Len & Bob's baseball blog

Thanks for all the great questions/comments...I'll do my best to address what's on your mind these days...

If Felix Pie gets a mid season call-up do you think it is likely he will play right field in place of Jones? I can't imagine benching Pierre.

Posted by Jon Heupel at February 1, 2006 12:56 PM

LEN: Jon, to be honest, that's looking too far ahead for me. My assumption would be that if Pie gets called up mid-season, it's because of an injury or somebody really struggling. I'll root simply for a September call-up for Pie in '06. He'll be an everyday big leaguer soon enough, just hopefully not yet.
---

Dusty got a lot of criticism for platooning Hollandsworth and Dubois last year. Dusty said at the Cubs convention he didn't think he was going to platoon Jacque Jones this year even though against righties he has put up quality numbers while hitting around .210 against lefties. Do you expect Jones to be the everyday right fielder or will Dusty see the light :) and platoon him?

Posted by Jon Heupel at February 1, 2006 12:59 PM

LEN: Jon, my hunch is that Jones will play pretty much every day.
---

Len,

What advice would you give to someone who desperately wants to get to sports broadcasting who is a very sports oriented, asian, female and "Older" than the kind of eye candy you usually see on air. Thanks.

Posted by Sylvia at February 1, 2006 01:07 PM

LEN: Hi Sylvia, my advice for anyone looking to break into the business would be to take an entry-level position with a radio or TV station doing just about anything just to get your foot in the door. Learn the ropes, make contacts and move up in time. It's like
everything else--it requires hard work, patience, persistence and the realization that you may never make much money doing it. It's a tough business because a lot of people want to do it, but nothing
beats talking sports for a living. I wish you luck!
---

What do you think about Matt Murton. What do you think his stats will be this season? Here is mine, you will be suprised:

34 hr 104 rbi .283 ba

That is what the Cubbies will need to make it to the post season, along with staying healthy.

Posted by Eric Schumann at February 1, 2006 01:58 PM

LEN: Hey Eric, I'll take those numbers from Murton for sure!
---

Will they be still be showing the Cubs games locally and nationally (as usual) on WGN TV since the merger of the WB and the UPN ?.......or will that have an effect on it?

Posted by Linda P at February 1, 2006 02:20 PM

LEN: Linda, it will be business as usual for us on WGN this year. In fact, there should be a TV schedule available soon.
---

Hey Len,
It's so great to hear from you again.
This is not baseball related, but how did you hear about the Redwalls? About the time I started listening to their music, I would hear you mention them in Cubs broadcasts. Also, what was it like to have them sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" last season? Could you invite them back? :) Thanks for taking our questions!

Posted by Lauren at February 1, 2006 02:20 PM

LEN: Lauren, I read about the Redwalls in the Trib last year and had a couple people tell me they thought I'd dig them. I have to say I was blown away by De Nova the first time I heard it. We then had them in the booth late in the year and they were great. Then I saw them live @ Metro in October. I think they're incredibly talented and I'm really rooting for them.
---

Hey Len,
A lot of people have been down on the outfield for this coming year power-wise, with Murton, Jones, and Pierre now covering an outfield where years ago we had one guy hitting 60. Its an over asked question
but, I was wondering what your take on the new outfield is? Personally I love it, from day one I liked what Matt Murton brought to the team with his hitting for higher average and I believe we will
cover right-center like a blanket with Pierre and Jones, as well as, getting a great leadoff man and lower order guy.

Posted by Kevin at February 1, 2006 02:21 PM

LEN: Kevin, I like Murton a lot and while he'll probably have some struggles at times this year, I think he's going to be good and help stabilize LF. Pierre is an elite leadoff hitter, something the Cubs
didn't have last year. Jones is very similar to Jeromy Burnitz, so I think you can expect that position to be about the same. So, overall, I think the OF has the potential to be better than it was
last year.
---

Len!

With all the off-season moves the Cubs made this year, what would you say is the biggest difference we will see in the 2006 Cubs (from the 2005 Cubs), and how do you think that will impact the upcoming season?

