Radio Recaps: Perez and Quade on Sports Central

Update: Robert Coello traded to the Cubs. More info at bottom of post.

Cubs outfielder Fernando Perez joined Judd Sirott and Glen Kozlowski on Sports Central this past weekend:

• Perez had to learn how to simulate baseball in some very odd environments playing baseball at Columbia.
• He got kicked out of the gym at one time in college for PE tennis. Fernando was trying to get some extra hitting in just before the draft.
• "Garza was the throw in," Perez said (referring to his trade to the Cubs).
• When Fernando called Matt to talk to him about the trade, Garza had no idea that he was included.
• He is excited to train in Arizona for the first time. He hears that it is a big upgrade over Florida.
• Perez was excited to meet Carlos Zambrano. He is a huge Zambrano fan and his entire family loves Alfonso Soriano. Perez wore 12 for Sori for a year in college.
• He met most of the guys at the convention very briefly.
• Fernando does not have a lot of autographs, but at some point he may ask for Alfonso's.
• Perez does not plan on singing during Cubs Idol.
• Carlos Pena is very kid friendly. He is a guy "you really, really root for."
• Having two teammates come with him will help ease the transition. He is looking forward to meeting a bunch of new teammates this spring.

Mike Quade joined Koz and Memolo on Sunday to preview Spring Training:

• Quade is hoping for more of what he got for his team the last two months of 2010.
• Mike's job is to continue to build respect for himself as a manager and make his expectations clear to his players.
• He does not care whether or not there is a huge following at the start of Spring Training. He is fine with things being more quiet around the team, but he is not sure if it helps or not.
• Q thinks that this team has a lot of improvement to make before the start of the season.
• Mike thinks that chemistry matters. The Cubs have added two good people in Pena and Garza.
• He called Perez "a sleeper" who he is excited to see play.
• Fernando is a bright kid, and Mike would like to think he is a hungry kid. Koz is pulling for this kid to make the team out of Spring Training.
• Guys who can have success in a division like the American League East should be able to handle the atmosphere of Wrigley Field.
• Quade has not idea where players will hit in the batting order at this point. Mike is not sure how many at-bats Tyler Colvin will get this season.
• He is expecting big things from Colvin this season. He would like to see improvement on his solid 2010 season.
• The Cubs are going to give Tyler some time at first base so that they have a backup when Pena needs a day off.
• If this team is going to have success, it will have to pitch well. Garza, Dempster and Z all need to have really good years. Those three guys are going to anchor the rotation.
• The Cubs need Aramis Ramirez to flat out hit.

Update 5:00 pm

Add another name to the competition for spots in the Cubs bullpen. The Boston Red Sox have traded right handed reliever Robert Coello to the Cubs. In return, minor league infielder Tony Thomas is sent the other way. Coello made his big league debut last season, pitching in only six games. He will be added to the 40-man roster, which will stand at 39.

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.