MLB Personalities: More Shakeup In The Cubs Booth

Cubs analyst Dave Otto, who did studio work for FSN and was an occasional color commentator on WGN-WB/WGN-AM, is leaving the team to “pursue other ventures,” according to Fred Mitchell of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. Otto “was told he would have a reduced role” with CSN Chicago telecasts of Cubs’ games this season, “prompting his decision to move on.” Otto alternated with Joe Carter on color duties with announcer Chip Caray on TV in ’01 and ’02 when Steve Stone was out due to health reasons (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 1/31).

SUTCLIFFE EXITS SAN DIEGO: In San Diego, Jay Posner reports Channel 4 Rick Sutcliffe is “leaving the Padres' television booth after nine seasons to devote more time to coaching young Padres pitchers and working for ESPN.” Tony Gwynn, who also works for ESPN, anticipates picking up about 25 of the 40-45 games Sutcliffe worked each year. Posner notes there were rumors “throughout last season that some members of the Padres' front office were eager to see Sutcliffe leave.” But Sutcliffe said that the rumor “was news to him,” and Channel 4 GM Dan Novak said that “it wasn't a factor” (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 2/1).