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New Info Hints The Bears May Not Have to Trade for Jarvis Landry

By
Erik Lambert
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bears jarvis landry trade

John Mullin of NBC Sports Chicago set the city afire when he provided his explode update on the Bears Jarvis Landry trade. Apparently, the two teams were discussing a complicated deal. It would involve the Miami Dolphins sending Landry, the #11 pick and a third round pick to the Bears. In exchange, they would get the #8 pick and running back Jordan Howard.

Needless to say, plenty of fans were not thrilled about this news. Sacrificing a proven stud in Howard just to fill a need at wide receiver? Filling it with a player many don’t even consider a true #1 target and who has a history of being difficult to work with? It’s just hard to imagine that the Bears would be that desperate and that shortsighted.

Then again everyone is acting like the trade has already happened. It hasn’t and constant reports hint nothing is close. Ian Rapoport and Pro Football Talk both indicated the proposed Bears trade was not even valid, and this was later backed up by former scout Greg Gabriel. So what exactly is going on?

Bears Jarvis Landry trade may not even need to happen

The truth is this entire situation may be a carefully crafted exploitation of the rumor mill by Miami to stoke the fires of “reported” interest in Landry. The truth is far different. A source informed me that the Dolphins are negotiating from a weakened position and they know this. Not only is Landry not generating a ton of interest, but Miami is hampered even more by other factors.

“The push is coming from Miami putting out who is and isn’t interested but there ain’t as much interest as reported.

The feeling is a tagged player being traded is he’s a rental and several teams are wary of that.

Cleveland and San Francisco will not waste any of their picks. The Bears don’t want to waste picks either. Baltimore could be desperate enough because of how the season ended and the need of offense.”

Indeed it’s no secret that Landry has every intention of being paid this off-season. He stated clearly in a video he recently posted that he will not play under the franchise tag. Seeing guys like Ryan Shazier suffer life-threatening injuries made him think about his family and his future. He’ll only play once his long-term financial security is settled.

This creates a big problem for the Dolphins

That isn’t the only issue for Miami. They’ve been hemmed in by their own mistakes. Their recent trade for defensive end Robert Quinn has put their salary cap in a bad situation. Well into the red. This means they have to shed salary if they’re even going to fit him onto the roster. Landry, who plans to sign the tag next week, may actually be forcing their hand.

My source confirmed this much. Teams around the league know how strapped Miami is for cash and how desperate they are to trade Landry. This puts them in a superior negotiating position. They could just choose to sit back and wait, forcing the Dolphins to either work their way under the cap likely at great cost or rescind the tag and let Landry walk.

“Once it’s signed there’s no going back. Teams will lowball them and they’ll be stuck with Landry.”

This means the Bears don’t have to do anything. They can sit back and wait. Either the price to acquire Landry will drop as the season gets closer or they can prepare a strong free agent push once Miami removes the tag, making him a free agent. This comes down to GM Ryan Pace. Is he that desperate or can he stay patient? We shall see.

MLB Analyst Predicts Cubs vs. White Sox World Series In 2018

By
Aldo Soto
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Chicago Cubs vs. White Sox

The great thing about the internet is that it never forgets. So, with that said, Kevin Millar’s 2018 World Series prediction is the Cubs vs. White Sox according to the 30 Clubs in 30 Days series on MLB Network this spring training.

That’s right, one of our White Sox guys already wrote how ridiculous it was for Millar to have the White Sox in this year’s World Series, but that made me remember how a few days earlier he said the Cubs were going back to the World Series, curing their hangover from 2017.

So, whether he was thinking about it or not, Millar has the Cubs and White Sox facing off in the World Series for the first time since 1906.

I’ll be honest, I haven’t watched many of the shows from this series that ends in a season prediction, but apparently Millar loves handing out World Series spots left and right.

So, I’m putting this out there just to keep tabs on Millar and his crazy predictions because let’s be real, the White Sox aren’t going to be close to the postseason this year let alone the World Series.

And yes, it would be wild to see a Cubs vs. White Sox World Series, but let’s wait for a few years. Predict it for 2020. Be a little more realistic.

REPORT: Cubs Tried To Hire 3 Coaches They See As Future Managers

By
Aldo Soto
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Manager Joe Maddon of the Chicago Cubs reacts with The Commissioner's Trophy after the Chicago Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians 8-7 in Game Seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field on Nov. 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cubs win their first World Series in 108 years. (Photo by David J. Phillip-Pool/Getty Images)

A couple days ago MLB insider Jon Heyman provided Chicago Cubs fans a nice little piece of information. In Heyman’s recent notes on all 30 teams, he brought up how the Cubs’ front office tried to hire three former players to be coaches this past offseason.

Those three, according to Heyman, are viewed as future managers by the current front office and one already is, as Aaron Boone got the New York Yankees managerial position. The other two were Raul Ibanez and former Cubs infielder Mark DeRosa.

Via Jon Heyman.

The Cubs identified three potential future managers to try to convince to come as coaches (one of whom now has a managing job), but Mark DeRosa, Raul Ibanez and Aaron Boone wound up not coming. Theo Epstein, upon seeing Boone was going to be named Yankees manager, jokingly told him that “it must have been a tough choice — Yankees manager of Cubs quality assurance coach.”

