On Sports Media | Kruk's sparkle carries over into ESPN duties

John Kruk was always known for his keen sense of humor as a major-leaguer who spent 51/2 seasons with the Phillies.

While Kruk hasn't lost that humor as an ESPN analyst, he also has provided impressive insight during his four years working mainly on Baseball Tonight.

At the end of this season, Kruk could become a desired free agent, but he's not necessarily looking to test the waters.

"I love it here, and what better job can there be than to sit and watch games?" Kruk said recently during a phone interview from Bristol, Conn., site of ESPN.

Kruk resides in South Jersey and is on Baseball Tonight Sunday through Wednesday evenings. He returns home for his three days off.

Kruk is the senior member among former athletes on ESPN's Baseball Tonight crew. He and Orel Hershiser, who went to high school in Cherry Hill, are the top analysts among the former athletes. Former Mets general manager Steve Phillips has also flourished.

Kruk takes his role seriously as one of the veterans of the show's staff.

"We have a long list of new guys, and you try to help them as much as you can," he said.

Even though his primary role is as a studio analyst, Kruk has been a game analyst on occasion.

As well as he has done in the studio, he is even stronger in a game situation, when there is more spontaneity that showcases Kruk's quick wit.

And that brings up an interesting question. With his contract up in February, would Kruk consider being part of the Phillies' broadcast team, which could use his personality and wit?

"I keep it in the back of my mind," he said. "But I have to say the Phillies have never brought it up to me."

He said that ESPN has opened negotiations with his agent and that one of the things being discussed is the possibility of being an analyst for more games.

Kruk is able to watch virtually every team on the many ESPN monitors each week. He has kept a close eye on the Phillies and said he is not ready to anoint his former team as a major playoff contender.

"I think their bullpen is going to hurt them," he said. "If they don't get into the playoffs, it will likely be because of the bullpen."

Kruk said he has great admiration for second baseman Chase Utley.

"He plays so hard and plays the right way," Kruk said. "My son is 5 years old, and I told him that this is the guy you want to play the game like."

And anyone who enters the broadcasting business may want to take a few lessons from Kruk. Unlike many former athletes, he's not afraid to criticize the players when it is warranted.

Kruk batted .300 over 10 major-league seasons, and he's done even better in his second career, one he feels fortunate to have.

"I get to play a lot of golf and watch a lot of baseball," he said. "It doesn't get much better than this."