MLB Network analyst Harold Reynolds was named a new analyst for FOX this week, along with Tom Verducci, joining Joe Buck in the booth formerly occupied by Tim McCarver. Reynolds talked about his new role, Mets expectations and the Yankees going “Broadway” with The Post’s Justin Terranova.
Q: How did the new gig with FOX progress?
A: FOX called (MLB Network President) Tony Petitti when they were doing the auditions, and he was gracious enough to allow me to do that. So, I went down to Texas and we did a Cardinals-Rangers game there. We did a simulated game, as well. That was kind of the beginning. And when the World Series is a possibility, you are going to jump on that.
Q: Will it be an adjustment going to the booth since most of your experience is in the studio?
A: I feel like every night on “MLB Tonight,” where we jump in live, it’s like calling a game and we don’t know what’s going to happen. I’ve got to get ready to comment on that on the spot because after that at-bat, we are going to the next game. Nothing can prepare you better than that for calling a game.
Q: What did you think of the Mets offseason?
A: It looks like they are turning the corner. The Curtis Granderson signing was one of the steals of the winter. He’s one of those guys that could have been a $100 million player, and they got him for $60 million. He’s a guy that can do damage and he’s also a marquee name and the Mets needed that.
Q: Do you think they can win 90 games, as general manager Sandy Alderson reportedly expects?
A: That’s way too much, way too much. They are not there yet. I still think they are two or three players away, and to win 90 they almost have to have the perfect year. They don’t have the depth to win 90 games, yet.
Q: Did the Yankees do enough this offseason to be a playoff team?
A: I don’t know if they make it to the playoffs, but I love the fact they went Broadway. You’re playing at Yankee Stadium in the cathedral of all cathedrals. People want to come see stars, and they’ve got that now. I still think the pitching is going to be a little bit short, but they are going to be right there till the last week of the season.