When in doubt, ask the veterans. Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter are back behind the microphone for MLB’s exciting postseason run. Years into retirement, the former New York Yankees players have kept in touch with their beloved sport. Now, they’re putting that knowledge to use amid the ongoing Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves match-up.
Both powerhouses, the teams are looking to win it all at the biggest stage of baseball this October. The Phillies will be looking to take the World Series for the first time since 2008, especially after last year’s bitter defeat to the Houston Astros. The Braves will look to give a repeat performance of 2021 this postseason. But in this long-awaited contest, who will emerge victorious? A-Rod and Captain Clutch weigh in.
Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter Root for the Philadelphia Phillies
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In a rather unexpected conclusion, the Phillies shut out the Braves 3-0 in Game 1 of the ALDS. Atlanta has been a gem to watch all season long, but yesterday, it was the City of Brotherly Love that dominated completely. Discussing the game ahead of its start, FOX Sports’ MLB crew sat down to make predictions.
While admitting that the Braves have ticked all the boxes in offensive categories, Rodriguez said, “They’ve been men among boys. But they still have to get past Philly, which they could not do last year.” Next, Derek Jeter made a bold prediction straight off the mark.
“The Phillies are gonna beat them in the first round. And the reason I say that – it takes nothing away from the Atlanta Braves. Everyone knows they’ve been a juggernaut, they’ve been the best team in baseball for over 162 games by far.” He did have a good reason for his thought process.
"The Phillies are going to beat [the Braves] in the first round." – @derekjeter pic.twitter.com/cdyBbwp4Vb
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 7, 2023
“The thing that concerns me is the 5 days off. I’ve been on postseason teams where you have days off and that can affect you offensively. And if the Phillies can escape with a victory in Game 1, you’re following up with Wheeler and Nola, it becomes a tough task.”
Rodriguez Expands on Why the Braves Are Gifted But Cursed
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The trouble with possessing extreme talent is that unless excellent challengers exist, the edge wears off. A-Rod believes that is exactly the trouble with Atlanta. “One thing that concerns me is that they haven’t played a real competitive game since probably June. They’ve been that dominant – that’s the gift and the curse,” he told his FOX crew. “They’ll be tested with Philly in a big way.”
Jeter agreed and believed that in that test, it would be Philly that emerged victorious. “The best teams make it to the postseason, the hottest team wins. And this Philadelphia Phillies team is as hot as any team in baseball.”
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The first round went exactly as the former frenemies envisioned. What will the rest of the series look like?
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