USA Today MLB reporter Bob Nightengale claims MLB on FOX analyst and Foul Territory host A.J. Pierzynski is a leading candidate to manage the Chicago White Sox in 2025. 670 The Score host Dan Bernstein wonders why the former catcher would ditch those endeavors.
While discussing the report with co-host Laurence Holmes Monday, Bernstein argued that the two-time all-star was not especially well-liked by teammates, fans, or franchise personnel. However, he claimed Pierzynski had “rehabilitated” his image due to his broadcasting work, before questioning why he’d consider giving up those roles to work for the MLB franchise.
“With where his arrow is pointed in media, why would he give that up?” Bernstein questioned. “Why?”
“Because he could always go back to it,” Holmes countered. “And he can charge more as a former manager. Now you get to come back and be ‘former head coach.’ You get to throw that onto your resume, and you can end up pushing your dollars (up).”
Holmes continued by noting that being a media member, as Bernstein mentioned, has absolutely helped Pierzynski’s image, but wondered how long that would last should he return to the club.
“This is a much softer A.J. that we’re seeing in his role in the media. I would say there’s the opportunity for all of us to mature and to change,” he said.
“He has, as a broadcaster,” Bernstein countered. “Once that uniform is on again and you’re back in baseball … is he going to revert back to old A.J.?”
Dan Bernstein also added that the report should be taken seriously, noting his belief that any time Nightengale has a story on the White Sox, it’s likely his source is owner Jerry Reinsdorf.
