ot: Ron Santo Passes Away

[theBUer]

Rip

[Big Mike]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-ron-santo-chicago-cubs-obit,0,1699814.story

[Beninator]

Sad news. It is a shame that Santo was not enshrined into the Baseball Hall of Fame while he was still alive.

[BradleyBrave]

He probably saw that the Sox signed Adam Dunn, said "Who the h-ll is gonna play first? I'm done with these guys!" and that was it.

In all seriousness, a very sad day for Cub Nation, and for this Cub fan. It's a shame Ronnie never got his due from the Hall of Fame, and it's a shame he never realized his dream of a Cubs World Series win. Rest in peace Ronnie. You will suffer through bad baseball no more!

[Beninator]

He probably saw that the Sox signed Adam Dunn, said "Who the h-ll is gonna play first? I'm done with these guys!" and that was it.

Just a little ot, I am glad that the Cubs did not sign Adam Dunn. Signing Dunn would have been the same old same old from the Cubs. Good bat poor fielder. Dunn is a perfect DH.

[mrcoachdude]

Sad news. It is a shame that Santo was not enshrined into the Baseball Hall of Fame while he was still alive.

Ditto!

[BradleyBrave]

Just a little ot, I am glad that the Cubs did not sign Adam Dunn. Signing Dunn would have been the same old same old from the Cubs. Good bat poor fielder. Dunn is a perfect DH.

I respectfully disagree. Our lineup has no punch whatsoever. And defense up the middle is markedly more important than the corners. That's where the power needs to be, and that's where the power has been lacking when it matters. I'll take 40 HR and 100+ walks. We haven't had someone walk that much in years. I can live the K's and average defense at first base. But no use arguing about it, we didn't get him. Looks like we'll be maxing out at Lance Berkman or Carlos Pena, and bottoming out at Tyler Colvin. 75 wins looks optimistic.

[amckillip]

Sad news. It is a shame that Santo was not enshrined into the Baseball Hall of Fame while he was still alive.

For announcing, not as a player IMO. (Please no 'that's disrepectful' posts, he wasn't a HOF 3B, he was a good announcer, HOF worthy in that regard is up for debate)

[Beninator]

For announcing, not as a player IMO. (Please no 'that's disrepectful' posts, he wasn't a HOF 3B, he was a good announcer, HOF worthy in that regard is up for debate)

Respectfully disagree. Bill James ranks Santo as the 6th best third baseman in the history of baseball and ahead of Brooks Robinson who he ranked at number 7.

[Beninator]

WGN radio has a nice picture tribute to Santo on their site.

http://www.wgnradio.com/sports/chi-ron-santo-chicago-cubs-photos,0,107433.photogallery

[BradleyBrave]

For announcing, not as a player IMO. (Please no 'that's disrepectful' posts, he wasn't a HOF 3B, he was a good announcer, HOF worthy in that regard is up for debate)

Respectfully disagree as well. His announcing was entertaining, but he didn't really offer much as far as insight into the game as a color commentator. Guys like Steve Stone and Bob Brenly offer much more to the viewer/listener IMO. Statistically he measures up with any 3B in the HOF from his era, but that's another argument for another day. Gonna miss ya Ronnie.

[Double D]

For announcing, not as a player IMO. (Please no 'that's disrepectful' posts, he wasn't a HOF 3B, he was a good announcer, HOF worthy in that regard is up for debate)

Boy, you need to look at the list of Ford Frick Award winners and their resumes before you go there...

Mel Allen, Curt Gowdy, Vin Scully, Jack Brickhouse, Jack Buck, Ernie Harwell...

As a third baseman possibly, but not as a broadcaster. RIP Ronnie.

[amckillip]

Boy, you need to look at the list of Ford Frick Award winners and their resumes before you go there...

Mel Allen, Curt Gowdy, Vin Scully, Jack Brickhouse, Jack Buck, Ernie Harwell...

As a third baseman possibly, but not as a broadcaster. RIP Ronnie.

I'm not saying he should be there, just saying it's debatable. I'm not huge on 'fan' announcers, but Chicago loves them, and give the people what they want. Obviously, announcers will be homers, but nothing like Carey and Santo. I'll take my Jack Buck anyday.

[BradleyBrave]

I'm not saying he should be there, just saying it's debatable. I'm not huge on 'fan' announcers, but Chicago loves them, and give the people what they want. Obviously, announcers will be homers, but nothing like Carey and Santo. I'll take my Jack Buck anyday.

I hate the Cardinals, but loved listening to Jack Buck. Since we couldn't get the Cubs when I vacationed down south when I was younger, we listened to the Cardinal games (rooting for them to lose), and for occasional Cub updates. He was a staple of my childhood summers. What a great voice.

[real fan]

I am not a Cubs fan and Santo was probably not one of the best announcers but he was one of the nicest persons that had to endeavor a lot more then anyone should ever have to in their life yet never complained and was a great ambassador for the Cubs, baseball has lost a great friend of the game.