In S.F., Henry Schulman reports MLB Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow will "cut his schedule to 120 games this season," with former MLBers Jeremy Affeldt and the recently-retired Javier Lopez "taking his place on the others." Krukow said that he "plans to broadcast all of the Giants' 81 home games" and NL West road games, "but 'nothing east of Denver until the playoffs.'" Schulman notes Krukow, 65, has "worked about 156 games a year." His mobility is "hampered by a progressive but non-life-threatening disease." However, he said that he has "no plans to retire." Krukow had "originally planned to call just 100 games" in '17 but "upped it to 120 because of how well he has felt this winter" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 2/10).
NEW ENDEAVORS: In San Diego, Dennis Lin noted FS San Diego Padres reporter Julie Alexandria is "not returning to the network this upcoming season and will pursue other opportunities." Alexandria "arrived in San Diego having worked in both sports and entertainment broadcasting," including as a Nationals reporter for MASN. The Padres have "looked at internal options to fill the sideline role." Padres Multimedia Analyst Bob Scanlan "has been discussed" for the role (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 2/9).
FEELING BETTER: Longtime NHL Kings broadcaster Bob Miller in an email wrote he is "feeling good and am home now," but there is "still no timetable" for his return. In L.A., Kevin Baxter notes Miller, who suffered a mild stroke last month, "missed the second half of last season after undergoing quadruple-bypass surgery." He will meet with team officials "next week" to discuss his return. Kings Senior VP/Broadcasting & Communications Michael Altieri said, "We are talking regularly in the spirit of his well-being, but we won't have a definitive plan until his recovery is complete" (L.A. TIMES, 2/9).
COMEDY TROUPE: In S.F., Bruce Jenkins writes TNT "Inside The NBA" panelists Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Ernie Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal "spend too much time talking over each other, laughing at inside jokes and wasting time on cheap comedy bits." Meanwhile, ESPN's "NBA Countdown" crew -- Chauncey Billups, Jalen Rose, Tracy McGrady and Michelle Beadle -- delivered "nothing but hard-hitting analysis" on Wednesday night. Jenkins refers to ESPN's recent interview with Warriors F Kevin Durant, in which he labeled the publicity over his feud with Thunder G Russell Westbrook as "fake drama" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 2/10).
MOVING UP THE RANKS: In Houston, David Barron writes Fox Sports' Nick Wright is a "key element" in Fox Sports National Networks President Jamie Horowitz' plans for the net. However, Horowitz is "taking his time with Wright," who left his gig as a sports radio host with Houston-based KILT-AM last year. Wright has "contributed to several Fox Sports television and radio shows but has yet to get his first full-time assignment." However, Wright is "expected to be part of a morning drive show" with Pro Football HOFer Cris Carter. Howoritz said that he told Wright last spring that it would "take up to a year to work him into the rotation on FS1" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 2/10).
THROW IT DOWN, BIG MAN: In N.Y., John Healy writes ESPN's Bill Walton took a "jab at the Trump administration" during his call of last night's Oregon-UCLA men's basketball game. Walton's play-by-play partner, Dave Pasch, "made a comment about Walton’s 'outlandish commentary.'" Walton responded, "I just state the facts and I also shop at Nordstrom" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 2/10).
