Cubs Convention Day 1: Woody Returns

The 2012 Cubs Convention kicked off early this evening at the Hilton Chicago! It is my fourth year attending the Convention and with each one comes new story lines a lots of entertainment. The Convention officially started with the Opening Ceremonies in the Grand Ballroom at 5:00 today.

Pat Hughes once again served as the master of ceremonies. He introduced Tom Ricketts, who spoke on behalf of his family and the entire organization. Then Wayne Messmer performed the National Anthem.

After that, Pat introduced Cubs players of yesteryear, minor leaguers, front office personal, coaches, broadcasters and current players one-by-one. There was a warm reception for most. Crane Kenney received the loudest boos. Tom Ricketts and Starlin Castro both received mostly cheers with some boos mixed in, while Alfonso Soriano received about half and half.

After Hughes introduced Randy Wells he waited a moment and then said the words, "We have some breaking news." At that instant 90% of the fans in the room new what was about to happen. They erupted into loud applause and started chanting "Kerry! Kerry!"

"I'd like to introduce the Cubs newest acquisition... and the name does sound familiar. Welcome back Kerry Wood!" Pat finished. The fan favorite signed a one year deal to remain with the North Siders today. Woody's introduction was a very special moment.

This year's ceremonial first pitches of the Convention were tossed out by new Cubs skipper Dale Sveum and president Theo Epstein. After the Convention wrapped up, Cubs fans went on the Autograph Treasure Hunt. Among the people signing autographs were Milt Pappas, Randy Hundley, Eric Young, Milt Pappas, Rick Monday and Jose Cardenal.

WGN Sports Night live from the Convention started at 7:00 and ran until about 9:15. Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer and Tom Ricketts spent the first hour of the show chatting with David Kaplan, Brian Noonan and Andrea Darlas. The trio was very informative and all three will appear during various sessions tomorrow. Dale Sveum, Chris Bosio and Rudy Jaramillo joined the guys for a half an hour, followed by Bob Brenly and Todd Hollandswoth. The remote was rounded out by Bill Buckner from 9-9:15.

Theo Epstein supporters were all over the place today. The Cubs fans are rallying behind their new leader and are excited about his approach. Various t-shirts and signs with Theo slogans were on display today.

This year's Convention is a sell out. The event has been sold out 26 of its 27 years... the only year it did not sell out was last year.

Tomorrow will be a full day of sessions! I'll have a recap tomorrow night!

What are Cubs fans Thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving Cubs fans! I hope everyone has a great day eating, giving thanks, watching football and being with their families.

Every year here on Everything Cubs Blog, we take a look at a list of things that Cubs fans have to be thankful for. Although the Boys in Blue are coming off back-to-back losing seasons, there are still a lot of factors that make it a good time to be a Cubs fan.

• Tom Ricketts was able to bring Theo Epstein to Chicago.


• The 2012 Cubs will feature a new president, general manager and manager.


• Dale Sveum does not sound like he will put up with guys like Starlin Castro, Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Zambrano slacking. Sveum wants to crack down on Castro's defense.


• Only two months until the Cubs Convention.


• Just three months until Spring Training.


• A week from Monday is the Ron Santo Hall of Fame announcement... maybe #10 will finally make it in.


• You cannot get your Cubs fix all winter long as CSN Chicago has added a Hot Stove show covering the Cubs and White Sox on Tuesday nights.


• Baseball's Winter Meetings are just over a week away and the Cubs are poised to make some moves.


• It sounds as if Kerry Wood will return next season.


• All baseball fans can be thankful that a new CBA has been reached and that the NBA is the only sport facing a lockout.


• The Cubs have some solid prospects at the minor league level, led by Brett Jackson.


• The Cubs have one of the best play-by-play men in all of baseball, Pat Hughes.


• Matt Garza, Starlin Castro and Darwin Barney.

Once again, have a happy Thanksgiving Cubs fans!!!

Ron Santo Baseball Voices CD Set for Release

Baseball Voices, a series of audio tributes to legendary broadcasters put together by Cubs play-by-play man Pat Hughes, has released its latest CD. Hughes longtime partner and Cubs legend Ron Santo, who passed away last December, is honored in a CD.

