Crosstown Showdown- Broadcaster Style

With the Crosstown Series Part II between the Cubs and White Sox set to start tomorrow, I beg the question: Which team has the better broadcasters?

For all three games this weekend the White Sox radio team will be on 670 The Score and the Cubs radio team on WGN-720, so if you are in your car you will have to pick between the two. On Saturday you'll be stuck with FOX-TV if you're at home, but on Friday the Sox TV guys will be on CSN and Cubs on WGN, and Sunday it will be the opposite on TV.

Now I know this is a Cubs blog, so most of us are going to the favor the North Siders when I ask this question. But let us really think about it.

TV Play-by-Play
Ken "Hawk" Harrelson is as big of a homer as they come. If you aren't a White Sox fan, chance are you cannot stand the guy. If you are a Sox supporter, you probably love yelling "You can put it on the board... YES!" along with Hawk. He is very entertaining, but I would rather have colorful color analyst than a colorful play-by-play guy. Len Kasper has grown on me since he took over in the Cubs booth in 2005. He does a good job of letting Bob do his job and building the excitement went necessary.
Point: Len Kasper

Radio Play-by-Play
Pat Hughes is one of the best in the business. He is very fair, has a great voice and has a way of making every game seem exciting. In addition, his sense of humor is unique and hilarious. I miss the magic that occurred in the booth for 15 years when Pat was teamed up with Ron Santo. I haven't heard much of Ed Farmer, but I do know that he's no Pat Hughes.
Point: Pat Hughes

TV Color Commentary
Steve Stone and Bob Brenly both have great baseball minds. They are both very insigthful. I believe that BB is easier to listen to and sounds more natural on the air. However, due to Stoney's popularity on the North Side while working with Harry Caray, I believe that most Chicago fans would take Steve over Bob. Just to be fair we'll give this one to the Sox.
Point: Steve Stone

Radio Color Commentary
Keith Moreland was faced with the difficult assignment of having to fill the shoes of Ron Santo this year. Keith is a great guy and provides some insight into the WGN booth, but it is simply not the same as having Ronnie on the air. His mispronunciations and southern accent are my only complaints. When Pat takes his fifth inning break, I wish Judd Sirott would do the play-by-play and Keith would continue doing color, but they have it the other way around. Darrin Jackson, who played for both the Cubs and White Sox, was very popular when he was on TV with Hawk but unfortunately was demoted to the radio booth. I've always liked DJ.
Point: Darrin Jackson

CSN Pre/Post
Everyone love when Dan Plesac did the pregame and postgame shows for Comcast Sports Net, but Holly has stepped in and done just as good of a job. I like having David Kaplan with Holly this year. I find Bill Melton a bit on the boring side for the White Sox pre and post.
Point: Todd Hollandswoth

All and all I think that all eight broadcasters that we have in Chicago are very good. The only one who I do not care for is Hawk, but if he was a Cubs guy that might be different. Thoughts?

Game Preview: Cubs VS A's

The start of the baseball season is here at last! Today the Chicago Cubs take the field for the first time in 2011 as they battle the Oakland A's at HoHoKam Park in the Cactus League opener.

The Cubs will get a look at four different pitchers today. Carlos Zambrano will start the game and is expected to pitch two innings. Matt Garza will pitch for the first time in a Cubs uniform after Z leaves. Carlos Marmol and Jeff Samardzija will also work in the game.

Marmol is preparing for his second full season as the Cubs closer, while Samardzjia is trying to earn a job in the bullpen. Since Jeff is out of options, it is likely that he will end up with a spot in the 'pen. If Samardzija makes the pitching staff then five bullpen spots are locked up. Marmol will close, Kerry Wood and Sean Marshall will setup and John Grabow will pitch in middle relief. Whoever does not make the rotation between Andrew Cashner, Carlos Silva and Randy Wells will likely fill the sixth spot. The seventh rotation gig will probably belong to James Russell, but Scott Maine is also in the mix.

