Moreland leaving Cubs radio booth

Let the speculation begin.

Just as the Cubs are finishing their search for a new field manager, they and WGN radio are beginning a search for a new radio analyst.

WGN announced Wednesday that Keith Moreland has informed the radio station that he is resigning to spend more time with his family in Texas.

“I would like to thank the fans, the folks at WGN radio, my colleagues in the booth, the Ricketts family (which owns the Cubs) and the Cubs for this great opportunity,” Moreland said in a statement released by WGN. “After spending three years doing it, I’ve simply decided that I want to spend more time at home in Texas.”

Moreland, 59, joined the Cubs for the 2011 season as he replaced the late Ron Santo. He worked alongside play-by-play announcer Pat Hughes, who just completed his 18th season in the Cubs booth. Moreland played for the Cubs from 1982-87.

“It’s a sad day,” Hughes said in a telephone interview. “I’ll really miss Keith. He was a great analyst. He was insightful and a gentleman.”

Fans on Twitter already have chimed in with their suggestions for a successor to Moreland, who beat out Elk Grove High School graduate Dave Otto to get the job in 2011.

Some fans have suggested former Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood, who retired early in the 2012 season but who is still a presence with the team.

Another former Cubs pitcher, Rick Sutcliffe, seems to be a regular candidate whenever a team broadcasting job opens up, also got mentions, as did ex-Cubs first baseman Mark Grace, who is trying to turn his life around after a DUI sentence. Grace was popular among Cubs fans and media when he played for the team.

Others getting fan mentions were Mark DeRosa, Eric Karros and Doug Glanville, three former Cubs who have worked in the media.