Jeff Kent is on Survivor: Week 1 analysis

Every week, we’ll be analyzing Jeff Kent's performance on Survivor. This isn’t a Survivor recap. This is a Jeff Kent recap. Contains spoilers.

You know what? Jeff Kent's debut on Survivor didn't go terribly. And it could have gone terribly. In the past, older players -- yes, 44 is old in Survivor years -- as healthy and in shape as they might be, tend to be some of the weaker players in the game. Former NFL player Steve Wright, for example, saw his body quickly deteriorate in Survivor: Redemption Island back in 2010. Couple that with Kent's fame, and he’s a walking target. Eventually, at least.

But for now, Kent is laying low. He helps out around camp. He hasn't let his temper get the best of him. Best of all, he’s part of an alliance. Survivor is all about numbers and if you don't have friends voting with you in a block, you're going to go home very quickly.

From the moment the game started, Kent knew he’d have to walk a tightrope all season long if he wants to stick around. The former NL MVP has two things going against him. First, he admitted to the camera crew that he might have torn a muscle in his knee on the first day. That's hard enough to deal with when you're home and you can go to a doctor. But Kent has to keep it a secret. If his teammates think he’s injured and can't help out on challenges, they’ll soon vote him off.

Kent's second problem is a little more complicated. So far, he hasn't told anyone who he is. As far as most of the tribe knows, Jeff is just a rancher from Texas. Note that I said MOST of the tribe. Fellow player Sarah has already figured it out.

Here is where Kent the strategist needs to make a tough decision: He’s taking a risk by NOT telling the tribe about his past because if they find out, he might be deemed a liar and untrustworthy.

On the other hand, these people are playing for $1 Million. If he DOES admit to them that Jeff the Rancher is actually five-time MLB All-Star Jeff Kent, they might decide that he doesn't deserve the money and vote him out anyway.

JEFF KENT PREDICTIONS FOR WEEK 2

- Sarah is going to break it to her tribemates that they’re living with Jeff Kent. Some will be angry, but will decide that it's too early to kick him off. As long as they don't know about his knee, they’ll think he is an asset.

- Kent's mustache will slowly be enveloped by a beautiful beard.

- He will eat coconuts and rice.

- He will not eat any bugs.

- He will not yell at anyone (much to the chagrin of the audience).

- He will survive Tribal Council and return for Week 3.

-Jeremy Moses / MLB.com