MLB analyst John Kruk is "parting ways" with ESPN after 12 years, according to Ryan Glasspiegel of THE BIG LEAD. An ESPN spokesperson said Kruk and the net "mutually agreed to end our relationship." Kruk this season "mainly served as a studio analyst, and he also contributed to ESPN’s Little League World Series coverage." His agent "declined to comment on whether or not another broadcasting job was on the horizon" (THEBIGLEAD.com, 10/3). ESPN Communications Dir Ben Cafardo said that Kruk "will not be replaced by a single person." SPORTING NEWS' Michael McCarthy noted the net instead will "spread Kruk's air time across a number of incumbent analysts, including Dallas Braden, Eduardo Perez, Doug Glanville, and Raul Ibanez" (SPORTINGNEWS.com, 10/3). In Philadelphia, Rob Tornoe notes Kruk's departure is the "latest on what has become a rotating door at ESPN." Kruk was "apparently able to leave on his own terms," unlike Curt Schilling, who was "fired back in April over political comments he made on social media." There is "no word on what Kruk’s next role will be" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 10/4). Kruk posted on his Twitter feed, "I will continue to pursue TV opportunities so I can continue covering the game I love." Awful Announcing: "Have to imagine he’ll be somewhere next year. Perhaps a return to Fox?" Neumann Univ. Sport Management professor Caleb Mezzy: "Damn Kruk, would love to see you with @CSNPhilly on the @Phillies broadcasts." SI's Richard Deitsch: "Once upon a time ESPN PR and its execs pushed Kruk as hard as any baseball on-air talent. Sports broadcasting can be fickle" (TWITTER.com, 10/4).