The tribute to Ron is set next Tuesday, Nov. 22. It is available for pre-order on the Baseball Voices website. The CD all about #10 is the tenth installment in the Baseball Voices series.

The cost per CD is $14.95. Here is a list of the tracks included-
1. Open
2. Intro
3. Cubs Legend
4. Itching
5. Hairpiece
6. Sno(u)t
7. Cough Button
8. Fashion-Food Cop
9. Marketing Guru
10. Cage Dancing
11. Mixed Up Mix Up
12. 1998
13. Let Them Eat Cake
14. Yogart Overboard
15. Al Fonseca
16. Damn Hankies
17. Munsters/Addams Family?
18. Booth Bugs
19. That is My Hall of Fame
20. Credits

I have already ordered my copy and cannot way to listen to it!

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

Remembering Ronnie Roundup: 10-13-11

While we are waiting for the official announcement, let's take a break from all the Theo Epstein talk for our monthly Remembering Ronnie Roundup, the section of the blog where we honor Cubs legend Ron Santo.

Ronnie's Walk
The Ron Santo Walk to Cure Diabetes took place on October 2. It was the 33rd annual event but the third since Santo's death last December. Click here for a photo gallery of the walk from WGN Radio. The 2011 walk was held in six different locations throughout the Chicagoland area. Click here for the official thank you message from the JDRF website.

Baseball Voices CD
The next big date on the Ron Santo calender is coming next month with the release of Pat Hughes' Baseball Voices CD featuring Ronnie. Pat and Ron teamed up in the WGN Radio booth for 15 great years. The CD is sure to produce a lot of laughs. It is expected to be released by Thanksgiving.

Ford C. Frick Finalists Announced
Both Pat Hughes and Ron Santo were up for the fans vote for Ford C. Frick Award finalists, but neither cracked the ballot that the 20 member committee will vote on. The ten finalists are Skip Caray, Rene Cardenas, Tom Cheek, Ken Coleman, Jacques Doucet, Bill King, Tim McCarver, Graham McNamee, Eric Nadel and Mike Shannon. The winner will be announced on December 6.

Baseball HOF Vote
The aforementioned Veterans' Committee voting results will be announced at the Winter Meetings in December as well. Santo needs 12 of the 16 votes to be elected. According to an article by Rob Neyer this summer, "It seems likely that at least one candidate will get the necessary 12 votes. It's probably Ron Santo's turn, finally. You know, just in time for the first anniversary of his death. When he should have been elected 30 years ago."

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

Ron Santo Day: August 10, 2011

We'll I've been posting about this day since January. With the poor play seen by the team on the field this season, one of my main goals here on Everything Cubs Blog has been to honor Cubs legend Ron Santo.

I think it is evident based on all of my posts, but Ronnie meant so much to me and so many other people. He was such a unique, caring, funny and tough person. To go through everything he went through with diabetes, be a nine time All-Star thirdbaseman, be an entertaining broadcaster, do charitable work for JDRF and be so kind, it takes an incredible man.

Visit the posts labeled Ron Santo section on my blog to read all my memories of Ronnie. I miss him every time I turn on the radio during the Cubs game.

Today, the Ron Santo statue unveiling will take place at 5:30pm Central Time at the corner of Addison and Sheffield. Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins, Ernie Banks, Randy Hundly, Glen Beckert, Milt Pappas, Pat Hughes, Ron's family, the Ricketts family and more will be involved in the dedication. It should be interesting to see what the statue looks like. Hughes has narrowed it down to three possibilities: a) Ron fielding b) Ron hitting c) Ron's hairpiece catching on fire!

The statue unveiling will be broadcast live in its entirety on CLTV with clips shown on the WGN-TV News. Live coverage will also air on WGN Radio at 5:30.

Don't forget that Cubs Corner, a Ron Santo special, will air on WGN Radio today at noon. Hosts Dave Eanet, Brian Noonan and Andrea Darlas will be joined by Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins and Pat Hughes. From 1-3 on WGN-720, Nick Digillio will have Santo memories and broadcasting highlights!

