MLB Greats Make Predictions For Orioles-Rangers ALDS on FOX Pregame Show

The star-studded panel of David Ortiz, Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez has submitted their predictions for the ALDS.

The trio of modern baseball legends were wrapping up the FOX pregame show ahead of Game 1 of the ALDS between the Baltimore Orioles and Texas Rangers when host Kevin Burkhardt prompted them to make their picks. With nine World Series titles between the three of them, not many former players are better qualified to call their shots in the postseason.

Rodriguez went first, picking the Orioles to come out on top in the best-of-five series.

"I'm gonna go with the mojo and the avalanche – the orange, Papi, avalanche – in the Baltimore Orioles," Rodriguez said.

Ortiz countered by channeling his inner Lee Corso, as the Boston Red Sox icon interrupted Rodriguez with a "Not so fast, my guy."

"Texas Rangers, man, they have so many ways to hurt you," Ortiz said. "They have experience, which is a big deal to me. Playoff experience is something that – you saw the stadium right there. That gets butterflies going all over the place and that can be used against you. So the Texas Rangers, to me, are the ones beating up on the Orioles."

Jeter broke the tie and sided with his former New York Yankees teammate by picking the lone AL East club still alive in the playoffs.

"I think Baltimore wins it – how do they say it? Boldimore? That's how they said it?" Jeter joked. "I think they win it because they can struggle in one area of the game and still come out on top. I think Texas has to hit, they have to score a lot of runs to win. I think Baltimore has numerous ways to beat you."

Who wins this series? Orioles or Rangers?

Our crew makes their picks 🔮@kevinburkhardt | @AROD | @davidortiz | @derekjeter pic.twitter.com/1njANm2Z36
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 7, 2023

The Orioles and Rangers are both coming off six-year playoff droughts. Baltimore broke out of it with 101 wins and a division title, while Texas had to get by the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL Wild Card Series to punch their ticket to the ALDS.

Game 1 got underway Saturday afternoon at Camden Yards following a one-hour rain delay.

The Orioles entered the series as favorites with minus-120 odds of advancing to the ALCS, while the Rangers were sitting at plus-100.

Follow Fastball on FanNation on social media

Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by LIKING us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.

You can also subscribe to "The Payoff Pitch" podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.