Dan Bernstein did not hold back in his latest criticism of FOX Sports MLB analyst John Smoltz, sharply questioning his approach to calling games during coverage connected to the World Baseball Classic.
During a recent episode of his podcast Dan Bernstein Unfiltered, Bernstein delivered a lengthy critique of Smoltz’s performance in the broadcast booth, arguing that the Hall of Fame pitcher often sounds dismissive of the modern version of the sport and rarely contributes meaningful insight to viewers watching the game unfold.
Bernstein said that if he were responsible for the broadcast audio mix, he would simply mute Smoltz entirely because he believes the analyst’s tone conveys disdain for the current state of baseball rather than enthusiasm for the game.
“I would turn him off completely,” Bernstein said on the podcast. “He does not like baseball, and it is apparently his mission to make you the viewer not like baseball and not appreciate anything. Just somehow finds everything distasteful or against the better nature of the game”
Bernstein continued by suggesting that Smoltz frequently frames his commentary through the lens of how the game looked during his own playing career, which spanned more than two decades and included multiple postseason runs with the Atlanta Braves. While acknowledging Smoltz’s reputation as one of the most accomplished pitchers of his generation, Bernstein argued that the analyst too often uses that perspective to criticize the modern style of play.
“He has a problem with everything,” Bernstein said. “I cannot stand him. Everything has some kind of subtext against the modern game. Every criticism has to do with what he doesn’t like about how people play baseball now, because things were better when he played. Get off my television.”
Smoltz, who joined FOX Sports as its lead MLB analyst in 2014, has long served as a prominent voice on the network’s national broadcasts, including postseason games and other major events tied to the sport. The eight-time All-Star pitcher also has worked high-profile assignments such as the World Series and international baseball competitions, giving him a significant platform to analyze the evolving game.
However, Bernstein argued that the problem goes beyond tone or generational disagreement, insisting that Smoltz’s commentary often fails to provide clarity for viewers attempting to understand what is happening on the field.
“I’m not just talking about his style,” Bernstein said. “He starts talking, and he ends up saying nothing. Everything is this grandiose pronouncement from the mount, and he’s stating these baseball biblical truths that make absolutely no sense whatsoever.”
Bernstein added that when listeners examine Smoltz’s commentary closely, the statements rarely build toward a clear or useful point about strategy or gameplay.
“If you actually were to parse out what he’s saying and read the stuff that he says as he says it, it doesn’t go anywhere,” Bernstein said.
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