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Anoka grad Brent Krause is riding baseball's winding road

by Zach Nienaber

of the Coon Rapids (MN) Sportsweek staff

It has been a long trip for Brent Krause whose baseball career has taken him from high school in Anoka to the St. Paul Saints and several Upper Midwest baseball clubs in between.

Krause, who signed with the St. Paul Saints just over a week ago, began his playing days in the Anoka program. The 2000 graduate went on to play college ball at Jamestown College in North Dakota, where he set virtually every hitting record on the books for the Jimmies.

Krause then bounced around the Northern League. He spent time in Schaumburg, Sioux City, and eventually Fargo-Morehead when he found a home.

"I didn't really know what to expect from professional ball," said Krause. "It was a good experience once I got Fargo. I knew a lot of people in the area and had some friends from college there."

It didn't take long for Krause to fit in.

During that 2005 season Krause earned rookie of the year honors in the Northern League hitting .327 with 14 home runs and 51 runs batted in for the Redhhawks. During that season the Minnesota Twins began showing interest in the slugging outfielder.

"Once the [Fargo-Moorhead] season was over they [the Twins] contacted me again and we signed a contract," said Krause who headed to Florida for spring training in 2006.

While there, however, Krause pulled his oblique muscle that caused him to miss 11 games and ultimately led to his release. Krause subsequently returned to Fargo Morehead where he continued to put up solid numbers in hopes of a return to affiliated minor league baseball.

While this did lead to a few workouts this spring in Florida, Krause ultimately signed with the St. Paul Saints now of the American Association.

"It will be nice to come home and play in front of the home town fans," he said of his deal with the Saints.

During the off season Krause spent time in San Andres, Mexico as apart of the Liga Invernam Vera Cruz Ana Winter League. Since his return to Minnesota, Krause has been working with Corey Eckhoff at Velocity Sports Performance in Champlin on his speed and base running.

"Working in Mexico was different. The pitchers there rely more on off speed pitches so you have to change your approach at the plate," said Krause.

Now back in Minnesota with the Saints, Krause is looking for one more chance to catch on with an affiliated minor league team.

"Consistency will be the key," he says. Regardless of his key, his hometown fans can now check him out in St. Paul.

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