Other guys trying to earn a spot on the pitching staff include Todd Wellemyer, Braden Looper, Casey Coleman, Robert Coello, Thomas Diamond, Justin Berg and Esmalin Caridad.

Rain is expected in Mesa this morning, but it is supposed to clear up by game time. The weather is better than it is in the Chicago land area, but it is not hot. The high is just 53 degrees.

This game marks the start of a new era of Cubs Radio. Veteran play-by-play Pat Hughes enters his 16th season as the voice of the Cubs on WGN Radio. For the first time, Ron Santo will not sit next to Pat. Keith Moreland, who has filled in on TV and radio several times in the past, will start his career as the Cubs color commentator.

It all starts with Cubs Insider, hosted by David Kaplan at 1:00. Judd Sirott has Cubs Central Pregame at 1:30 leading up to the first pitch at 2:05. Trevor Cahill, who was an all-star last season, will start for the A's against Zambrano. Brad Ziegler, Joey Devine and Danny Farquhar are also expected to take the hill for Oakland.

Mike Quade starts his first full season as the manager of the Chicago Cubs today. Here is the lineup that he will run out there.
1. Kosuke, RF
2. Starlin Castro, SS
3. Marlon Byrd, CF
4. Aramis Ramirez, 3B
5. Carlos Pena, 1B
6. Alfonso Soriano, LF
7. Geovany Soto, C
8. Blake DeWitt, 2B
9. Carlos Zambrano, P

I cannot wait to hear Pat Hughes say the words, "Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air!"

Today I will be thinking about Ron Santo.

And for the first time this year...

"I don't care who wins as long as it's the Cubs!" -Bert Wilson

Breaking News: Keith Moreland Joins WGN Radio Broadcast Team

The Cubs and WGN Radio announced today that Keith Moreland take over for the late Ron Santo as Pat Hughes' partner in the WGN Radio broadcast booth. Moreland played for the Cubs in the 1980s at a variety of positions, mostly third base and outfield. Keith filled in for Bob Brenly and Ron Santo several times past few years.

Pat and Keith's first game together is just over a week away. It will be Sunday Feb. 27 at 2:00 as the Cubs meet the Oakland A's in the Cactus League opener. Moreland was a broadcaster for the Texas Longhorns, but he says that he will be fully committed to the Cubs.

According to the poll on the right sidebar, 70% of you were hoping for Dave Otto. Moreland's contract is for three years.

I think Keith will do a fine job. It is going to be tough all season hearing someone else work with Pat. The Pat & Ron Show was something very, very special that will never be duplicated. I will continue to miss Ron Santo for every day the rest of my life.

Keith joined Pat, Dave Eanet and Mike McConnell on WGN Radio today:

• Moreland is very excited, but he hates to be sitting in this seat because he cannot replace Ron Santo.
• Pat congratulated his new partner.
• Keith says that this is a day that he will never forget. He is excited to come back to the Cubs.
• Hughes told Moreland that the new guy pays for lunch until the All Star Break.
• Moreland started his broadcasting career on WGN Radio doing a show with Bob Collins and doing some Bears talk.
• He explained how his nickname Zonk got started when he was in the minor leagues. He was called Zonk after Larry Zonka because nobody could tackle him when they played games at the hotel pool.
• Moreland feels like he is a Cub. Playing as a Cub was an incredible experience for him.
• The love affair with the Cubs started in 1984.
• Zonk will never forget the Ryne Sandberg game. That is one game that stands out from his career.
• He believes that the Cubs will win the World Series in his lifetime. "It's going to happen," he said.
• Hughes is looking forward to the start of the new season, which is just 11 days away.
• Pat thinks that the Reds, Cardinals and Brewers will be considered the favorites, but the Cubs could surprise a lot of people.
• Moreland is also optimistic about the team's chances.
• Leaving Texas and going to the Cubs makes it feel like Keith is going from one family to another.
• Keith wants to have fun in the booth and bring his Southern style to the booth.
• He called Pat a Hall of Fame broadcaster.
• Hughes expects Cubs radio broadcasts to continue to be fun. If Moreland spills his soap on his pants, Pat will have to report it.
• A couple years ago when Keith subbed for Bob Brenly it was his first night game at Wrigley.

