Cubs TV analyst Bob Brenly yesterday announced that he is leaving the Comcast SportsNet Chicago broadcast booth, and it is likely he "will move to the Arizona Diamondbacks’ booth" on FS Arizona, according to Bruce Miles of the Illinois DAILY HERALD. Brenly "has a home in the Phoenix area" and is "likely to replace" former MLBer Mark Grace, who was recently let go by the D'Backs. Brenly said, "I’m very grateful and happy for the eight years in Chicago. Working with [Cubs play-by-play announcer Len Kasper] was a pleasure every day. All good things must come to an end." Kasper said, "I’m crushed, but I’m happy for him." Miles writes Kasper and Brenly "developed a special chemistry over the years." Brenly "was not afraid to criticize the Cubs for poor or sloppy play" (Illinois DAILY HERALD, 10/18). In Chicago, Gordon Wittenmyer writes the Cubs are "losing a fan favorite who entertained with his easy style, often candid analysis and strong repertoire with eight-year partner Kasper." The two "often veered off on discussions about music, including their own occasional performances." An announcement on Brenly's next job "is expected in the next two weeks." White Sox color analyst Steve Stone "might be the front-runner to replace Brenly" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 10/18). The Chicago Tribune’s Bob Foltman says it is "going to be a tough replacement because Brenly is not only one of the better analysts in this town, but nationally." Foltman: "Those guys are hard to find” ("Chicago Tribune Live," Comcast SportsNet Chicago, 10/17). Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney said the team would "miss his smart analysis, as well as his outgoing personality." In Chicago, Paul Sullivan writes Kenney "likely will have a dozen or so candidates from which to choose for Brenly's replacement in the booth, including Grace." Those include ESPN's Rick Sutcliffe, CSN Chicago's Todd Hollandsworth and former Cubs P Kerry Wood, "who has said he's not interested in broadcasting but probably could be persuaded to change his mind" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 10/18).
