Mike Krukow thought Hunter Pence's career was over.
Many agreed with the Giants broadcaster after the 2018 season, when Pence slashed .226/.258/.332 in 248 plate appearances with San Francisco. The Giants moved on, giving the popular outfielder a feel-good send-off and Pence questioned how much time he had left as a big leaguer.
Pence proceeded to bounce back in a big way, using his time in the Dominican Winter League as a springboard to an All-Star season with the Texas Rangers in 2019. The 36-year-old re-signed with the Giants this offseason and will be a platoon option in the outfield. Pence's journey back to the Bay Area was unlikely, but Krukow is done counting him out.
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"You're gonna see him against left-handed pitchers, and I learned last year: I'll never bet against the guy," Krukow told "The Murph & Mac Show" on KNBR on Tuesday morning. "I thought he was done when he left the Giants [after the 2018 season], and he winds up being on the All-Star team with the Rangers last year. He blew my mind, so I will not bet against the guy."
New Giants manager Gabe Kapler praised Pence's "tangible swing changes" ahead of last season, crediting them for Pence's success. Pence hit 18 home runs with the Rangers -- his most since 2014 -- and posted a career-high .910 OPS. He also slugged .636 against left-handed pitchers, and Pence said the Giants primarily envision him in left field and getting a lot of pinch-hit at bats.
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Pence posted 400-plus plate appearances in four of his six Giants seasons, excluding when San Francisco traded for him in 2012. Platooning would be an adjustment for any veteran, let alone a four-time All-Star, but Krukow said that Pence should have no trouble since he already has come back from the brink of his career's end.
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"[Once] you feel that, it changes your whole perspective," Krukow said. "You take every day as if it's gonna be your last one. You take every at bat ... as if it's gonna be your last one. And you know what? That's how you should play your whole life."