That's it for now, I'll keep you posted!

Cubs Radio Analyst Breakdown: Dave Otto VS Keith Moreland

According to multiple sources, the Cubs are down to two for their new radio color guy. Either Dave Otto or Keith Moreland will join Pat Hughes in the booth in 2011.

With the first Spring Training broadcast only 25 days away, the announcement will have to made soon. Most likely, WGN Radio and the Cubs would like to give whoever gets the job a chance to prepare for the season before the season starts. I would expect this to be over with in the next two weeks.

Keith Moreland

• Age: 56
• Birthday: May 2
• Grew up: in Texas
• Playing Career: 1978-1989 (Phillies, Cubs, Tigers, Orioles)
• Cubs Career: 1982-1987
• Positions: OF, 3B, C
• Broadcast Experience: Color for Texas Longhorns baseball and football broadcast, filled in for Ron Santo and Bob Brenly several times during 2009 and 2010 seasons.
• Pre/Post: Has not done any interviews yet on the Cubs broadcasts that he has been on.

Dave Otto

• Age: 46
• Birthday: Nov. 12
• Grew Up: In Illinois
• Playing Career: 1987-1994 (A's, Indians, Pirates, Cubs)
• Cubs Career: 36 games in 1994
• Position: LHP
• Broadcast Experience: Has been doing fill in work on radio for over ten years... Joined Chip Carray during Steve Stone's two year absence on TV from 2001-2002... primary fill-in for Santo on WGN Radio... occasional fill-in for Brenly on TV
• Pre/Post: Good interviewing skills... often does pregame interviews when he fills in on radio... host of sessions at Cubs Convention... occasional fill-in for Todd Hollandsworth on CSN pregame

Vote for who you would prefer on the right sidebar of our mainpage!

WGN Radio Spring Training Schedule Released

WGN Radio has announced their broadcast schedule for Cubs Spring Training! The first game is just four weeks from tomorrow! Pat Hughes will have the call, and according to a report from the Tribune, the field has been narrowed down to two for Ron Santo's replacement. Unless things change, either Dave Otto or Keith Moreland will join Pat. The announcement will be made before the first broadcast.

Here is the broadcast schedule. Pregame with Judd Sirott starts 35 minutes before game time. All game are in Mesa unless otherwise noted. All times CT.

• Sun Feb. 27 VS Oakland 2:05
• Mon Feb. 28 VS Milwaukee 2:05
• Sat March 5 VS San Diego 2:05
• Sat March 6 VS LAD (ss) 2:05
• Sat March 12 VS Cincinnati 2:05
• Sat March 19 VS San Diego 3:05
• Sun March 20 VS San Francisco 3:05
• Mon March 21 VS Cincinnati 3:05
• Sat March 26 VS Texas 3:05
• Sun March 27 VS Colorado 3:05
• Tues March 29 VS Arizona 3:05

The TV schedule for Spring Training should be out in the next week or two.

It will be bitter sweet when Pat says "Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air!" on Feb. 28, because his partner will not be with him. It will never be the same again.

Who will sit next to Pat Hughes in 2011?

It is a tough discussion to have, because nobody can replace Ron Santo. However, somebody will have to serve as the color man on WGN Radio next season. Let us break down the candidates.

Dave Otto
Since retiring from baseball, the former left handed reliever has been a frequent fill-in on both TV and radio broadcasts. Dave joined Chip Caray on Fox Sports Net in 2001 and 2002 during Steve Stone's two year absence. Otto has been filling in for Ron Santo often since 2003. He pitched for the A's, Indians, Pirates and spent one seasons ('94) with the Cubs. Many, including Steve Stone, feel like Dave is the frontrunner to take over the gig.

