the trenchant analysis provided by past postseason commentators such as Kevin Kennedy and Eric Byrnes, fear not, as USA Today’s Michael Hiestand reveals the network’s sudden appointment of A.J. Pierzynski.
The Chicago White Sox catcher, says Fox spokesman Dan Bell, will join host Chris Rose and analyst Eric Karros in on-site pregame and postgame shows. Pierzynski (above, right), who has appeared in pro wrestling shows and has played 14 big-league seasons, is opinionated and sometimes an agitator. After his team’s 2005 World Series championship, he publicly thanked his team “for putting up with me.” Pierzynski inherits his Fox World Series role from ex-White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, who said this about managing Pierzynski: “If you play against him, you hate him. If you play with him, you hate him a little less.” In other words, Pierzynski is supposed to bring an edginess to Fox’s coverage in what could turn out to be a public audition for TV work.
Though Ozzie pointed out Pierzynski’s history of antagonizing opponents and teammates alike, he neglect to mention the catcher’s unfortunate habit of kneeing defenseless trainers in the groin. Though who amongst us wouldn’t like to see Rose or Karros assaulted in such a manner?