Thoughts on the Chicago Cubs and other topics in baseball. E-mail Tom at: tomsmithcubs@ hotmail.com

 
WHEN WAYNE ENDORSES SOMEONE IT CANNOT BE GOOD: SCOTTSDALE -- As if I needed another reason to dislike the hiring of Len Kasper as the Cubs television voice, being endorsed by Wayne Larrivee clinches it. Ed Sherman in the Chicago Tribune reports, Wayne Larrivee likes Len Kasper's broadcasting style. Never having cared much for Larrivee's work on Cubs games does not fill me with confidence in Kasper's selection.

posted by Thomas at 1:24 AM

 
CUBS HIRE KASPER AS TV BROADCASTER: SCOTTSDALE -- I do not mean to be a sourpuss on the hiring of the new Cubs announcers but reading the Cubs have hired Len Kasper to be the Cubs television broadcaster does not thrill me.
Having endured listening to Kasper on Marlins games a couple of times the last few years has made me wonder how someone so dull got the job. Kasper broadcasts baseball as if he is broadcasting a funeral. Kasper has the unique ability to make an exciting game boring. Kasper has an annoying voice which stays at a monotone level throughout most of the broadcast. When his team does well Kasper usually keeps his voice at a monotone, but occasionally raises it. Not being a fan of monotone broadcasters I usually want the broadcaster to raise his voice during a big play. With Kasper though, I wish he would keep his voice at a monotone. The reason is Kasper's raised voice is about as pleasing as fingernails on a blackboard.
During the Chip Caray-Joe Carter era, I hit the mute button on numerous occasions because I could not take the annoying, inane broadcasts. I am afraid I will be hitting the mute button a lot in the years to come with the insipid Len Kasper in the Cubs television booth.



JOHN McDONOUGH, MEDIOCRE CUBS EXECUTIVE: SCOTTSDALE -- John McDonough, the Cubs senior vice president of marketing and broadcasting is often praised as a great marketing guru. McDonough might be a great marketing person but his track record for picking announcers is rather mixed. Some WGN executives are involved in the hiring of announcers but McDonough is the person who directs the searches.
McDonough inherited Harry Caray and Steve Stone. He did ok in hiring Chip Caray, but his hiring had a lot to do with Chip being Harry's grandson. McDonough was around when the Cubs hired the terrific Pat Hughes to team with Ron Santo, but that is the only good move he has made. During McDonough's reign he has stuck us with Wayne Larrivee, Josh Lewin, Joe Carter, Dave Otto, and now Len Kasper. It would seem picking announcers is not his forte.

posted by Thomas at 11:37 PM