Todd Hollandsworth
The ex-outfielder has been the pre- and post- game analyst on CSN for the past two seasons. He also fills in for Bob Brenly from time to time, and frequently appears on radio programs to talk Cubs. Holly played on the North Side in 2004 and 2005. He also spent time with the Dodgers, Rockies, Rangers, Marlins, Braves, Indians and Reds. Holly said on 670 The Score last week that he has "thrown his hat into the arena" for the radio job.

Keith Moreland
Keith might have the most on-air experience out of any of the candidates. He has been the color man for college baseball and football at the University of Texas on the radio for several years. He has also spent time pinch hitting for Ron Santo or Bob Brenly the past two or three seasons. Moreland was a Cubs outfielder from 1982 to 1987. He also played for the Phillies, Padres, Tigers and Orioles. The question with Keith is whether or not he is willing to give up his positions at the University to travel for six month out of the year. His commitment to his alma mater has always been important to him.

Dan Plesac
The only hurtle with Dan could be a contract with the MLB Network, where he is currently an analyst. Plesac lives in the Chicago land area, so a position closer to home than the MLB Network studio in New Jersey would be welcome. Before joining MLBN, Dan was the pre- and postgame show man on Comcast Sports Net. He also appeared on Chicago Tribune Live covering the Cubs and White Sox. A reliever for the Cubs in 1993 and 1994, Dan could be a good match for Pat Hughes. His corky personality would compliment Pat's dry sense of humor.

Mark Grace
Although many fans would love a return to Chicago for a Cubs legend, Grace leaving a TV position for a spot on the radio is unlikely. He seems happy in Arizona and will likely remain there. Mark also does FOX games on Saturdays. There is some mixed reaction among fans as to whether or not he is a good broadcaster. Again, Mark is a candidate that will most likely NOT take Ron's chair.

Judd Sirott
There is also a small chance that the Cubs will go in a different direction with their radio booth. In Milwakee, the Brewers use two play-by-play men instead of a color guy. Bob Uecker does six innings and former Cubs pregames show host Cory Provus does the other three. If the WGN Radio does not feel like it is right to replace Ronnie, they may have Pat call the game solo and then have him take 2-3 innings off where Judd does play-by-play. It is also possible that Judd will just replace Ron and do eight innings of color and one of play-by-play. However, it is unlikely that the station will chose to go without a former player in the booth.

Other Options
Eric Karros, Cory Provus, Andy Masur, Randy Hundley and Rick Suttcliffe

Thoughts? I'll have a poll up on this topic later in the week.

Series Preview: Cubs VS Rockies

Update 4:40 CT- Bobby Howry has been released by the Cubs. He was let go to make room for Carlos Zambrano on the roster, who if officially reinstated according a tweet from Carrie Muskat.

The Cubs are set to begin a three game series in Colorado tonight. The big story though is the fact that that the Major League Baseball trade deadline is less than 24 hours away. Will Hendry make a move our will the Cubs roster still be intact by the second game of this set tomorrow night?

The Cubbies still cannot figure out how to beat the terrible teams in the NL Central. They dropped two of three to the Astros earlier in the week, losing a series to the 'Stros for the second week in a row. They must win this series in order to salvage a decent road trip.

Lou's crew comes in with a 46-56 record, ten games under .500. They have dropped back to fourth place in the Central, 10.5 behind the first place Reds. They are looking to get back in the win column tonight after back-to-back losses Tuesday and Wednesday before Thursday's off day. The Cubs are 20-29 away from Wrigley.

The Rockies are not exactly riding high either. They have lost eight of their last nine to fall out of the NL West picture. As it stands going into action tonight, Colorado has a 52-50 overall mark, which puts them in fourth in the West. They are 9 games in back of the Padres.