What does this mean for current Cubs manager Joe Maddon? Nothing really, as Heyman didn’t say the trio were viewed to be Maddon’s replacement, simply are considered to be a manager with someone in the future.

Maddon is signed through 2019, and although he hasn’t been given a contract extension like Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer, (through 2021) he could very easily be given one after this season. The only time you should be worried about Maddon’s future with the Cubs is if he does indeed begin next year without a contract extension. Still, plenty of time to work that out.

All that being said, it would be in great interest of the Cubs to prepare for life after Maddon. The 64-year-old is one of the oldest in MLB, so you never know what his future plans are either.

Back to the names. Boone, Ibanez and DeRosa all have a few things in common. For starters the three men have broadcasting experience, around the same age (mid-40s) and have recent playing experience. Obviously the Cubs weren’t the only ones to see something special in Boone, as he replaced Joe Giradi in New York without any prior coaching experience.

Again, no indication that the Cubs are actively looking to replace Maddon, but it does look like they’re thinking ahead, and trying to give some ex players a chance to start their coaching career.

If Heyman’s quote by Epstein is accurate, the Cubs were trying to find a quality assurance coach. That position was held by Henry Blanco for the past three years, but remains open now that he joined Davey Martinez’s coaching staff with the Washington Nationals.

As always, whenever we discuss possible coaches and managers David Ross has to come up, right? Ross already works in the Cubs front office and remember he was getting some consideration for the Yankees job before Boone was hired.

There’s also Will Venable, who became the Cubs first base coach this offseason and Brandon Hyde who’s Maddon’s bench coach.

So, just something to keep in the back of your head, but for now it’s the Joe Maddon show and after three straight appearances in the NLCS with one World Series title, I’d say it’s working just fine.

The Wide Receivers Put on Show for Bears At the Scouting Combine

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears

The Chicago Bears had their full attention fixed on the field for Day 2 of the NFL scouting combine. That’s because it was the high water mark when quarterbacks and wide receivers do their work. Having already landed their QB of the future, the Bears brass were there to watch what receiving talent the 2018 draft has to offer.

Initial results should have them suitably impressed. While the odds on the Bears going for a receiver at #8 overall haven’t changed, there is no longer a question about the depth of this group. It may lack in star power but there are definite athletes in the bunch, many of whom proved they know how to run sharp routes and catch the football.

Head coach Matt Nagy was right alongside GM Ryan Pace watching it unfold. They no doubt had their eyes on some of the kids who performed down there. A number of whom fans may not yet know about.

Chicago Bears could find value in deep receiver draft

Of course the big fish in the pond this year is Calvin Ridley out of Alabama. Most view him as the top receiver in the class and the only one with a chance to go in the top 10. Long story short? He had a fine day. He ran a respectable 4.43 in the 40-yard dash and looked solid in most of the drills, though his broad jump (9’2″) was a disappointment.

The real star of the afternoon was D.J. Chark. The 6’3″ kid from LSU already came in with a ton of momentum. He was outstanding in the Senior Bowl, going for over 160 yards in the game with a touchdown. Teams wanted to see if he could duplicate that speed in a timed setting. He didn’t disappoint.

Chark finished with the best time of the day and didn’t have any setbacks in the other drills. However, the most impressive all-around performance might have to go to Texas A&M standout Christian Kirk. Being only 5’11”, he needed to make sure he showed his game had nothing to do with size.

His 4.47 in the 40 answered the questions about his speed. He also delivered a surprising 20 reps on the bench press, placing him fourth among receivers. His best showing though came during throwing drills. It was there he got a chance to showcase arguably the most natural pair of hands at the combine.

All told there were 14 receivers on the day who finished with a 40 time under 4.5. So there’s plenty of speed in this draft class. There’s also a lot of size. Current count has 13 receivers measured at 6’3″ or taller with a likelihood to get drafted. So it’s nice mix and match of preferences for the Bears to choose from. If Nagy wants more speed to get chunk plays, it’s there. If he wants more size to improve the red zone play, it’s there.

This group should be able to help Chicago accomplish their goal this off-season.

New Candidate Surfaces To Be Cubs Leadoff Hitter

By
Aldo Soto
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Joe Maddon

The search for someone to take reign over the leadoff spot continues and Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon has thrown a new candidate into the mix.

At the end, it might not even matter who the Cubs have leading off for them in 2018. So much was made of the loss of Dexter Fowler last year, but the Cubs still managed to score the second most amount of runs in the National League (822) that was 14 more than what they scored in 2016. Nonetheless, you would prefer some stability throughout the season. Maddon is now considering Jason Heyward to be the team’s leadoff man.

Heyward got his first look in the leadoff position Friday against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Don’t be surprised if he’s in there again during spring training.

Via ESPN.

Joe Maddon has Jason Heyward leading off today. It’s the first time someone other than Ian Happ or Albert Almora Jr. has been at the top of the lineup this spring. Maddon: “Check it out. Take it for a test drive. I like what he’s (Heyward) doing right now. Just want to make sure we’re looking at every possibility.”

