New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter sent shockwaves into the baseball world when it was announced earlier this month that he was replacing longtime fixture Frank Thomas on Fox Sports' biggest baseball pregame show.
"Now batting for @MLBONFOX: number 2, Derek Jeter, number 2. Welcome to the @FOXSports family @DerekJeter!" - FOX Sports PR, Twitter
Jeter, who is scheduled to make his debut in June in the London series, now has the tough task of impressing his observers on air, just like he did on the field for almost two decades.
While most fans eagerly await the arrival of the former MLB great on set, Phil Munshich of the New York Post begs to differ with the opinion of the general public. Munshich said of Jeter:
"One problem with that: Jeter was a very guarded, say-little, take-the-money-and-run type as a player. After years of such self-conditioning, I don’t expect better from him on the air"
It remains to be seen how well Jeter will eventually do with the FOX Sports family, and fans will get their first glimpse when he works the All-Star Game in July and then the playoffs in October.
His contract with FOX also means that he will be reunited with former Yankees teammate Alex Rodriguez as well as longtime Boston Red Sox rival and fellow Hall of Famer, David Ortiz.
Frank Thomas paves the way for Derek Jeter's career as a commentator
Jeter's arrival into the comm box meant an exit for another legend.
Chicago White Sox legend and longtime FOX Sports analyst, Frank Thomas, bid adieu to the FOX panel, culminating a rather successful stint with the organization which lasted almost 10 years.
A FOX Sports spokesman told the New York Post:
"Frank has been an integral member of the FOX MLB studio team for nearly a decade and has helped raise the bar on our coverage while continuously growing the game of baseball. Although he is not a part of our coverage this season, ‘The Big Hurt’ will always be a member of our FOX Sports family and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”