Ron Santo Junior joined Greg Jarrett and Dave Eanet this morning on WGN Radio, while Len Kasper stopped by to talk about Ronnie yesterday. Click here for the page that includes both uncut podcasts.

Everything Cubs blog will forever honor Ronnie with his picture on the right sidebar. Our posts about Ron will not end today. Tomorrow I'll recap all the events and then we will return with Remembering Ronnie Roundups once a month for the rest of 2011.

More Ron Santo Day Notes

We're learning more and more about Ron Santo Day, which is officially this week! I'm looking so forward to Wednesday!!! I will update this post if any additional information becomes available today. Update 2pm CT: According to several reports, the ceremony starts at 5:25pm Central Time on Wednesday evening.

• The Santo family will be singing the 7th Inning Streach on Wednesday, according to Len and Bob's Blog. Pat Hughes is the guest conductor today.


• WGN-TV will be broadcasting the game against the Nationals. Ron Santo: In His Own Words will air starting at 6:30 leading up to the contest.


• I mentioned a few days ago that Hughes did a great interview with Vineline. You can read part of it on the Vineline Cubs Blog!


• Click here for yesterday's Ron Santo post or here for Thursday's Remembering Ronnie Roundup.

I will update throughout the day if anything comes up. I'll be posting several more small posts Monday and Tuesday leading up to Ron Santo Day, with a large post Wednesday morning and another one to recap the day sometime on Thursday.

Counting Down to Ron Santo Day

While the Cubs continue their best stretch of play this season, we continue our week long preview of Ron Santo Day, which is coming up on Wednesday at Wrigley. Ronnie would have loved this Cubs winning streak, by the way.

WGN Radio Sports Director Dave Eanet was on the Cubs broadcast today, sitting in for Pat Hughes. He had some addition information about next Wednesday. The statue will be unveiled at the corner of Addison and Sheffield. The ceremony will be carried live on WGN 720. The time has been in question and we are still waiting for an official confirmation, but Eanet said, "I believe it starts at 5:30, if I'm not mistaken."

WGN Radio will also have Cubs Corner to talk about Ronnie on Wednesday afternoon starting at noon. Ernie Banks has been added to the panel, which will also include Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins and Pat Hughes.

I will update with any additional information on Wednesday's slate as we approach the day!

Remembering Ronnie Roundup: 8-4-11

A big event is coming up at Wrigley Field next Wednesday with the unveiling and dedication of the statue in honor of Cubs legend Ron Santo, who passed away last December.

For full details, click here for last week's Remembering Ronnie Roundup. That post also talks about the Ron Santo golf outing, book, a WGN Radio special and more. The time for the ceremony has not yet officially been announced. One report said that it would take place fairly early (between 1:30 and 4:30), but I'm hearing 5:30, which seems to make more sense. I will update as soon as I hear a confirmed time.

According to WGN-TV, the Cubs will give $10 to JDRF for each bleacher and terrace reserve outfield ticket purchased online for August 10 when you type JDRF as the special coupon code. WGN-TV says that Fergie Jenkins, Billy Williams and Ernie Banks will all be a part of the pregame ceremonies that night.

I recommend getting your hands on the August issue of Vineline. There is a great interview with Pat Hughes about Ronnie. In the upcoming events and promotions section, next Wednesday was listed as Ron Santo Day. Here is what Vineline has about 8/10:
The Cubs are pulling out all the stops to honor legendary third baseman and broadcaster Ron Santo. Festivities will include the dedication of a new statue, Wrigley Field's fourth, that will be unveiled prior to the game.

The Ron Santo Baseball Voices CD, produced by Pat Hughes, is also on the horizon. According to the Baseball Voices Facebook page, the CD will be released before Thanksgiving!

Lifesource is putting on a Ron Santo Memorial Blood Drive. If you give blood on August 10, you will receive a free copy of the great book Ron Santo: A Perfect Ten. Click here for more information.

There will be much more information released about Ron Santo Day in the next week, and we'll have it all right here on Everything Cubs Blog. Please keep checking back!

