Hughes begins his first season without popular color man Ron Santo, who died Dec. 3 at the age of 70.

"The reality is hitting me this week," Hughes said.

The Cubs chose Keith Moreland to be their color analyst and work with Pat Hughes during the season for broadcasts on WGN radio.

Former Cub Keith Moreland is taking over for Santo in the WGN Radio booth, and he will make his debut on Sunday, when the team opens Cactus League play against the Athletics. Hughes has worked with Moreland in the past, including two series last year.

"I said, 'You be yourself and relax,'" Hughes said Wednesday night of his advice to Moreland, who was broadcasting University of Texas baseball and football. "[I told him] 'I'll try to make you a star and make you shine.'"

That's always been one of Hughes' strongest characteristics on air. He never tried to top Santo and his passion. He's been a steady voice, letting the emotional Santo show his glee or displeasure at plays on the field.

Santo played for the Cubs from 1960-73 and joined the WGN Radio team in 1990. The Cubs retired his No. 10 in September 2003, and players this year will wear a No. 10 patch on their uniform sleeve in his honor. The 2011 media guide features a montage of Santo highlights from his days as a player and broadcaster.

On Friday, Santo would've celebrated his 71st birthday.

Hughes will have to put all the emotions aside as he goes back to work Sunday. He expects to have a few butterflies. He's asked fans to be patient with Moreland. No one can replace Santo.

"I really do think we'll be OK," Hughes said.

He joked that the pressure really is on Cubs manager Mike Quade and the players.

"The best [Moreland] and I can hope for is a winning team," Hughes said. "If we're winning, people will think we're doing a better job than we are."