Talking with Cowboy, Pete and Marty

Talked to Pete Mackanin, Jeff Brantley and Marty Brennaman this morning.

Mackanin took the news the way you'd expect: With class and a touch of humor. "I checked my lottery tickets this morning when I got up. I didn't win. So I'll be looking for a job." He said he'll begin calling clubs Monday to try to get a big league coaching job. He kept open the possibility of joining Dusty Baker's staff. I think he'd be an ideal bench coach.

Brantley loves Baker. "I'd play for Dusty any time. I never had a problem with the way he handled pitchers. He got the blame for what happened to Kerry Wood and Mark Prior, but I don't think that was his fault."

Brennaman thinks he and Baker will co-exist fine. "The thing I know about him that to me is he's always been great with the media. He's approachable. My approach will be the same. If he makes a move that backfires the night before, I'm going to ask him about the on pregame show. I've done that with ever manager here."