Remembering Ronnie Roundup: 7-27-11

Here on Everything Cubs Blog we continue to honor the late Ron Santo for his great career with the Cubs as both a player and a broadcaster. Here are the latest news and notes regarding #10.

Ron Santo Golf Outing
The Ron Santo golf outing to benefit JDRF took place Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer, IL on Monday. Many members of the Cubs organization spent their off day golfing for Ronnie. Sean Marshall, Darwin Barney, Ryan Dempster and Kerry Wood were among the players who attended. Click here for video from last year's event, or click here for John Williams' interview with Pat Hughes and Vicki Santo on WGN Radio from Monday.

Ron Santo: A Perfect Ten
Remember, there is a great book out about Ron Santo! You can order your copy on ronsantobook.com. Click here for my book review from VFTB.

Countdown to August 10: 14 Days
Two weeks from today the Ron Santo statue will be unveiled at Wrigley Field. That night the Cubs will take on the Nationals at 7:05. Expect lots of Santo coverage the day of the statue unveiling. So far, we know that WGN Radio will honor Ronnie with a special edition of Cubs Corner from Noon to 1:00 Central Time. Tickets for the luncheon are $50 for adults and $25 for children and include a lunch at Wildfire Chicago, the restaurant hosting the event. Dave Eanet and Brian Noonan will chat with Santo's partner Pat Hughes and former teammates Fergie Jenkins and Ernie Banks during the live broadcast.

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted as we draw closer to August 10!

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?

Remembering Ronnie Roundup: Reviewing the Ron Santo Book

This past week I have been reading the book Ron Santo: A Perfect Ten, which I finished today. I don't want to spoil the book but I definitely recommend it for any Cubs fans. Author Rich Wolfe teamed up with Ron's partner Pat Hughes to write the book, which was action a collection of stories from those that knew Santo best. Family members, fellow broadcasters and childhood friends are among those that wrote sections of the novel.

On a scale of 1-10, I'd give a perfect ten. There were over 20 people that were interviewed who did not make the book. Wolfe is going to try to include their memories of Ronnie in his next book, For Cub Fans Only, Volume 3. Former teammates such as Ernie Banks, Randy Hundley, Glenn Beckert, Fergie Jenkins and Don Kessinger were among those cut. Fans are encouraged to send their interesting Ron Santo stories to printedpage@cox.net.

Pat Hughes shared his memories during the first chapter of the book. He retold all of his favorite stories and added a few new ones in. Kerry Wood wrote the second section, followed by Ronnie's family members. My favorite section was probably the one written by producer engineer Matt Boltz, who spent ten years with Ronnie in the WGN Radio booth. Boltzy, who looked at Santo as a father figure, had a very unique perspective that previously went untold.

Santo's sister, ex-wife, men's softball teammate and childhood friend all told unique stories as well. John McDonough of the Blackhawks and David Kaplan of WGN Radio described some of the pranks that they would play on Ronnie in the mid-'90s. Other former booth mates such as Bob Brenly, Thom Brennamen, Cory Provus, Judd Sirott and Andy Masur had great tales to tell as well.

The forward was written by Ron Santo, Jr. and titled Namesakes are People Two. The book can be ordered at ronsantobook.com or by visiting a Chicagoland Jewel or Binny's Beverage Depot. I was sad to finish it, but there are still several more Remembering Ronnie dates on our calender to keep in mind:
August 10, 2011- the statue goes up at Wrigley
This Fall- Jeff Santo releases an updated version of This Old Cub.
This Winter- Baseball Voices CD of Ronnie released by Pat Hughes

That's it for now, I will continue to provide Remembering Ronnie Roundups every month or so.

Remembering Ronnie Roundup: Book Set to Come Out

Pat Hughes and Rich Wolfe have finished writing their book Ron Santo: A Perfect Ten in honor of the late Cubs legend. It is now available for pre-order on santofilms.com. Preordered copies of the book will be shipped out on Thursday, June 2. The price is $25. Hughes and Wolfe spoke with many people who were touched by Santo and new Ron closely and published their thoughts. Contributors to the book include:

• Ron Santo Jr., Ronnie's son


• Pat Hughes, co-author and Santo's partner on WGN Radio for 15 years


• Kerry Wood, Cubs pitcher from '98 to '08 while Ronnie was in the booth. Santo's favorite current Cub.