Posted by AnnaBednarczyk at February 1, 2006 02:48 PM

LEN: Anna, I think the biggest difference is an impact leadoff hitter. Pierre brings speed and a small-ball attitude to the equation, something the Cubs have lacked. The other thing is, having some veterans in the pen will help a lot.
---

Hey, Len,
It was nice seeing you at the cubs convention. DURING THE WGN seminar I was the one who asked if you guys could show cubs games on during the winter. Well my question to you is what college did you go to? And is it a good college for brodcasting?
thank you
jeff

Posted by jeff berta at February 1, 2006 03:24 PM

LEN: Yes Jeff, I remember the question, nice to hear from you again. I attended Marquette University in Milwaukee. I actually majored in public relations, but MU does have a good broadcasting program. I
did Marquette basketball games on the student radio station when I was there and that really helped me gain some valuable experience.
---

Hey Len,

I was just wondering if the Cubs last names will be on home uniforms this year? I saw them on when they were introducing players, or was that just so everyone knew who they were? I really hope the names will be on, because that looked retarded last year.

Posted by Mike at February 1, 2006 04:11 PM

LEN: Mike, I believe the home jerseys will remain "nameless" (I haven't asked anyone, but I've heard nothing to indicate otherwise). I think in the case of the new players, they just put the names on
the back because it better identifies them for the cameras. I actually like the no names on the home jerseys. Has a classic look to it.
---

Hey Len,
What I want to know is this....... will we see Angel Guzman???? EVER??????? Major League scouts have said HE has better STUFF than Wood, Prior, or Zambrano. I've been waiting for THREE years. I know he was hurt, but he's healthy NOW. Will he be in the five man
rotation???

Posted by Lenny C at February 1, 2006 04:11 PM

LEN: Lenny (great name!), you said it, it's all about his arm. Until Guzman can prove he's healthy, it's gonna be tough to justify a big league call-up. I do think we will see him at some point, but remember, he missed almost all of last year, so it's still one of
those things where you need to see him healthy for a long stretch before you really consider him a guy who can help you.
---

Hi Len,
I would really like to be a sports broadcaster and I was wondering what I should to to get into this field?
I was also wondering what you think about Jacque Jones being a Cub and what kind of numbers do you think he will put up in the 2006 season? Thanks so much,
Sarah xxx

Posted by Sarah Barshop at February 1, 2006 06:47 PM

LEN: Sarah, on your first question, please refer to a previous answer about breaking into broadcasting. On Jones, again, I think his numbers will be similar to what Jeromy Burnitz provided last year. Defensively, they're both very good as well. I think it's a wash.
---

Len

Do you feel, like I do, that the Cubs have an excellent chance to win the division this year? They finally have a lead-off hitter and made some much needed additions to the bullpen. As long as the starters stay healthy (and that has been a big if in the past years) it seems that they have a great chance to win the division and maybe more. Although the offseason is not completely over, teams like Houston and St. Louis have seemed to take a few steps back to the rest of the division. Thanks for your thoughts.

Posted by Matt H at February 1, 2006 06:53 PM

LEN: Matt, I think St. Louis is still the team to beat in the division, but you hope the Cardinals come back to the pack a bit. I think the Astros' chances depend somewhat on what Roger Clemens wants to do. On the Cubs, I think on paper, they've improved on defense,
at the top of the lineup and in the bullpen. I don't think you can say on paper that offensively this team will be worse than last year. The health of Wood and Prior is huge. But, if everything falls into place, there's no question this team could be playoff-worthy.
---

I know you are not Dusty Baker, but as the Cubs head to spring training, what do you think the Cubs' everyday lineup should be from 1 through 8?

Secondly, what do you think about what the rotation will look like as guys like Kerry Wood and Wade Miller return from their injuries? What will be the order in the rotation? How will their returns affect the number of starts for a Glendon Rusch or a Jerome Williams?

And lastly, we know when Ryan Dempster will come in, but where do you see the rest of the bullpen come in to the game? In what situations will we see Scott Eyre, Bobby Howry, Will Ohman, et al come into the
game?

Posted by Qumar Zaman at February 1, 2006 09:17 PM

LEN: Hey Qumar, if I were making out the lineup, I'd do something like this: Pierre/Walker or Hairston/Lee/Ramirez/Barrett/Jones/Murton/Cedeno. I'd also occasionally use Murton in the #2 spot. I think he's well-suited for hitting 2nd.

On the injured starters, it's usually unnecessary to figure out a rotation too far in advance because weird things tend to happen during a baseball season. By the time those guys are ready, who knows what the rest of the rotation will look like. Having a surplus of starters is ALWAYS a good thing. It's never a bad problem.

