In a Giants infield that is filled with defensive talent, nobody has been more impressive over the past few seasons than shortstop Brandon Crawford. He’s had an impressive .979 and .983 fielding percentage over the past two seasons respectively, and took home two gold gloves for his efforts. Crawford has been no slouch at the plate either, with two straight 84 RBI seasons and one silver slugger award to go along with his gold gloves.
“With him there [on defense] it’s dramatically different, more so than any player I’ve seen in a while,” Krukow told Murph and Mac Monday Morning. “It’s remarkable what he does when he steps out there and straps on his glove. It’s just so different with him there.”
Crawford returned to the lineup on Thursday after being out since April 25 with a right groin strain and Krukow said his defensive form was just as excellent as usual.
“We all watched it first-hand this weekend, he was absolutely brilliant with the glove,” Krukow said, “It was amazing what he was doing.”
The only time that Crawford managed to garner any MVP votes, he placed twelfth in the National League, but Krukow discussed how he believes Crawford should be getting more legitimate MVP consideration.
“I could give you an argument for a guy being an MVP who has average numbers with a bat, but if he can do to a defense what Brandon Crawford does it warrants an MVP consideration,” Krukow said. “I’m serious, that’s how dramatic a difference there is when he’s out on the field.”
Listen to the full interview below. To listen to Krukow’s comments on Crawford, skip to the 2:44 mark.
