Giants color commentator Mike Krukow started his interview Thursday morning on the Murph & Mac Show full of enthusiasm.
"I'm doing a lot better today than I was yesterday because of the trade," Krukow said. "I'm pretty excited about it."
The trade Krukow brought up was of course the Giants' acquisition of third baseman Evan Longoria from the Rays. San Francisco sent Denard Span to Tampa Bay, along with prospects Christian Arroyo, Matt Krook and Stephen Woods.
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Krukow then went into detail about what he likes most about the Giants trading for Longoria. Right off the bat, Krukow is happy with the Giants for bringing a powerful stick to the lineup that badly needs one.
"He's a player with reputation, which simply means when you put him in the middle of your lineup, he's a guy that you start thinking about if you're the opposing pitcher against the Giants," Krukow said. "He's a guy that you can make a mistake with and he can make you pay for it."
Longoria's 20 home runs in 2017 would have led the Giants. But that was his lowest total since 2012 when he only played 74 games.
"He's also a great glove," Krukow said. "... That's one of the things and priorities I think they wanted to address this year and they certainly did."
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Even at 32 years old, Longoria is considered one of the best defensive third basemen in the game. He won his third Gold Glove award this past season and his dWAR (1.3) was his highest since 2013 (1.6).
"Plus he's a leader," Krukow continued. "He's gonna fit right into the clubhouse of guys that he respects."
Despite being a premier player, the postseason has not been kind to Longoria. In 30 games, Longoria has only hit .191. He has, however, added nine home runs.
"For a guy who's had a gifted career like he has, that gnaws at him. He burns to get back to the playoffs. He burns to atone for the .191 lifetime average in the postseason. And I think it's an opportunity he feels he's gonna get with this Giants club."