• Vicki Santo, Ron's wife


• Jeff Santo, Ron's son


• Linda Santo-Brown, Ron's daughter


• Judy Santo, Ronnie's ex-wife


• Frank Sevelli and Bill Chatalas, childhood friends of Ron Santo


• Bud Selig, MLB commissioner


• Tom Ricketts, the chairman of the Cubs


• Ned Colletti, Dodgers GM and friend of Ron


• Crane Kenney, Cubs President


• John McDonough, former Cubs front office man, now with the Blackhawks


• Mike Murphy, radio personality


• David Kaplan, WGN Radio and Comcast Sports Net host


• Bruce Miles, Cubs beat writer for the Daily Herald


• Fred Mitchell, writer for the Chicago Tribune


• Matt Boltz, producer engineer of Cubs baseball on WGN Radio since 2000


• Judd Sirott, worked with Ron for two years on Cubs radio, current pre/post host


• Cory Provus, worked with Ron for two years on WGN Radio for 1 inning of play-by-play and pregame show


• Andy Masur, was the first to work as the third member of the booth with Pat and Ron, did so far seven seasons


• Thom Brennaman, Ron's only other broadcast partner besides Pat

I cannot wait until I have my hands on a copy of the book!

Remembering Ronnie Roundup

Throughout the 2011 season, we are going to spend a lot of time here on Everything Cubs blog remembering the legendary Ron Santo. Remembering Ronnie Roundups will pop up every once in a while on significant days or when there is a lot of Santo news to report. There were two big events this weekend that were Santo related.

On Friday night prior to the start of the Cubs/Rockies game, Santo was remember with a special program on WGN-TV. It was a quality 30 minute program titled "Ron Santo: In His Own Words". Bob Vorwald did an excellent job producing it and Bob Brenly did the narration. Highlights of Ron's playing days were mixed in with video clips of Ron talking about his baseball career from several different interviews. One of the funniest parts featured Santo leading the rest of the Cubs All Century Team in rehearsal for a 7th Inning Stretch performance. Santo's speech from his number retirement ceremony was replayed to close the show.

On Sunday afternoon, an exciting announcement was made by Ronnie's partner Pat Hughes during the WGN Radio broadcast of the Cubs/Rockies game. A commenter on the Cubs Radio Facebook page inquired about a Ron Santo Baseball Voices CD. Hughes announced that he does indeed plan on creating one of his CDs for #10. He is going to start working on it after this season ends. It is expected to be released at some point next winter. Pat is also writing a book called Ron Santo: A Perfect Ten, expected to come out June 19.

I'll have much more on Santo right here on this blog all summer long.

Pat Hughes to Write Book about Ron Santo

Pat Hughes is set to write a book about his partner. Ron Santo: A Perfect Ten, a biography about the legendary broadcaster, is scheduled Father's Day. The biography is sure to include many tales from Pat's 15 years next to Ron Santo. Rich Wolfe will serve as the book's co-author.

Hughes started his first year with a new partner, Keith Moreland, when Spring Training started two weeks ago. He took last weekend off the broadcasts but will return when the Cubs play the Reds on WGN-Radio on Saturday.

Tomorrow will be Ron Santo day in Mesa, Arizona. A pregame ceremony will honor Ronnie before the Cubs take on the Indians at HoHoKam Park. The March 10 date was chosen because of Santo's jersey number. MLB.com's pregame show will include a special tribute.

It will be interesting to see how else Ron Santo is honored this season in addition to this book. WGN Radio released a Pat & Ron Show CD several years back, so perhaps a part two is in the works. Pat Hughes does a great series called Baseball Voices, but that mostly focuses on Hall of Fame announcers.

On a side note... I appologize for the lack of posting this week, I'll catch everyone up with a post on Friday or Saturday.

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!

