Len Kasper discusses his job, Cubs' season ahead
When Len Kasper's voice cracks, it's a good sign for the Cubs.
It took only one game for the television broadcaster's voice to hit midseason form. When Kosuke Fukudome's game-tying, 3-run homer landed in the bleachers Monday, Kasper's call matched the drama.
Kasper, now in his fourth year working with Bob Brenley, talked Tuesday about the opener and what's ahead for the Cubs this season.
Q. Extra innings, a couple of rain delays, a ceremony for a Cubs legend, ninth-inning heroics -- what else could you ask for on Opening Day?
A. It would have been great to win, especially on Ernie Banks Day, but it's only one game. … At the end of year, I don't think you'll remember the first week in April.
Q. Do you listen to your calls?
A. I definitely try to watch and listen because if you don't you'll fall in bad habits. … Now with the big calls, I definitely hear those. I don't always remember what I said.
It (Fukudome's homer) was unbelievable. When I asked Bob (Brenley) off the air, "Did you think it was gone when he hit it?" Brenley said he wasn't sure. … If I'm not sure, I pull back. The last thing I want to do is get overly excited if it ends up being a routine flyball. I want to build it to a crescendo.
Q. The Cubs play 15 home games in April and 17 in May. How key is a good start?
A. If you get 8½ behind Milwaukee (like last year), they will find a way to close the deal this year. I believe last year was as much getting used to (manager) Lou (Piniella) and Lou understanding what he had. This year, with the nucleus back, I would be very surprised and disappointed if the team wasn't over .500 after the first couple months.
In the last week (of the season) with four in New York and three in Milwaukee, there is pressure on the team to play better early.
Q. The second homestand starts with Cincinnati and Dusty Baker. What will this series be like? How hard will the feelings be?
A. I don't know how Dusty will react, but I will be glad to see him. On a personal and professional level, we get along great, and I know him and Lou get along. I hope the fans don't let him have it. I know it did not end great, but 2003 was an awesome season up until the end. …
I am sure the intensity will up a notch with Dusty.
Q. With the Cubs favored to defend their NL Central title, who will be their biggest challenger?
A. Milwaukee is the team that stands out to me. The Reds are the fashionable pick, but until they prove they can consistently pitch, there are still question marks.
The two teams that are the most complete are the Cubs and Brewers. I think it could come down to the final series in Milwaukee.
Q. How do you handicap the rest of the NL race?
A. The Mets with (Johan) Santana should be very good. I like a lot of teams in the West. The Padres can pitch. I like the Diamondbacks' rotation. The Rockies, some say how they closed last year was a fluke … I don't think so.