Breaking Down Len Kasper's Move To The White Sox Radio Booth

We're back for more Len Kasper coverage because this is how it works when I get personally devastated. In a couple hours I'll be walking into arguably one of the biggest Dog Walk Snake Drafts in recorded history and I swear on my life I can't have this Len Kasper shit getting in the way of a stellar performance. So let me get some stuff off my chest and keep it moving.

For starters, we got the news last night. I blogged my reaction with some light speculation and a heartfelt thank you to Len. 

I then spent the next few hours rapidly pacing my apartment, chain smoking inside cigs and asking God for clarity that did not come. I needed answers. I needed to know the truth behind what I perceive to be the worst offseason news so far for the Cubs. Let me be clear: Theo wasn't going to be here any longer than next year. We knew that. We also knew it wouldn't look good for Schwarber in the long run. But literally no one anywhere even remotely thought Len Kasper was leaving FOR THE WHITE SOX RADIO BOOTH.

In fact, Len's Cubs career was actually something I'd call a certainty. I consciously & actively viewed him as someone I'd have a one-sided relationship with for the rest of my life. I though it was -110 that his career as the Cubs broadcast PBP would outlive me personally. Like many of you, I was wrong. 

Fortunately, Len came on his new employer radio station ESPN 1000 to talk about "the process" sounding like Theo Epstein. Here's my breakdown after hearing it from the horse's mouth. 

- He said ever since childhood, baseball radio was his "dream job" and that he always said the Cubs broadcast PBP was "beyond his dreams" which is something I don't quite understand. I feel like we're really backing into the decision when we start talking like that. No disrespect to 7 year-old Len Kasper and I hate to start with a Negative Nancy. But you can't act like that after 16 years on the job. You can't tell me it's something that exists beyond your dreams when you've done it over 2,500 times. Hate to break it to you buddy but you're one of the best in the world at what you do. And at some point that creates a duty and obligation. If I'm angry it's because he's leaving millions of people in a significantly worse place at a dire time of need. 

- He did not thank Tom Ricketts. 

- The first person he thanked was Jerry Reinsdorf, which I guess makes sense? He's the new boss. But you'd imagine a guy like Len Kasper would 99/100 times open up with something like: 

Before starting I want to say that I had an amazing 16 years with the Cubs and I want to thank Tom Ricketts for everything he's done …

- It was actually quite the opposite. He made it very personal from the beginning and seemed emotionally distant from the organization. Almost to point where you could tell he just couldn't do it for the Cubs anymore. Like it goes deeper than just being in the radio booth vs. TV vs. whatever. 

- At one point Len Kasper referred to the Chicago Cubs as "them" and I swear a piece of my soul broke off into the coffee cup I was holding like one of Voldemort's horcruxes 

- He said bad timing with the Marquee Network in its second year, and he had mentioned that he wanted to be apart of its success. He spoke highly of the network and seemed optimistic about it. Even so, the joke about him having to be buttoned up figuratively and literally in a shirt & tie on air every day seems to be pretty real. A guy like that wants to feel like a kid around the baseball field. Yes, a consummate professional. But a childish consummate professional. And guys like that don't want to spend $119 on a nice Oxford from Nordstroms so they can feel fancy at work. You have to imagine deep down inside there's a big Fuck This element lurking behind the Marquee booth. 

- I don't remember if he said anything about JD. You'd think that would be at the top too but it wasn't. He was basically all sights ahead. 

- He spoke very fondly of club president Crane Kenney which was generally surprising given the nature and timing of his announcement. If we take Len's word at face value, he's really good friends with Crane and that was one of the hardest parts of leaving the job. It surprises me because if they're that close, I'd expect Len to stay. Like you just can't let Len Kasper walk in my mind - but again it sounds like Len very much had this made up in his mind. 

- Len says all anger and frustration should be directed at him. Classy. 

- He seems genuinely excited about the opportunity which kinda helps ease my mind. He didn't seem acrimonious or upset with the Cubs, just that this was always something he wanted to do. That when he reflects upon his life, he wanted to put the radio booth on his legacy. It's the true sound of summer in his mind. This was a chance to pivot the rest of his career and he's taking the jump. 

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- With the White Sox. 

- Fuck me. 

- We'll probably get over it but I shit you not I needed Len Kasper to get through this inevitable rebuild. As I said very passionately this week on Red Line Radio, the 2021 season is going to be background noise while they rebuild the farm and go cheap again. The passion and excitement is authentic and that means it's probably going on hold while we wade through the muddy waters of a mid-70 win season. It's an unfortunate reality but a reality nonetheless. 

- Len Kasper would've been the perfect person to shoulder the burden of making it tolerable on a day-to-day basis and that's gone. Now insert some cream puff substitute that will follow orders while broadcasting the Cubs to our national fucking audience. Goddamnit. 2021 will be my hardest test yet. 

- For more local coverage and the chance to witness my Cubs fandom death in real time, follow me on twitter @barstoolcarl

PS - He's doing collaborations with Benetti and that sounds awesome. Those two are going to absolutely crush baseball coverage for the White Sox. I have no problem admitting I am extremely jealous