They'll never find another analyst who played the game harder and knew and felt more what it meant to be a Cub. There never will be another character in the booth who could make you laugh the way he did. Certainly, it is highly unlikely the new person will be wearing a toupee.

Indeed, Mr. Santo will be missed.

Yet the games will go on and the Cubs and WGN-AM/720 soon will begin to actively search for a new partner for play-by-play Pat Hughes. The criteria should be interesting.

I expect the team will be looking to hire an ex-Cub, although that isn't a given. TV analyst Bob Brenly never played for the Cubs.

Will the Cubs want somebody who is more of a fan than a nuts-and-bolts analyst? If you look at WGN radio's tradition of bringing in Dick Butkus for the Bears and Mr. Santo for the Cubs, you would think they would prefer somebody who will exhibit raw emotion in the booth. However, I'm not sure that person exists at this point.

Mark Grace probably comes the closest. The former Cubs star would be the top choice, but insiders are doubtful he will return to Chicago.

Mr. Grace currently is a TV analyst for the Arizona Diamondbacks. His boys live in the Phoenix area.

Also, he has worked as an analyst for Fox's regional games on Saturdays. That means he would have to miss Friday and Saturday Cubs games if he continued working for Fox.

The Cubs asked Mr. Brenly to give up his Fox duties when he signed on with the team. Would Mr. Grace be willing to do the same?

"I don't think he would come," said an insider. "He's got a good situation in Phoenix."

If that's the case, who are the other candidates?

Dan Plesac: The Gary, Ind., native was popular as the Cubs pre- and postgame analyst for Comcast SportsNet through 2008. He has continued to shine as an analyst for the Major League Baseball Network. He's funny and insightful and fulfills the ex-Cub factor, having pitched for them in 1993-94. Several broadcast people believe he is the favorite if he wants the job.

Dave Otto: Mr. Otto, a reliever for the Cubs in 1994, was solid during his many appearances filling in for Mr. Santo on WGN. However, does he have a big enough name to be the full-time Cubs analyst?

Keith Moreland: He got solid reviews while doing some fill-in work for Mr. Santo. He also has experience working baseball games for the University of Texas. He spent six seasons in Chicago and was a key player on the 1984 National League East champions. He will be a strong contender.

Todd Hollandsworth: Currently the pre- and postgame analyst for Comcast SportsNet, where he does good work. A Cubs role-player on the 2003 team, he could get a look.

Gary Matthews: Now a color commentator for the Philadelphia Phillies, "Sarge" has thrown his hat in for previous broadcast openings with the Cubs. Will he do it again?

Eric Karros: A popular player on the Cubs' 2003 team, Mr. Karros currently works the pregame shows for Fox's national games. A full slate of Cubs games could be enticing.

Wildcard: Will the Cubs and WGN pull a surprise move? It's hard to imagine considering there are many well-known and qualified contenders, but you never know.