Mark Grace Indicted As Eric Karros Emerges As An Early Front-Runner

The search for the next color commentator to join the Cubs’ television broadcast booth alongside Len Kasper has certainly been one of more followed openings in all of Major League Baseball. Once Bob Brenly joined the Arizona Diamondbacks’ broadcast booth, there have been no shortage of candidates to replace him in the Cubs’ television booth. Early candidates linked to the opening have been Mark Grace, Dan Plesac, Rick Sutcliffe, Doug Glanville, Eric Karros, and Kerry Wood.

Sept. 30, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs fan holds up a sign during the ninth inning against Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Hilderbrand-US PRESSWIRE

Wood eliminated his name from the opening, as the Cubs’ fan favorite told reporters last week that he was not interested in broadcasting. There was a thought that the Cubs would be able to convince Wood otherwise, but, it would appear that the former reliever for the Cubs will serve as an instructor for the team in Spring Training.

Wood is not the only candidate to be eliminated from consideration. It would appear that former Cubs’ first baseman Mark Grace likely will not be considered for the position. Arizona authorities announced on Thursday that Grace has been indicted in a DUI case, and is facing up to four years in prison. Considering that this is Grace’s second DUI arrest in the past two years, Grace is not eligible for probation. There was a thought that the Cubs still would pursue Grace for the position, but in light of the announcement on Thursday, it seems unlikely that Grace will remain a candidate.

The favorite may be Eric Karros. Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun Times reports that Crane Kenney contacted Karros shortly before the World Series began earlier this week. Major League Baseball frowns upon major announcements made during the World Series, so, there likely will be no movement between Karros–or any other candidate–and the Cubs until the World Series has concluded.

Karros has indicated that he would be interested in the position if it became available to him this winter. Karros was pursued by the Cubs two years ago in an effort for the 2003 fan favorite to join the radio broadcast alongside Pat Hughes, but as we know, that position went to Keith Moreland. Karros has certainly emerged as respectable commentator for Major League Baseball, and is featured on the MLB: The Show video game franchise. Karros certainly endeared himself to the Cubs’ faithful in 2003, and would be welcomed with open arms into the Cubs’ television booth.

Expect the Cubs’ to fill the open broadcast position shortly after the World Series.