Kruk enters Phillies Walk of Fame

PHILADELPHIA — John Kruk was batting .184 for the season on June 2, 1989, the day he was traded from the San Diego Padres to the Phillies.

When Kruk left the Phillies after the 1994 season, he'd been to three All-Star Games, sparked the Phillies to the 1993 National League pennant and batted .309 in a Phillies uniform.

"They took a chance on a guy who was batting .180," Kruk said from a podium on the field at Citizens Bank Park Friday night. "I stunk.

"Apparently," he added, "it's paid off."

Kruk had just joined the Phillies Walk of Fame, and was flanked by some of its other members -- Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton and teammate Darren Daulton, to name a few -- as the Phillies kicked off their annual alumni weekend.

Another sellout crowd roared its approval, especially as Kruk, now an ESPN Baseball Tonight analyst, heralded the fans as well.

"This is the greatest place I've ever been," said Kruk, a Padres draftee who closed his career with the 1995 White Sox. "It's quite an honor to hear the cheers again."

Referring to the players collected in the Phillies dugout, Kruk said he hoped they realize how fortunate they are "to hear the best fans in sports every night."

Polanco questionable

Third baseman Placido Polanco remained sidelined with a sports hernia as he waited for a cortisone shot to have a greater effect.

"He's feeling better," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro said. "Over these next couple days we'll assess how he progresses and see whether or not we make a decision about putting him on the DL."

Amaro added that the Phillies expect the cortisone to be effective. Surgery would sideline Polanco for at least four weeks, Amaro added, and is only a last resort.

Polanco has not played since last Saturday.

"We'll take this route and see if he can work his way through the season and deal with it after the season," Amaro said.

On track

Injured pitchers Joe Blanton (elbow) and Jose Contreras (forearm) are on pace for late-season returns, Amaro said.