Santo signs on for 3 more years as Cubs analyst

Ron Santo was a busy man Monday.

"Everybody's calling me," Santo said from his Arizona home.

The former Cubs third baseman confirmed he has signed on for three more years as the Cubs' radio analyst in the WGN booth. Santo, who has battled diabetes for all of his adult life and numerous health problems in recent years, will turn 70 in February.

He might miss a road trip or two during the season, but he says he's feeling fine and that there's no slowing him down.

"I'll be here as long as I can stand and call the games," he said. "It's therapy."

Santo joined the Cubs' radio team in 1990, and he has worked with play-by-play man Pat Hughes since 1996, as the duo has achieved immense popularity.

Even though the team's off-season is far from settled, Santo remains his usual optimistic self about his beloved Cubs.

"There's no doubt in my mind we're going to be better," he said. "Think about what happened this year and all the key injuries and with (third baseman Aramis) Ramirez being out and our starting pitchers being hurt. And I feel very strongly that nobody could have kept this team together like Lou (manager Piniella)."

Santo added he will be in Chicago next month for the annual Cubs convention.