Howry and Eyre are the 8th inning guys. You might see one or the other in the 7th depending on matchups. Ohman gives Dusty a nice second LH option. Ohman might come in and face one lefty and then you can use Eyre for a full inning later. Again, nothing like having lots of options.
---

Len-
Thanks for taking questions. I've got a few for you.

What do you think of the team's youngsters? Murton and Cedeno have put up some impressive numbers, but a lot of people outside of the organization are downplaying them. I kind of wondered what you think of them.

How 'bout the Cubs starting rotation? What do you expect of them? Do you expect to see Rich Hill or Angel Guzman in the mix any time soon, or is this just too competitive of a year for them to realistically
expect to make the team?

How do you think the Cubs' outfield defense is going to compare to years past? I know pundits and ESPN talking heads weren't big on Hollandsworth or Burnitz, or even Patterson, but personally thought they made up a solid defensive outfield. I'm that Pierre's arm is not going to compare to Patterson's, but how about covering ground? What is Jacque Jones' defense really like? It seemed like Murton was really getting better in left as the season went on, does that seem to be a valid judgment in your estimation?

Finally, do you think Derrek Lee can maintain his stroke from last year? I really feel like his swing was great, and his numbers were a product of that great swing. I also feel it would be unfair to expect
him to hit .335 again, but is .300 asking too much?

Thanks for your time, Len. I hope your offseason has gone great, but I hope your looking forward to spring training and the WBC almost as much as I am (I'm anticipating it just a little too feverishly).

Posted by Charlie M. at February 1, 2006 10:35 PM

LEN: Charlie, here we go...1) I like both youngsters a lot. Murton has a great patient approach, he'll go the other way, and his power (I believe) will come. Cedeno can really pick it and has gotten a lot better with the bat the last couple years. 2) The hope going in is that Hill and Guzman won't be needed early on. One or both could contribute later in the year, but hopefully the rotation will be stocked. 3) I addressed the OF situation a bit earlier. Defensively, Murton has room for improvement. Pierre will run 'em
down, but has a short arm. The smaller gaps @ Wrigley will help him. I'm told Jones is a terrific defender with good range. Burnitz is a very good RF, so my guess would be they're in the same ballpark, although Jones is younger, therefore might have better range. 4) I think asking Derrek to replicate last year's numbers is unfair, but you raise an interesting question--is Derrek now a perennial .300 hitter or the .270-ish hitter he was prior to 2005? My gut feeling is he should be in the .290-.310 range. After what he did last year, I would be surprised to see Derrek below about .290 from here on out. I think he's at another level now.
---

Hey Len!
I met you by the bowl of onions at the Cubs Convention when you were leaving Saturday night...I don't know if you remember that, but it was pretty amusing. I was just wondering who you predict will get the starting job at 2B? Also, do you think Walker will remain a Cub for the 2006 season? Thanks a lot for answering questions Len, it's very awesome of you!

Posted by Mallory at February 1, 2006 10:41 PM

LEN: Mallory, please pass the onions! I think Jerry Hairston is an intriguing guy @ 2B. He said recently he wasn't totally healthy last year after ankle surgery and remember, he never really got settled in
at one spot defensively. He's known as a very good defensive 2B and I like the idea of him maybe hitting 2nd behind Juan Pierre. Neifi, to me, is a terrific utility infielder but not a guy I'd want to see
play 145 games if you have other options. I say that because he doesn't get on base enough. He is, however, outstanding defensively. Walker is a very good hitter who does get on base but it's no secret defense is not his strong suit. It should be an
intriguing spring training battle. Will Walker be here? Not sure, you need to ask Jim Hendry that one.
---

Hey Len... About the R&L field situations, How about if Jones and Murton platoon and Pie plays the other outfield position..... Your opinion?

Posted by Tim H at February 1, 2006 11:10 PM

LEN: Hi Tim, that's not the plan going into the season. On Pie, I think he might still need another full year in the minors. You'd just hate to rush a kid when that could hurt his development.
---

Hey Len, what are the odds Augie Ojeda gets any playing time? I remember a few years back he went through a stretch where he couldn't get a hit to save his life and was traded or let go soon after. I know he's not as talented as some of the other players on the team, but I loved his effort and attitude. And his name.

