I like how Mike Krukow tells listeners about the strike zone of the plate umpires. He knows each umpire and explains how each one defines the strike zone and if he is consistent calling pitches and how that affects the pitchers. I learn from this.
I like how Mike Krukow tells listeners about the strike zone of the plate umpires. He knows each umpire and explains how each one defines the strike zone and if he is consistent calling pitches and how that affects the pitchers. I learn from this.
David
I don’t understand different umpires strike zones, strike zones that change during the game, and the idea that some pitchers “earn” a different strike zone. Greg Maddox comes to mind as one that got strikes called 6″ off the plate and the opposing pitcher didn’t get the same calls. I know Krukow defends the practice but it still seems wrong to me.
October 25th, 2012 7:56 pm
Albert Park
Mike Krukow bores me to death with his endless detailed analysis of each and every pitch. Give it a rest, Kruk!
October 25th, 2012 9:20 pm
lameduck
I learned from him and in my pre game meeting I let the managers know what my zone tendencies are.
October 25th, 2012 10:27 pm
Mark M
total agreement. Krukow gets a little over exuberant at times but I learn from his commentary as much or more than any other local announcer I’ve listened to. He’s a unique presence.
October 25th, 2012 10:34 pm
Johnc
Yes , Krukow can be an insufferable homer at times but he is interesting when you listen to him describle the game within in the game as you just illustrated , Lowell.
October 25th, 2012 11:27 pm
Steve
Sorry Albert, couldn’t disagree more. I learn something every time I listen to our broadcasters. Again, we’re incredibly lucky to be able to spend almost nine months a year with these guys.
October 25th, 2012 11:41 pm
Eric Janssen
kruk- by far one of the best. A thinking man. Thanks.
October 26th, 2012 3:20 am
Bray
I love that Kruk breaks down the umpires different zones. Kruk offers insights that others don’t even think about, he is right on on his assesments too. Come’on Albert, do you want silence? Nobody touches the Giants announcers as far as knowledge, insight and delivery.
October 26th, 2012 9:25 am
Dave T
I have lived in many differecnt cities over the course of my 40 years and had to listen to many many different annoucing teams and by far, and I mean it is not even close, do we have hands down the best crew in MLB and perhaps all sports. Sure, they can be “homers” at times, but they always give credit and will “tip their cap” to other teams and players. I love their insight, stories and factoids.
For the record the other I have found good and knowledgable was Lanny Fraterrie, a long time annoucer for the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 80′s and 90′s.
October 26th, 2012 10:37 am
Dan
I’ve sometimes wondered if a manager would adjust his pitching rotation based on the expected umpire……somewhere, someone may be keeping record of a pitchers win / loss record by umpire…….
October 26th, 2012 4:13 pm
Johnc
Lowell, do you remember Red Barber of the Yankees? He was the king of the understatement and never got too excited . “Mikey hit another one as we watch a 500 foot homer on tv” …
I thought Barber was the most relaxed broadcaster I ever heard until I heard Mike Shannon broadcast on the radio for the cards. His voice resembles Chris Christofferson but he sounds like he is tripping on LSD .
October 26th, 2012 10:59 pm
CohnZohn
Johnc, Red Barber, the great Red Barber, announced the Brooklyn Dodgers before he announced the Yankees.
October 26th, 2012 11:29 pm
Johnc
Yes he was a great one. There were many from that era. I got to see my Dodgers in Ebbets Field and since my dad was a Giants fan i got to see Wille Mays et al. in the Polo Grounds and( later the Mets) and since my grandfatherand my neighbor Mr Travis were a Yankee fans i got to see Mickey and Yogi et al at Yankee Stadium.
What an era for baseball.
One memory was watching Mel Allen up close sign autographs after a broadcast and Monte Irving leaving in his suit at the Polo Grounds after a game.
October 26th, 2012 11:51 pm