The Cubs and WGN were hoping to hire Pat Hughes’ new radio partner around the time of the Cubs Convention, which begins next week. But it appears the search may drag on a little bit longer. WGN Radio has not released their broadcast schedule for the Cubs Spring Training games … the Cubs and A’s square off in Mesa on February 27.
According to reports Tuesday night, Rick Sutcliffe and Dan Plesac are out of the mix to call games next to Pat Hughes next season and at this point Mark Grace is unlikely as well. Keith Moreland, Gary Matthews, Sr. and Dave Otto are among the known candidates still in the running. According to a report from the Tribune, “Mark Grace would be listed as doubtful and Rick Sutcliffe as questionable” due to other contract obligations. Bruce Levine reported that Sutcliffe is not longer in the mix for the job in the Cubs’ booth.
Reportedly Sutcliffe wanted the job but is about to re-sign with ESPN to call around 40 games. Sutcliffe’s commitment to ESPN would keep him from calling the full 162-game schedule with Hughes.
Dan Plesac is under contract with the MLB Network until August of 2011.
Tom Langmyer, general manager of WGN, told the Tribune that his “preference is that the broadcaster is a former Cub.”
Stay Tuned …