Quick Hits Before the Holidays: Searching for Pat's Partner, Kap's New Show, The Cubs Convention & More

Here's the latest Cubs news and notes:

• Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune says that the field for the Cubs radio analyst is wide open. Former Cubs are preferred but others will be considered.
• The search for Pat's new partner will be a joint effort between the radio station and the Cubs.
• Lou Piniella has no plans of going back into broadcasting. Another guy unlikely to take over for Santo is ex-Cubs broadcaster Steve Stone, who is now with the White Sox.
• Click here for a breakdown of candidates and be sure to vote on our new poll on the right sidebar.
• Pat Hughes' input will be considered but he will not have the final say. The station is hoping to have a decision by the Cubs Convention next month.
• Speaking of the Cubs Convention, a partial list of attendees has already been released. Kerry Wood will make his return while Carlos Pena is welcomed to the Cubs.
• Mike Quade will be there for his first Convention as the skipper and Aramis Ramirez is scheduled to make his first visit to the midwinter gathering.
• Other guys expected to return include Carlos Zambrano, Carlos Marmol, Starlin Castro, Tyler Colvin and Marlon Byrd.
• Chris Archer, Jay Jackson, DJ LeMahieu and Chris Carpenter will all attend and take part in the minor league session on Sunday.
• The 2011 Cubs Caravan luncheon is set for Jan. 12. Mike Quade, Andrew Cashner, Koyie Hill, Sean Marshall, Randy Wells and James Russell will all be at the luncheon, which is emceed by Len Kasper.
• WGN Radio's weeknight sports show will return to the airwaves tonight. Sports Central received the boot last April, but now David Kaplan returns with "Sports Night" when the Hawks and Cubs don't play. The show will be three full hours (7:00-10:00 CT).
• Len Kasper will be one of the rotating cast of co-hosts, a group which also includes Glen Kozlowski, David Haugh, Brian Noonan, Dave Eanet and Phil Rogers. The show will focus on the Hawks, Cubs and Northwestern since they all play their games on WGN-720. Jim Hendry and Mike Quade will be frequent guests on the program.
• The Cubs signed former Astros farmhand Polin Trinidad, a left handed pitcher.
• The team is still looking for pitching. They are still in the mix for Brandon Webb and Matt Garza.
• Pat Hughes was given a five year contract extension by WGN Radio through 2015.
• David Kaplan recently inked a new contract with Comcast Sports Net that includes hosting duties on the Cubs pre- and postgame shows.

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

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.

Weekend Roundup: Looking for an Arm, Honoring a Legend, Making Some Cash & More

Pat Hughes Delivers
For any Cubs fan that missed it, Ron Santo's funeral is a must see. Bud Selig and Tom Ricketts both did a great job, but Pat Hughes delivered a fantastic eulogy that will never be forgotten. The full eulogy is available on Cubs.com, WGNRadio.com and CSNChicago.com. Ronnie was the greatest Cubs fan and I will never forget the impact he has made on my life.

Rule V Draft
The Cubs made a selection in the Rule Five Draft on Thursday, but then they immediately traded their pick to Texas. The team selected Mason Toban, a right handed pitcher in the Angels organization. They received cash in the deal and ended up making $50,000. The Cubs did not lose any players in the Major League portion, but two young pitchers were snatched away in the minor leauge portion. Ronny Morla was selected by the Mets and the Orioles picked Casey Lambert.

Cubs Connected to Garza and Webb
The Cubs are in search of an addition to their pitching staff, but their primary target is being debated by local media. Paul Sullivan reports that Brandon Webb is on the radar, but Matt Garza is not. Other outlets, such as Ed Price of AOL, think that Garza will be on the move, possibly to Chicago.

Wood on the Market
Dave Van Dyck of the Chicago Tribune joined David Kaplan on CTL Friday night. He spoke with Kerry Wood and was told that Woody wants to go somewhere where he can win a World Series. When Van Dyck asked the fire-baller about the Cubs, Wood just repeated that he wanted to go to a team that has a shot to win. Dave thinks that the White Sox would be a better fit for Wood than the Cubs at this point, but a return to the Yankees is a good possibility.