Jan. 2006: Questions & Answers with Len Kasper

[Laura]

http://bc.images.trb.com/media/graphic/2005-04/16841579.jpg

 

Len Kasper, Broadcaster for the Chicago, has graciously agreed for a second time to answer questions from posters on NSBB! If you would like to send a comment to Len, or if you would like to ask Len a question, feel free to post it here. The deadline for submitting questions is Wednesday, January 18th at noon. Once Len has had an opportunity to answer them, the responses will be posted.

 

This session will be coordinated as in accordance with The NSBB Q & A Guidelines.

 

We're putting up the Q&A thread a little earlier than usual because people have different schedules and because the Cubs Convention is happening next weekend (Jan 13-15). This should give everyone a chance to post a question.

 

Thank you to Len for again taking the time to interact with us on such an up close and personal level. In addition, thank you to Len for his references to NSBB both during broadcasts and the WGN Sports Baseball Blog. A special thank you to Len for his help in raising funds for the American Red Cross with his donated 2005 Spring Training Scorecards.

 

As always, thank you to all of you for making NSBB such a wonderful community! :cheers:

Edited March 1, 2006 by Laura

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Len,

 

One of the things that has puzzled many of us is the Cubs attempts to trade Todd Walker this offseason. Do you have any insight into why the Cubs aren't enamored with the Bayou Basher?

[Mizzou]

Len,

 

1. Have you ever thought about doing something else in the baseball business? Like maybe getting into upper management? Or are you content calling the games?

 

2. What's your favorite kind of beer?

 

Thanks!

[Roast]

Mr Kasper,

 

Are you as scared as the rest of us that we are really going to suck due to Hendry's new found love for guys who can "catch the ball"?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Len,

 

Thanks again for taking our questions.

 

What is your opinion of the rapping abilities of our new centerfielder, Juan Pierre?

 

What are some of your favorite road cities and what makes them so?

 

Have you ever been to Louisiana?

[Outshined_One]

Len,

 

Thanks a bunch for dropping by once again!

 

Do you think the Cubs intend to let Rich Hill win a rotation spot in Spring Training, or is he going to have to battle with Glendon Rusch over it? Do you think he could stick at the #5 spot?

 

Do you think Corey Patterson needs a change of scenery, or could things still somehow work out for him in Chicago?

 

Given the fact that the team across town recently won a World Series, has that put any more pressure on management or the team to win one? Or are they pretty much business as usual about matters?

 

Thanks again!

[Schwarber Fan]

Len,

 

Do you think Neifi Perez will start?

 

What do you think of Jacque Jones?

 

Can Kerry Wood and Mark Prior manage to stay healthy?

 

Thanks again for doing this!

 

-Aramis Fan

[ZMovieman]

Hey Len. Marquette student here. What's your take on the whole Prior for Tejada rumors that have flown about the past few weeks? Do you feel it was blown out of proportions? Just wondering for your insight. Also, what other sports and/or teams do you follow closely? Thanks. We are Marquette.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Len,

 

Thank you so much for answering our questions. The first question is one that my buddy the Cards fan and I argued about last July. I'd like a 2nd opinion. The 2nd question is a serious one (believe it or not, I have always wanted to know).

 

1. Who would win in this tag-team wrestling match: Barrett & Aramis vs. Pujols and Rolen?

2. When the team you are being paid to call on a daily basis goes through a horrible streak where absolutely nothing goes right and they look like little leaguers, exactly how hard is it to not scream "YOU SUCK" into the microphone?

[Oscargolfstud]

Len,

Why is Hendry so hell-bent on trading Todd Walker? Last offseason he placed alot of emphasis on balancing the lineup and without Walker we have no left-handed pop in the 2-6 spots other than JJ. We need that other left-handed stick...don't you agree?

[TheDude]

Len, it appears the Cubs have made lateral or minor improvements in each of LF,RF,CF, and SS, without making a major improvement anywhere, but also without taking any steps backward at any position (from last year's production anyway).

 

Likewise, the bullpen is improved by summation of all moves made (and maturation of previous moves, like Williamson).

 

Do you think these minor improvements or lateral moves improve the product the team puts on the field in 2006? Or do you see the transactions differently (as in you think the team has made a great improvement or taken a step back somewhere)? Lastly, do you believe its enough to compete for the division?

 

Thanks.

[Mark Priors Calves]

Len,

 

Thanks for stopping by for a Q+A session. Can you walk us through your average day at Wrigley Field? What time do you arrive? What's is your pre-game routine, etc.? Thanks.

[Tim]

Len,

 

If you ever have occasion to talk with Corey again, can you pass along our best wishes and thanks for his efforts as a Cub?

 

Thanks!

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Len,

 

Has Dusty ever offered to take you fishing? How about Bob? Would you go if he did?

