Phillies expand role for Kevin Frandsen in radio broadcasts
By John Town
After splitting time with other former Phillies as the secondary radio color commentator, Kevin Frandsen will call 81 games for the 2019 season.
The Phillies announced Thursday that Kevin Frandsen will take over as the secondary color commentator for 94 WIP next season. He will call 81 games alongside Scott Franzke, while Larry Andersen will call the other 81. Matt Breen of the Philadelphia Inquirer indicated that it will likely be a home-road split for them.
Andersen took a step back from his role for the 2018 season, pairing up with Franzke only for home games. He has been working for the team’s radio broadcasts since 2007 but is likely looking to take it easy as he gets older. It’s a shame as the two have a great rapport, but Frandsen did a good job working with Franzke as well.
Frandsen was one of three Kevins to replace Andersen for the road broadcasts this year, along with Kevin Stocker and Kevin Jordan. Of the three, I personally felt that Frandsen offered the most alongside Franzke.
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The team clearly felt this way as well with Executive Vice President David Buck offering praise for him in a statement: [quote via Andrew Porter of 94 WIP]
"“Kevin demonstrated during the 2018 season that he brings the perfect blend of enthusiasm and knowledge for our listeners,” said Phillies Executive Vice President DavidBuck. “In addition, he has a great rapport with Scott Franzke. We look forward to his continued contributions in 2019 and beyond.”"
Frandsen spent three seasons in the organization, including two years as a major-leaguer.
He had a .280/.333/.389 line, 98 OPS+, seven home runs, and 40 runs batted in during his time as a Phillie. Frandsen was hit by 11 pitches in 2013, sixth-most in the National League, despite racking up only 278 plate appearances.
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Altogether, Frandsen spent nine seasons as a major-leaguer: five with the Giants, two with the Phis, one with the Nationals, and one with the Angels. He finished his career with a .258/.312/.348 line, 78 OPS+, 15 home runs, and 110 runs batted over 514 games. Frandsen largely spent his career as a utility man, playing every position besides catcher and center fielder.