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Phillies, John Kruk Negotiating Broadcast Contract

By George Stockburger |
Mar 4, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; ESPN baseball analyst John Kruk talks with New York Yankees guest instructor Reggie Jackson before a spring training baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; ESPN baseball analyst John Kruk talks with New York Yankees guest instructor Reggie Jackson before a spring training baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Stars’ transition from the booth to the dugout could result in another former Phillies slugger joining the television broadcast team

After mutually agreeing to leave ESPN at the end of the season, John Kruk has been rumored to be a candidate for the Phillies broadcast team. A fan favorite both on the field and in the booth, the addition of Kruk makes sense for a lot of parties.

According to Todd Zolecki, the Phillies are in fact negotiating with the former first baseman in regards to joining the television broadcast team.

Talks with Kruk have continued this month, but it is unclear if an announcement is imminent.

One could expect traction on a possible deal to pick up quickly after the team agreed to a five-year extension with radio play-by-play voice Scott Franzke and WIP. With the Franzke/WIP deal out of the way, the focus can turn to replacing Matt Stairs, who was hired as the Phillies hitting coach early in the offseason.

Jul 31, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame member John Kruk during the Pat Burrell (not pictured) induction ceremony before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame member John Kruk during the Pat Burrell (not pictured) induction ceremony before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Currently sitting in on the Phillies broadcasts with Tom McCarthy are former big league catcher and former Comcast SportsNet pre/post game analyst Ben Davis and Phillies all-time home run king Mike Schmidt.

Because Schmidt, 67, only works the weekend home games, having a voice other than Davis’ with McCarthy is a much-needed addition. Davis has drawn mixed opinion from fans after his first year as the color analyst after Jamie Moyer left following his first season behind the microphone.

Some find the McCarthy/Davis combination to be cheesy and obnoxious, while Stairs brought an advanced knowledge of hitting to the conversation. Kruk can bring that hitting knowledge, as well as some humor that should bode well with a fan base looking for something different.

Kruk played six seasons in Philadelphia, and was a three-time All-Star during his tenure in Philadelphia. His personality and play on the field during the 1993 National League pennant season led to his induction onto the Phillies Wall of Fame.

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