Chicago. (AP)

As a baseball fan who thinks Len Kasper and Bob Brenly are the best television pairing in all of baseball, I'm disappointed by this news: the Cubs and Brenly failed to come to terms on a new contract, and Brenly will not return for the 2013 season. 

Kasper and Brenly have been paired on WGN broadcasts since the 2005 season. Kasper has long established himself as one of the most forward-thinking play-by-play men in the game, while Brenly provided a former player's and manager's perspective without resorting to pabulum. Together, they made for pleasant listening without resorting to homerism. According to me, this pairing will be greatly missed. 

"Working here in Chicago was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my professional career," Brenly said in a statement. "The Ricketts family, everyone associated with the Cubs and WGN and, most importantly, Cubs’ fans everywhere, will always be in our hearts, and Joan and I wish nothing but the best for the organization moving forward.

"I was very blessed to have the best play-by-play man in the game as my partner for eight years and Cubs’ fans are very fortunate to have Len Kasper as the voice of the Cubs. I’ll miss working with him and we look fondly toward returning to Chicago in the future."

Kasper returned the sentiment on Twitter: 

Brenly says he'll now focus on continuing his broadcasting career with another team.

As for possible replacements in the Cubs' booth, names like Todd Hollandsworth, Dan Plesac, Kerry Wood and Doug Glanville have been bandied about. Longshots include Steve Stone and Lou Piniella. 

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