Posted by Tyler at February 2, 2006 01:13 AM

LEN: Hi Tyler, he does have a great name! He's a long shot to make the club, but defensively, he's really good, so you never know. If Todd Walker gets traded, that would open up a spot on the bench potentially for Augie.
---
First, to Mike ... I hated the names on the jerseys and am glad they're gone, at least at home.

Len, who do you see hitting 2nd? Murton?

How much production from the bottom of the order?

Did we improve the 'pen or just add names?

I second the question about Guzman. Time for him to quit being injured and start producing.

Can D Lee come close to his 2005?

Who's someone going to step up as the 4th/5th starter? (4th until Wood is back, 5th after that)

Posted by Brian at February 2, 2006 02:22 AM

LEN: Hi Brian, 1) I am intrigued by Murton hitting second, yes. 2)I am a little concerned about the bottom of the order on days Blanco catches, but if Cedeno and Murton are consistent and you get good
pitching, they should be fine. 3) Yes, the bullpen is better, no question. 4) Easier said than done for a guy to "quit being injured." Many times, it just happens. Unfortunately, injuries are a part of the game. 5) I think D Lee showed that he can be, if not
a .300 hitter every year, a guy who should be closer to that than to the guy who used to hit .265-.270. 46 HRs might be too much to ask, but 35-40? Very realistic. 6) Glendon Rush and Jerome Williams give
the Cubs good depth in the rotation.
---

Do you and Bob feel any pressure to rebound this year after the WGN ratings took a freefall last year? (You didn't think all your questions would be softballs, did you?)

Posted by Tommy at February 2, 2006 07:31 AM

LEN: Hi Tommy, no, I expected them to be all "baseballs." OK, it's been a long off-season I know...I need to work on my corny humor. On your main question, ratings aside, I felt really good about our first year in the booth. Bob is such a pro and is as knowledgeable and witty as anyone I've been around and just made my first year so enjoyable. We have an awesome crew who brought us in with open arms. I just really felt like things were comfortable from the get-
go. And I'm so pumped about year 2 coming up, we're going to have a lot of fun. I should note that it was very important to me that we established that we knew what we were doing last year. I wanted to ease into the job and not try to do too much early on. A transition like the one in the TV booth is a big deal for fans and I have so much respect for the position and the fans that I wanted to be cautious in my approach. I think if you watched all season you
probably noticed we opened the throttle a little bit more in the second half and "let our hair down" so to speak. My hope is that by the end of the year you felt like you you kind of knew Bob and me a little better and what we're all about.

On the ratings, I can't answer that one. My hope is that we didn't turn people away last year, but who really knows. I do know that if the Cubs win 95 games this year, more people will watch. And no, I will not take any credit for that (I'm serious about that). Tommy, my guess is that baseball ratings are driven by and large by the club's performance. Bob and I and our crew will do EVERYTHING we can to make the games informative and entertaining and we'll work as hard
as we can to do our best. Beyond that, the rest is out of our hands. More directly to your question, no, I don't feel pressure to rebound from anything because I'm proud of our work. Thanks for your question. Feel free to post a reply.
---

Len,
What seems to keep the Cubs from doing the basics well? We have a solid coaching staff and good talent but the fundamentals of defense and offense seem to be lost on them. We appear content waiting for the bomb instead of manufacturing runs preparing for the bomb
(unfortunately the HATED Cardinals do this really well, hence 2 straight runaway NL Central crowns). Will this year's team do this better?

Mike

Posted by Mike Foster at February 2, 2006 08:08 AM

LEN: Mike, I think the Cubs have stressed fundamentals and I think you'll see 1) a better defensive club and 2) a much better approach at the top of the order with Juan Pierre now in that spot.
---

Do you think the cubs will get amy more players before spring training starts? I think the cubs have a good team this year!!

Posted by kristen carrier at February 2, 2006 08:23 AM

LEN: Kristen, it's possible Jim Hendry could make another move or two before Opening Day. He's always looking to improve the team.
---

Len,

I'm a long time Cub fan (But not a Bud man!).

Do you think now, with the White Sox and Red Sox
both winning the World Series, that Cubs management will have a urgency to finally get to a World Series ? A 100 years is a long enough wait for a World Series championship, wouldn't you agree ?

