It is sure getting interesting in Chicago media with the revelation that Darrin Jackson hasn't had his option picked up for next year.  Why?  Most likely the 800 pound gorilla known as Steve Stone.

Stone, who as we all know did Cub games forever, is now doing Sox radio, a job he took at the last minute after Chris Singleton moved on to ESPN.  Stone has been a good fit with Ed Farmer on Sox radio, largely because he has raised the level of Farmer's game to places no one ever thought it could go.  Instead of rambling on endlessly about nothing, Farmer is now actually focused in his role as radio play by play man, although he still is far below what I would consider to be the major league standard.

Meanwhile, it makes absolute sense for the Sox to move Stone to TV.  Why?  He's a known quantity.  People across the country would be more apt to watch a Sox game on WGN if Steve Stone were involved.  That means ratings.  And revenue.  Besides, Stone is better on TV than he is on the radio.   The question is does Stone, who is on a one-year deal even want to come back next year?

The interesting thing will be if Hawk Harrelson is unhappy with the pairing and decides to "retire." On the other hand, I don't think Hawk would walk away.  If he does, do the Sox go out and get an established play by play guy (Josh Lewin perhaps) or do they move Farmer to TV? 

As for D.J., the Sox options would be to put him on with Farmer or move him to the studio and let him take Bill Melton's place.  If he does go to radio, he most likely will face a decrease in salary because radio people make less than TV people.  That's why the Sox didn't re-sign John Rooney, one of the major's best radio announcers after the 2005 season.  Rooney wanted too much money.

If Jackson doesn't want to do radio, there are several people the Sox could consider to work with Farmer.  One is former Sox third baseman Robin Ventura who seems interested in working in broadcasting.  There is also a faint possibility that when he retires, former Sox slugger Frank Thomas wants to be in broadcasting. Now that would be interesting.

I think D.J.  been a good and loyal employee and shouldn't just be put out to pasture.  But then again, in broadcasting, no one promised you fair.