April 2009: Opening Day Q & A with Len Kasper!

[Chris]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/DJAXXFAN/lenguitar.jpg

 

Welcome to the 2009 season!

 

Len Kasper, who enters his fifth year as Broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs, has graciously agreed for a fourth 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, here is your opportunity! The time for submitting questions will be Monday, April 6 at 12:00 P.M. Central time through Sunday, April 19 at 11:00 P.M. Central time. Once Len has had an opportunity to respond, his responses will be posted.

 

This session will be coordinated as in accordance with The NSBB Q & A Guidelines. With respect for Len’s time, we do ask that everyone limit their interaction to one or two questions.

 

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, and for his help in raising funds for the American Red Cross with his donated 2005 Spring Training Scorecards. Congratulations to Len on his contract extension with the Cubs through the 2011 season.

 

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

[Andy]

Len,

 

Thanks for coming on once again with us! I love listening to your broadcasts with Bob.

 

I was wondering what your impressions are of the new guys on this year's team, particularly Milton Bradley. I know we're all curious to see how the new ones will do.

 

Also, any new music recommendations?

 

Thanks again!

[Guest]

Len,

 

Can you give us any insight on Gaudin being let go? Was it strictly performance related or was he in the doghouse for the nature of his injury last year?

 

Thanks!

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Len,

 

Of all the interviews you've done with the singers of the 7th inning stretch, which is the most memorable? Also, have any of them left you starstruck? If so, who? Finally, have you ever felt those interviews take away from the game during the late innings?

[Schwarber Fan]

Len,

 

who did you pick to win the NCAA tournament?

 

secondly, do you think the Cubs will land Jake Peavy before June?

 

Thanks

[Slugger_16]

Len,

 

During the season, what is a typical day in the life of Len Kasper?

 

Thanks for the Q&A! I love listening to you.

[NCCubFan]

Thanks for participating again. What Cubs' newcomer (either from another team or from the minor leagues) do you think will be the most pleasant surprise this year? And the flip side of that, what former Cub that isn't back this year do you think will be missed the most?

[cubswin2009]

Hey Len,

What are some of the things you do to prepare for a broadcast?

 

Thanks for answering our questions.

[Guest]

Len,

 

How is Geo's shoulder doing?

 

Thanks!

[Tedward]

Len,

 

Thanks for taking the time to chat. I realize it's early, but the Cubs bullpen in 2009- stronger or weaker than 2008 ? Why?

 

Thanks again.

[Outshined_One]

Len,

 

Do you spend much time talking with other teams' broadcasters? If so, considering you've been in the majors for awhile now, are there any broadcasters you particularly look forward to meeting?

 

Also, have you had an opportunity to get acquainted with the new owners of the Cubs? If so, what can you tell us about your experiences with them?

 

Thanks!

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Len,

 

Much has been written about Milton Bradley and his combustible personality. Have you had any interactions with Bradley? How have those gone?

[CubColtPacer]

Thanks so much for taking our questions Len.

 

Do the two different networks you're on ask anything different of you for the broadcast? Is it hard on WGN sometimes when you reference something that Bob and you were discussing on CSN the previous day and you know that only part of your audience was able to hear that discussion?

[hardcorecubfan]

Len,

 

Do you have a routine to transition your body clock from off-season with the wife and kids to late nights with Bob?

[Guest]

Len,

 

What's the off-season like for a broadcaster? Do you call any other sports at the local level? If not, would you like to or do you see yourself as strictly a baseball guy?

 

A really appreciate the way you broadcast a game. It is accessible to the casual fan and yet you always bring something for us baseball geeks too.

[Wilson A2000]

Len,

 

What broadcasters have or are presently influencing you?

 

Do you ever go out to dinner or spend any time with any of the players on road trips or in Chicago?

[CubInOK]

Len,

 

I appreciate how both you and Bob make the game interesting with your conversations and give a lot of information during your broadcasts, all while appealing to both casual and informed fans alike.

 

On your off days, do you watch other teams play and listen to their broadcasts? If so, do you take notes or cues on how to do or not do your broadcasts in order to become a better broadcaster?

 

Thanks.

[IheartMBnDL]

Len, I think you're the best. :)

 

I'm wondering how the club house has changed this season without Wood, DeRosa, and Edmonds?

 

Also, players have their pre-game routines and 'good luck' charms. Do you have anything like that?

 

Thanks!

[rocket]

Assume Bob Brenly ended up with the managerial job with the Brewers. Who's your dream color guy then?

 

Since it's early in the season, what are your picks for the AL and NL MVP, Cy Young, and rookies of the year? You can also give us a World Series prediction, even if it's in your contract that you have to say Cubs.

 

Since Mark Derosa left, who would you say is the best looking Cub remaining?

[JWCUB]

Len,

 

Thanks for taking time for us. I was just wondering about your "Oh Baby" signature call. Is that something you have done your whole career, or did you pick it up with the Cubs? I love it. It fits right in with "Hey Hey" and "Holy Cow."

[Cubbies2238]

Len,

 

Thanks for taking the time to answer questions for us. I have two questions; How much time do you and Bob spend together off the air? It seems like you guys really enjoy each other and I can't imagine that it ends after work. Also, what would be the best way for somebody to get a shout out on the air? I always hear one or two a game, but I imagine there are way more that get submitted. Is it just luck?

 

Thanks again for taking the time to answer questions Len.

[Schwarber Fan]

What ever happened to this??

 

:confused: :confused: :confused:

[rocket]

get on aim and ask him

[NCCubFan]

Chris was handling this, and he seems to have disappeared again.

[Schwarber Fan]

get on aim and ask him

 

Haha, I totally didn't see that coming at all

 

I just figured IMB would mention it