Charles Whisnand
RENO - Life is good for Mike Krukow. He works with good people, including his best friend, doing what he loves.
Two of his sons are involved in college baseball. It's also clear that Krukow understands how lucky he is.
The former Major League pitcher who's now a broadcaster for the San Francisco Giants was at Peccole Park to take in Friday's baseball game between Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and the University of Nevada.
One of Krukow's sons, Jarek, is an assistant coach for Cal Poly. Another one of his sons, Baker, is a redshirt freshman and backup catcher for the Wolf Pack. Krukow himself was a star pitcher at Cal Poly before going on to a Big League career with the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies and Giants.
"This is what you hope your kids will do," Krukow said. "I know what college baseball meant to me, so I'm very proud."
Krukow said he was happy that Baker made the decision to come to Nevada. He noted that the Wolf Pack have produced such players with Big League experience as Chris Singleton, Corky Miller and Lyle Overbay.
"I played against kids out of this program," Krukow said. "Everybody that has come out of this program has played the game right while being humble athletes. This is a great place to learn fundamentals."
Krukow said Baker was also fortunate to play for Carson High baseball coach Ron McNutt for a summer in 2001 with the Carson Capitols. "It was a great opportunity for him, a great experience," Krukow said.
Krukow said he was encouraged to have his son play for the Capitols by Giants scout Doug McMillan, whose son, Brett, also played with the Capitols in 2001.
While he doesn't have to go to spring training until March 18, Krukow said he's keeping track of the Giants by talking to his best friend and former teammate Duane Kuiper, John Miller and the Giants coaches and by reading the newspapers and through the internet. Krukow said he was happy that the Giants extended the contracts of general manager Brian Sabean and manager Felipe Alou through 2005.
"Brian Sabean's unbelievable," Krukow said. "I'd be surprised to see Sabean leave."
Even after Barry Bonds retires, Krukow said he believes Sabean will stay with the Giants because he would enjoy the task of rebuilding the team. "He likes that challenge," Krukow said.
"On paper I know they're going to be able to catch the ball," said Krukow about this year's Giants.
He said much of the Giants hopes will depend on how the team replaces the losses of Joe Nathan and closer Tim Worrell from the bullpen. The pitcher who could replace the hard throwing Nathan is another hard thrower, Merkin Valdez.
The job of replacing Worrell will fall on Robb Nen, who was the closer before missing all of last year with an injury. Krukow said the Giants' hopes will obviously depend a great deal on how Nen comes back. "They need some people to step up," said Krukow about the bullpen.
Much will also depend on how hitters adjust to Jerome Williams, who had an outstanding rookie year, Krukow said. Krukow also said he likes the addition of Brett Tomko to the rotation and that Dustin Hermanson has looked good.
"I think they're the team to beat in the division," said Krukow about the Giants in the National League West. "It's nice to be a part of an organization that expects to get to the playoffs every year. That's half the battle."
When asked for his take on the off season feud between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, Krukow said, "My take is I'm glad the Giants aren't in the American League East. It's amazing what $200 million can buy."
Krukow also noted that the Toronto Blue Jays with strong pitching and the Baltimore Orioles with the additions they made will be teams to watch.
With the Giants, Krukow is part of a broadcast team that includes Kuiper and Miller. "John Miller is an absolute joy to work with," Krukow said. "We all like what we do. We all know how fortunate we are to be doing what we do."
Contact Charles Whisnand at cwhisnand@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1214.