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Brenly & O'Brien

Tuesday, November 9, 2004

No, its not a law firm, but it sure sounds like one. Rather, those are two of the names that continue to spill out of the Tribune company's newspaper regarding the Chicago Cubs television booth. (It is also who I would like to have working the games.)

Ed Sherman wrote an article this morning indicating that Bob Brenly will be the new color man in the WGN radio booth, and then ended the article saying:

Excerpt From: Brenly to be Cubs' Analyst, Play-by-Play man still to be named
By: Ed Sherman, Chicago Tribune, November 9, 2004

With Brenly in the fold, the Cubs now turn their attention to finding Caray's replacement. Among the candidates under consideration are Florida's play-by-play voice Len Kasper.

Dave O'Brien, formerly with Florida and now with ESPN, said the Cubs have contacted him but he has yet to meet with the team. O'Brien also calls games for the New York Mets.

Last week, Sherman wrote:

Excerpt From: Too Late for Cubs' Brass to call Costas
By: Ed Sherman, Chicago Tribune, November 5, 2004

As for Caray's replacement, the Cubs are said to have visited with Len Kasper, the voice of the Florida Marlins for the last three years.

They also are said to be interested in Dave O'Brien, who did the Marlins' games before moving to ESPN.

So why did I title this post "Brenly & O'Brien" rather than "Brenly & Kasper," an equally lawyerly sounding title? Well, because I want O'Brien. (And since its my Birthday... I'd appreciate it if my wish was granted.) This past June, when the 'Chip Caray might be leaving town' rumors started, I wrote:

From: "Just Sayin..." June 2nd, 2004
By: Byron Clarke

Because I live out of the Chicago market, but not far enough away to watch the games live on the internet, I watched the game on ESPN. (About half the country is in the official black out zone, but can't get Fox Sports Net games on cable.) I have finally figured out the solution to the Cubs TV broadcasting issues. Chip Caray, whose contract runs through this year, should be replaced (I had been waffling on this point because I didn't have a replacement in mind.) Your new broadcaster should be... Dave O'Brien. Watching the game today, I just wanted to have he and Rick Sutcliffe call all the games. WGN could do it too, pull a three man booth with O'Brien calling games and Stoney and Sutcliffe doing color.

That said, I have never heard Kasper call a game, so I'm not real qualified on this point... but in case John McDonough drops by my site wondering what I think... I'd prefer O'Brien. As for Brenly, good move... I think most everybody will agree to that. And the best part about Brenly? He's not Joe Carter!


Update: 5:37 p.m.

I knew this was out there, I just couldn't find it: I also wrote this about Dave O'Brien on June 15.

From: "Thank You Jimmy"
Comment #13 By: Cubdom Byron - June 2nd, 2004

I have been pushing for Dave O'Brien (who called the game last night for ESPN and is typically paired with Sut.) He is a good play by play man, and doesn't try to force a personality that isn't there. He is a bit low key which would work great with Stoney, and his voice isn't irritating like many play by play men. On top of that, he comes off as very knowledgable about the games, without using lingo like he just learned it (Chip.)

My friend Chris thinks the Cubs are going to move Pat Hughes in to the TV booth and bring up Andy Mazur who currently calls half an inning a game for WGN radio. He is probably more likely to be right, but I don't want to see them break up Pat & Ron.

I think Pat is the only one keeping Ron bearable. Just like Stoney saving the booth in the last few years of Harry Caray. We all love the glasses, but lets not forget Andrew Cunanan, the serial murderer that always appeared in the game when Will Cunane pitched... or the myriad of other Harryism's we loved him for.

Posted by Byron at November 9, 2004 3:43 PM | Bookmark and Share | BallHype: hype it up!
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