Colorado topped Pittsburgh yesterday 9-3 to end and eight game losing streak. They are a cold team, but they're getting healthy as players are starting to return from injuries. The Rockies coaching staff includes several guys with Cubs connections like first base coach Glenallen Hill (Cubs outfielder '93-'94, '98-'99), hitting coach Don Baylor (Cubs manager 2000-'02), and
manager Jim Tracy (made his MLB debut as a player with the Cubs in 1980).

Other than the trade deadline, the big story this weekend is the return of Carlos Zambrano. Big Z has been on the restricted list with his anger issues since a dugout explosion in a mid-June game against the White Sox. The media will be all over Zambrano, who is expected to meet with his team and talk about the incident.

Here is Carlos' minor league rehab recap:
1 IP, 0 H, 0 R in only outing with Mesa Cubs
1 IP, 2 H, 0 R in July 22 outing with Iowa Cubs
2 IP, 1 H, 0 R in July 24 outing with Iowa Cubs
1 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 3 ER in July 27 outing with Iowa Cubs

The Cubs will have to make a move in order to make room for Zambrano on the roster. There is a chance that Bobby Howry will be let go of, but most likely Brian Schlitter or Justin Berg will head back to Iowa.

The Cubs have had success against Colorado this season. They swept a brief two game set at Wrigley May 17-18. This is the only trip to Coors Field that the Cubs make all year, it is the final set between the two teams, and a win tonight could assure the Cubs a season series victory.

Game 1: Friday at 8:10 CT
Cubs Starting Pitcher: Ryan Dempster, RHP (8-7, 3.71 ERA)
Rockies Starting Pitcher: Jeff Francis, LHP (3-3, 4.56 ERA)
TV/Radio: WGN-TV/WGN Radio

Game 2: Saturday at 7:10 CT
Cubs Starting Pitcher: Tom Gorzelanny, LHP (6-5, 3.22 ERA)
Rockies Starting Pitcher: Jason Hammel, RHP (7-6, 4.34 ERA)
TV/Radio: WGN-TV/WGN Radio

Game 3: Sunday at 2:10 CT
Cubs Starting Pitcher: Carlos Silva, RHP (10-4, 3.76 ERA)
Rockies Starting Pitcher: Jorge De La Rosa, LHP (3-3, 5.15 ERA)
TV/Radio: CSN/WGN Radio

Ron Santo is not on this road trip, but his health if fine and he is resting at home. Keith Moreland did a great job of pinch hitting on the WGN Radio broadcast in Houston. Most likely either Davd Otto or Judd Sirott will join Pat Hughes for this series.

I will update this post if any news breaks.

Let's finish out the month strong!

Monday Roundup: 3 Straight Losses, Lineup Changes, Rotation Decisions, and More

Lineup Tinkering
Tonight the Cubs tried out their new lineup that will take the field against left handed hitters. The changes didn't pay off as the Cubs hitters scored just 1 run in a 6-2 loss. Here is the Cubs new look batting order VS LHP:
1. Marlon Byrd, CF
2. Jeff Baker, 2B
3. Derrek Lee, 1B
4. Xavier Nady, RF
5. Aramis Ramirez, 3B
6. Alfonso Soriano, LF
7. Geovany Soto, C
8. Ryan Theriot, SS

Santo Out Sick
Cubs WGN Radio color man Ron Santo missed the game at Wrigley on Friday and Saturday because of a heart problem that led to a trip to the hospital. Santo was back at the ballpark on Sunday and was feeling a lot better. However, he did not make the trip to New York to play it safe. Ronny is not much of a fan of New York anyways. Keith Moreland will join Pat Hughes for all four games in this series.

Lilly Set to Return
Ted Lilly worked 7 innings and gave up just 1 run to lead Class A Peoria to a 2-1 win in his final rehab start before he makes his 2010 Cubs debut. They lefty is schedule to go at Miller Park next weekend.

Soriano Drops Hop
Alfonso Soriano is planning to get rid of his signature hop. He has finally relized that this makes is handed to catch the baseball. Let's hope this helps his defense improve!

