Yankees-Blue Jays ALDS Marred by Poor Announcer Selection
As the American League Division Series (ALDS) unfolds, New York Yankees fans find themselves in a challenging situation. The highly anticipated matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays is being covered by a broadcast team that has sparked concern among fans.
Yankees-Blue Jays ALDS Coverage
This weekend, the Yankees’ series against the Blue Jays has been highlighted as the marquee event. However, changes in broadcasting teams have raised eyebrows. Notably, TBS and Fox have switched their playoff coverage, with Fox/FS1 now reporting on the American League playoffs.
Controversial Announcer Selection
The selection of John Smoltz as a color commentator has drawn criticism. Fans are not pleased to hear commentary from someone perceived as having a bias against the Yankees. This situation is particularly frustrating, given the long-standing history between Smoltz and the Yankees, which includes pivotal moments in Smoltz’s career.
As noted by several commentators, Yankees fans were used to hearing biased coverage during the postseason. This year, they are faced with Smoltz during a pivotal playoff round. In the past, fans expressed their dislike for the announcers covering their games, but this time, many believe the bias is palpable.
Broadcasting Lineup for ALDS
- Yankees-Blue Jays: Joe Davis, John Smoltz
- Tigers-Mariners: Adam Amin, Adam Wainwright, AJ Pierzynski
- Cubs-Brewers: Alex Faust, Ron Darling
- Phillies-Dodgers: Brian Anderson, Jeff Francoeur
If the Yankees manage to advance past the Blue Jays, it appears they will continue to hear Smoltz’s commentary in subsequent rounds, including the AL Championship Series (ALCS) and potentially the World Series.
Fan Sentiment
Many fans recall past instances where commentators expressed their bias during critical moments. One notable example is a previous call by Dennis Eckersley during an Aaron Judge home run that fans labelled as “unbiased.” The sentiment among Yankees followers seems to be a mix of frustration and acceptance, recognizing Smoltz’s history with the team.
Despite the challenges posed by the announcers, fans remain hopeful for a strong performance from the Yankees. Achieving dominance on the field may alleviate some of their concerns about the commentary.