Thanks, Chris
Hilliard, OH

Posted by Chris at February 2, 2006 11:35 AM

LEN: Chris, first off, a century is way too long to wait. On the sense of ugency, it would be there no matter what Boston and the Sox had done the last 2 years. That 100-year anniversary is getting way
too close. Let's hope the World Championship-less drought ends this year.
---

Len, I've been a cubs fan for as long as I can remember. What I would like is a relative newcomer's perspective. When you took this job did you have any idea of the number of fans this team had? Or the level of interest? You've been around every major league franchise, honestly, where do you think this team's fans rank in passion compared to the others?

Posted by Dan in KY at February 2, 2006 03:55 PM

LEN: Dan, by far, hands down, Cubs fans are the best fans I've ever been around. I surmised that that would be the case going in, but I experience it everyday now that I'm w/the Cubs. I'm incredibly
flattered to be a part of Cubs fans daily lives. I so desperately want to see the Cubs win the World Series for YOU.
---

Len,
I would like a candid take on this team. I am concerned for several reasons. We have thought the bullpen improved previously and it was not. Is this the time?? Can the starters stay healthy? Do we have enough "pop" in the order. I fear that, like so many versions of this team that I have followed since old enough (1958), this is another year in which we are doomed before the first pitch. I pray for more deals.

Posted by Bill Thieben at February 2, 2006 04:02 PM

LEN: Bill, I feel your frustration. Look, I can't put you at ease other than to say, again, I do think this team on paper is better than the team that finished 2005. But, I will add, a lot of things have to go right for this team to get to the promised land (just like the White Sox last year). But it can happen.
---

LEN-
Do you see the Cubs trying to resign Derrek Lee to a multi year deal before spring training? Also, do you think they will try to sign Pierre to a extension?Can't wait to hear you and BB on the tv so lets
get the season going ..... GO CUBS

Posted by chris at February 2, 2006 04:29 PM

LEN: Chris, yes, I think the Cubs would like to get Derrek locked up at some point. Pierre too. Hey, I can't wait to get it going!
---

LEN, why is zambrano the only one left available for arbitration, he would have been the very first one i would have taken care of! the others were of importance too not to go in front of a arbitrator, with the rumors before of him going to the o's or
something like that,i hope they are not in the works of a deal with another team involving zambrano?

Posted by leo s. at February 2, 2006 04:37 PM

LEN: Leo, My guess is they'll get Z's deal done soon. I think some of it had to w/the timing. Ohman's hearing was supposed to be last week, so that took priority. And no, I don't think Z is heading
anywhere else.
---

Since my name is Len... I'll answer some of the questions posted here... namely... those of you who want to get into broadcasting...TRY GOING TO BROADCASTING OR JOURNALISM SCHOOL. TAKE A JOB AT A
DOWNSTATE RADIO STATION OR SOMETHING. USE SOME INITIATIVE. As for where did Len Kasper go to college... if you were a REAL Cub fan or maybe LOOKED AT HIS BIO, you'd know he went to MARQUETTE. Just
thought I'd help.

Posted by Lenny C at February 2, 2006 07:59 PM

LEN: Lenny, thanks for the help!
---

Hello Len~

Wanted to know what you think of Matt Murton's potential to be a serious RBI and HR hitter? I really like his approach at the plate, and his base seems to have the potential to give him a lot of power in coming years.

Thanks,

- Chris
Hudson, WI.

LEN: Chris, I agree on all counts. Well stated.
---

Posted by Christopher Mick at February 2, 2006 10:45 PM

Len,

two quick ones, any plans to broadcast from the "new" left field seats? Also, are the cubs planning to do the usual green for St. Patty's Day? Always a good sign of spring!

thanks!

Posted by Michelle at February 3, 2006 03:42 AM

LEN: Michelle, not sure about St. Patrick's Day...on the bleachers, I'm sure we'll do another game out there this year at some point.
---

Len,

Which Cubs player has given you the best Chicago area restaurant recommendation and what restaurant would that be (with the exception of Harry Carry's of course)?

Thanks

Posted by Dan at February 3, 2006 12:46 PM

LEN: Dan, I can't really say which player, but I've gotten a lot of great recommendations. My favorite place is a breakfast place--Tempo.
---

Len,

I see big things in the future of infielder Ronnie Cedeno. What chances do you think Dusty will give the Venezualan?

Posted by Tim at February 3, 2006 12:58 PM

LEN: Tim, expect to see Ronny as the everyday shortstop.