Caridad to Extended Spring Training
Esmalin Caridad will head out to Mesa to work with the Cubs Extended Spring Training team on a rehab assignment. Esmalin is on the 15-day DL with a right forearm issue.

Big Z to the Bullpen
Gordon Wittenmyer tweeted early that Lou Piniella has left the door open for one of his top 3 starters to leave the rotation when Lilly returns. At this point, sending Wells or Dempster to the bullpen would not make sense, so Gordon speculated that Zambrano could be moved to the pen. Most likely, either Carlos Silva or Tom Gorzelanny will lost their rotation spot. Gorzo threw on Monday for the first time since being removed from Saturday's game after being nailed with a liner.

Bullpen Struggles
When Lilly is activated, the Cubs will have one pitcher too many. Jeff Samardzija has been pitching poorly and could be in jeopardy of losing his bullpen job. Jeff Gray could also be sent back to AAA Iowa. If Gorzelanny is sent to the bullpen, the Cubs may want to keep four right handers so James Russell may be shipped out.

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted!

More Dawson Reaction

The guys talked about Dawson on Chicago Tribune Live. Fred Mitchell called the "blank contract" good theatre for the beat writers because contract negotiations were usually behind closed doors. This made good stories for the journalists. Dawson and the Cubs finally reached a contract despite some difficulties. Andre new he wanted to play in Chicago. He loved day baseball and playing on the grass in the big city. Fred said at the time "it seemed too go to be true" for the Cubs fans when a player of Dawson's caliber played for the Cubs for $500,000. Steve Stone joined the guys to talk about the Hawk:

• Dawson epitomized what you what of a Major League Baseball player.
• He can represent your team well on and off the field.
• Stone called Andre's first year with the Cubs magnificent. It was unfortunate that the team still finished lost.
• Steve doesn't think Dawson would have done "some of the things that the players in the 90s did" even if Hawk played during that time period.
• The only thing that Rice did better than Andre was pure hitting, but every aspect of The Hawk's game was sensational.
• Fred and Steve liked the facts that Dawson did the little thing. Stoney said, "He would do everything he could to help the team win."
• In the 1989 playoffs, Andre couldn't put any weight on one leg but still played.
• "Let's hope there's a Cub cap on Andre's head when he goes in," well said by Stone.

Andre Dawson had his live press conference earlier today in New York City. Here are some notes:

• Jack O'Connell, the BBWAA treasurer, spoke highly of Dawson. He is the 109th player elected to the Hall of Fame. "Today he is second to none," he said.
• This year was the first time they had a third recount because the voting was so close.
• Jeff Idelson, the Hall of Fame president, said that one of every 100 MLB players make it to Cooperstown. The Ford C. Frick award (by the way) will be announced February 1.
• Idelson said they called Andre "the manager's dream".
• Next Jeff put Dawson's jersey and cap on him for the final time. (They were the National Baseball Hall of Fame jersey and cap).
• Dawson made the following brief remark prior to the Q&A session- "I must say that the last 24 hours have been very emotional and quite overwhelming. Upon my retirement in 1996, after 20 years of Major League Baseball, there was one other uniform I wanted to put on, and it was this one." Then he thanked the BBWAA saying that he is enthusiastic and excited beyond words.
• Once Andre had the left knee done, his right knee felt a great deal better. The announcement of what cap he would be made later in the day, according to Dawson at this time. Idelson said that the final decision will be made by the HOF, but they always consider what the player wants.
• Andre worked very hard at both offense and defense, but he is move enthusiastic about the Gold Gloves.
• "Yeah they got a pretty good deal," he said when asked about the famous blank contract.
• He wanted to play in the United States and get off the turf in Montreal. It was not about the money for Dawson, it was about his love of the game.
• Andre made the offer to two teams, Atlanta and the Cubs. The Cubs were his first choice.
• Dallas Green was shocked when Dawson took the $500,000 contract.
• If he would have stayed in Montreal, his career would have been a lot shorter. Andre was happy to get the chance to play at both Wrigley Field and Fenway Park.
• Dawson didn't like playing in the American League. He wasn't a fan of being the DH, and he realized that he better retire before someone had to carry him off the field.
• The person who had the greatest influence on his baseball career was his grandmother. She was the one who made him go to college instead of straight into the big leagues.
• Andre was a little more optimistic this year because he had no one left in front of him to hurtle, but you can't be too certain. He new that the only possible first ballot guy was Alomar and there had never been a year when nobody went in.
• Today would have been his mother's birthday. She died in 2006. Dawson thought of his mother a lot yesterday while waiting to find out whether or not he was going into the Hall. He visited her grave sight prior to getting home for "the phone call".
• Dawson is grateful that both the Expos and Cubs gave them the chance to play for them. He got his start with the Expos, but playing at Wrigley Field was "amazing" and it "rejuvenated his career". The way the Cubs fans embraced him the first year propelled him to win the MVP award.
• Andre thinks he owes the Cubs' organization a lot.
• He played in Montreal for ten years and had a wonderful time there.
• Dawson admitted that he had "a very painful career (because of his knee)". The problem started with a high school football injury. He had to take medicine "almost daily".
• The Hawk focused on his work ethic to get past the injury.
• He doesn't regret not making it the the World Series, but that's pretty much was you work for every year. He was on teams that were a player or two short of getting to that.

