According the multiple reports, the Chicago Cubs have hired Jim Deshaies to replace Bob Brenly in the TV booth. Deshaies was inked to a 4-year deal. The Houston Astros reportedly did not want Deshaies to leave and made a market fair counter-offer. He will call Cubs games with Len Kapser. The Cubs or WGN have not confirmed ther signing, but it has happened. It's just not 'official'.
If you don't recall, Brenly's contract expired this off-season and took the same job with the Arizoan Diamondbacks. An opening with the D'backs became open with the departure of Mark Grace. As the D'backs were tired of Grace, especially after his latest incident (DUI).
Yes, Deshaires does not have any Cubs connection. However, it does not really matter and he's qualified for the job. Like I said, the Astros wanted to retain Deshaires and made a great offer. Reports that have surfaced over the web since the signing, say this was a great choice. Astros fans loved Deshaies and hate to see him go.
Deshaires has been calling Astros games since 1997.
Friends close to Len Kasper, said he pushed for Deshaies. At the end of the day, it wasn't Kaper's choice, but he did have a say in the matter. So, the Cubs announced the semi-big move on the 1st of the Winter Meetings. In which is one of the best places to announce a move.
WGN was in charge of the hiring and names that have been linked to the Cubs TV booth were Eric Karros, Todd Holandsworth, Dan Plesac, Rick Suctcliffe and Mark DeRosa. Plesac and Suctcliffe withdrew from the position a few weeks ago. Hollandsworth will continue his job as the Cubs' pregame and postgame analyst for CSN. DeRosa was a late add, but many people think he still wants to play in the MLB and wasn't high on the job. The Marlins actually was linked to DeRosa today. We haven't heard anything on Karros, but I think he'll stay in the booth for Fox.
Other rumors on the 1st day of the Winter Meetings:
*The Cubs have told RP Carlos Marmol that he is trade bait, but won't just give him away. No surprise!
*The Cubs are looking at RP and Jason Grilli is one player on their list.
*The Cubs are expected to 'kick the tires' on OF Grady Sizemore. They would try to sign him to a low deal and try to get a high reward out of it. However, Sizemore is undergoing a minor surgery and is expected to miss the beginning of the season.
*Unconfirmed rumor: The Cubs and Braves had a meeting today, but we don't know about what and what players were being tossed around.
Other MLB notes (signings) on the 1st day of the Winter Meetings:
*The Boston Red Sox sign C/1B Mike Napoli to a 3-year deal for 39 million.
*The San Francisco Giants sign OF to a 4-year deal worth 40 million.
*The Texas Rangers have signed RP Jokim Soria to a 2-year deal worth around 9 million.
*The Texas Rangers have re-signed C Geovany Soto to a 1-year contract for a little under 2 million, but can be pushed to 3 million with incentives.
*The Tampa Bay Rays have signed 1B James Loney to a 1-year deal worth 2 million.
That's the latest from day 1 of the Winter Meetings! Hopefully news will surround the Cubs soon.