 

Also, do you know what this

 

"It's just like fishing. You're going striped bass fishing. You've got birds on top and you follow the birds. Where the birds are, the bait fish are below that. Below the bait fish are the striped bass. That's what you want to do. That's how you want to do your lineup. That way they can't escape. That's how I try to make my lineup out so the opposition can't pitch around this guy or that guy and that guy and can't escape. You try to get them in the crossfire."

means? I have no clue and thought you could help?

[rocket]

Dear 1/3 of the Holy Trinity,

 

Do you like Kelly Clarkson?

 

Who do you think is the best pitcher in the game, and the best position player?

 

Any thoughts on the Marlins fire sale, round 2?

 

You've seen Juan Pierre play a lot more than any of us have. Is he a sparkplug that makes things happen and puts the fear of KENT in the hearts of pitchers while he's on first base; or is just an average at best centerfielder that the Cubs overpaid for?

 

Is Bob Brenly as much a ladies man as I envision him?

 

If you were a closer, what would be the music you'd enter the game with?

 

Has this gig given you new celebrity Cubs fan friends? ie Bill Murray, Billy Corgan, Jeff Garlin...and if it's Jeff Garlin, have you asked him what was the deal with season 4 of Curb Your Enthusiasm?

 

Not a question...more a favor. Next time you're broadcasting a Cincy game (opening day!!), if Kent Mercker comes out of the bullpen to pitch, could you acknowledge that Kent still has MANY loyal Cubs fans still supporting him? It'd mean a lot.

 

Good luck in 2006!

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

A few more questions:

 

Len, do you anticipate the Cubs making any more moves between now and the start of spring training?

 

How much contact do you keep with the Cubs and front office personell during the off-season? Do you get any "inside" scoops or do you find out about trades and signings through the Interent and print media like the rest of us peons?

 

What's your favorite restaurant in the Chicago area?

 

Have you ever eated boiled crawfish? (mmmm crawfish) If so, did you suck the heads?

 

Who's the better golfer between you and Bob?

 

On Opening Day, I think it would be cool if you, Bob, Pat Hughes and Ron Santo challenged Marty Brennamen and the rest of the Reds crew to caged tag-team wrestling match. What do you think? Who would win?

 

Finaly, what is your prediction of the Cubs record and finish within the division for this season?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I figured we'd have more questions here. Should I ask more?

[Mark_R]

Len, great to see you Q&A'in it up again. Much appreciation for your time.

 

What were your thoughts on the whole Kerry Wood experiment out of the bullpen? It proved to be a minor shot in the arm (no pun intended at the time) but in the grand scheme of things was pretty insignificant as the Cubs faltered further and further. On top of that, do you feel it was wise AT ALL to have Woody going out there to pitch the day before he's to have surgery on his arm?

[NCCubFan]

Len,

 

Who do you think is the Cubs' best off-season acquisition (trade or free agent) this year?

 

Do you think Dusty will give both Murton and Cedeno regular playing time?

 

Great to have you do another Q & A.

[Laura]

I figured we'd have more questions here. Should I ask more?

 

There's another week for people to get them in (deadline is January 18).

Edited January 12, 2006 by Laura

[VVMattVV]

If you could play one position in the majors, what would it be?

 

How closely do you follow the Cubs farm system and its top prospects?

 

Some of us here spotted you at the Bulls game recently, how was that?

[imb]

Firstly, Mega Lounge Love to da Len

 

Secondovely, how do you prefer Brenly, with the "Fu-Manchu-Tombstone mustache", or with the "Youth Pastor-Boring" mustache?

 

Thirdly, are you upset that Arrested Development had its episode order shortened? Where do you think it ends up, Showtime or ABC?

 

Fourthly, did you get a chance to catch any of "The Comedians of Comedy" when it was running on Comedy Central? And, if so, what do you think of Zach Galifinakis?

 

Fifthly, do you consider "Worlds coolest daddy" a job?

 

Thanks Len

[Ivy Walls]

Where (and why) do you see things improving in the Cubs game(s):

 

A) Infield defense

B) Outfield defense

C) scoring more runs especially without the aid of a HR

D) bullpen efficiency

[USSoccer]

Len

 

Thanks for taking time out to talk to us!

 

Did you ever question using Kerry Wood in the bullpen last season even though it was public knowledge that he needed shoulder surgery?

 

Describe and evaluate Aramis Ramirez. He's a much better player than I think anyone realizes, and I think he's a bit underrated by some.

[Balsa]

Hey Len,

 

Thanks for answering our questions.

 

Do you see the NL Central weaker than it was last year, especially in regards to the Cardinals? If so, how do you like our chances and who will be our main competition?

 

What is your favorite foreign country? If none, what is your favorite city outside of Chicago?

 

What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a sportscaster like yourself?

 

If the Cubs could acquire one currently active pitcher for next season, regardless of contract or price, who would you choose?

 

Thanks Len! You really take a lot of time out to answer our questions and we really appreciate it!