Len Kasper was on the Danny Mac Show today:

• Kasper called Dawson "a class act". He always acted like he had been there before, he never treated a home run like it was his first. The Hawk only had a few "blow ups" and they were understandable.
• You have to put his numbers in context with his era. He was just before the steroid era.
• Andre doing it naturally, being a great teammate, and the knee thing could have all factored in to some votes.
• Mac says "honestly as a baseball fan I don't care whether the guy is nice or not". Mac doesn't think the BBWAA writers should have given Roberto Alomar a "slap on the wrist" for the spitting an the umpire thing.
• Len doesn't think it will take anything from Dawson as a Cub if he goes in with an Expos hat on. Trying to be objective, Kasper said that he thinks The Hawk is an Expo first.
• Andre could keep the Expoes dream alive! The guys joked that they never knew that the odd looking letter on the hat was an M.
• Kasper agrees that it should be the Hall's choice. He would be surprised if it is not an Expos hat.
• Len talked more about the Len & Bob Bash for Cubs charities. This will be the fourth year of the bash. Kasper and B.B. will get up on stage, and Matt (Mac) from 670 will get up there as well. You can still get tickets to the event, which will kick off the Cubs Convention.
• The discussion turned to the Cubs offseason. Kasper thinks Marlon Byrd will play really good defense. He's not a great hitter, but he is a good hitter. If he's healthy, he'll be fine. The Cubs need help "up the middle".
• Kasper thinks chemistry comes from winning, not the other way around. The clubhouse was weird with Bradley last year, but not bad.
• When teams are bad, it's no fun to be in the clubhouse whether you love everybody or not.
• Tyler Colvin is "a forth or fifth outfielder if he's a major leaguer at this point".
• Len thinks this team can do it in 2010.
• Patience is a virtue during this offseason. There are going to be solid guys who sign minor league contracts because of the economy. Len would be shocked if Jim doesn't add a veteran type guy for cheap who can compete for the rotation. A caller motioned Ben Sheets.

Keith Moreland joined Waddle and Silvy today to talk about the Hawk and college football. We'll focus on the former of those two topics:

• At some point, Zonk thinks Lee Smith will be a Hall of Famer as well.
• Dawson really understands the game of baseball. He will steal a base when you need him too.
• Andre was the best high ball hitter that Keith has ever seen. The only one close is Albert Pujols.
• Moreland says that there's no doubt that Roberto Alomar will be in. Keith thinks it is totally wrong that 5 voters turned in their ballots completely empty.

That's it for now, I'll keep you posted on Everything Cubs as always!