Heyward went 1-for-3, Friday, hitting a double in his second at bat.

As Maddon said, he’s simply looking at every possibility. For now it appears as though Ian Happ has emerged as the early favorite, with his scorching-hot start in spring training.

As for Heyward, new Cubs hitting coach Chili Davis is hoping to unlock the right-fielder’s potential at the plate. Before signing with the Cubs, Heyward had at least a 120 wRC+ in three of his previous four seasons. In his two seasons with the Cubs, Heyward’s put up a 71 wRC+ in 2016, and 88 wRC+ in 2017.

Right now it seems Davis is helping Heyward the most with his mental makeup.

Via The Athletic.

“But as far as going forward with Chili, it’s been a very easy transition, because he played for a long time,” Heyward said. “Sometimes, you may not always need to talk about a mechanical thing. Sometimes, you just may need [to talk about a feel] and this gets you in the right mindset. And then things fall into place that way.

“Because at the end of the day, during the season, [for] 162 games, that’s what you need more than anything. You can work mechanics. You can work drills all you want to. But the mindset going into that drill is important. And the mindset going into each game and at-bat is a big thing.”

Heyward has a career .344 OBP, so if he can simply get back to a respectable batting average he could become an option leading off, as he’s shown throughout his career that he can draw walks.

But again, it may not matter with this Cubs team because of all the talent up and down the roster.

The Bears Jarvis Landry Trade Buzz Could Involve a Huge Twist

By
Erik Lambert
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jordan howard trade

The Chicago Bears Jarvis Landry trade buzz has remained consistent for the better part of a couple weeks. This ever since the Miami Dolphins chose to franchise tag the 24-year old wide receiver. Initial impression was the Bears had interest but didn’t have the picks required to make such a deal.

That may no longer be a problem. According to John Mullin of NBC Sports Chicago, there is a growing buzz that the Bears might have a way to get the former Pro Bowl wide receiver, but it would require an unexpected sacrifice that may not thrill a lot of people.

“Whispers are that the Bears and Miami Dolphins have had conversations about the Dolphins sending wide receiver Jarvis Landry and a third-round pick to the Bears in exchange for Howard and a swap of the Dolphins pick at No. 11 overall for the Bears’ at No. 8.”

A lot of Bears fans are going to hate that idea. Why give up Jordan Howard, a stud running back, just to get a receiver who will cost way more money and a third round pick? The answer isn’t as complicated as they might think though. The center of it rests at the feet, ironically, of new head coach Matt Nagy.

Bears Jarvis Landry trade sparked by lack of Jordan Howard fit

On the surface this seems absurd. Howard has run for over 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons. How could Nagy not see value in him on offense? There is a rather key reason. Howard is a terrible receiver. Since his rookie year in 2016, he has dropped a total of 12 passes, ranking him among the worst in the NFL. Nagy loves to use his running backs as receivers out of the backfield.

This means keeping Howard would handcuff a considerable part of his playbook. This is rather amazing. A source reached out to me a month ago insisting that the Dolphins were in hot pursuit of Howard. I wasn’t comfortable revealing that information at the time because it was so hard to believe. It’s now clear I owe that person a groveling apology.

Adding to this is the fact that the 2018 draft class is stacked with running back talent. Not only that, but GM Ryan Pace has already shown he has an eye for finding gems at that position. It was true with Howard in the fifth round two years ago and again with Tarik Cohen last year. Nagy too has a sharp eye, helping the Chiefs to get Kareem Hunt in the third round last year.

Now with all this being said, it’s important to maintain context. The trade is being “explored.” That doesn’t mean it’s all but set in stone. Several hurdles must yet be clear. Still, if it does happen the Bears get themselves a Pro Bowl receiver, get back their lost third rounder from the Trubisky trade and only lose three draft slots in the first round.

Yes, it costs them Howard, but the future of this team will go through Mitch Trubisky. That’s the harsh reality of this sport.

Bears Are Starting to Sniff Around Another Top QB in the Draft

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears

Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace finally drafted his quarterback in 2017. Mitch Trubisky is his guy. That was evident from the ridiculous lengths he went to in order to get him. The massive deception campaign. The trade up from #3 to #2. Pace wasn’t messing around. He was going to get Trubisky come hell or high water. With that said, that doesn’t mean he’s suddenly stopped thinking about adding talent to the position.

Pace has said on more than one occasion that he’d like to draft a quarterback every year. There’s plenty of logic behind that idea. It’s never a bad thing to have talent and depth at the most important position in sports. Not only would the Bears have a secure backup position if Trubisky got hurt, they’d also have potential trade bait a couple seasons down the road.

It’s a method that teams like the Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots have put to great use in the past. Now the Bears want to give it a shot. Despite having Trubisky they’ve remained active in the quarterback market ahead of the draft. Another new name has just surfaced that they’re eyeing carefully.

Lamar Jackson has the Chicago Bears attention at the combine

Louisville star Lamar Jackson is a busy man. He’s doing everything in his power to convince teams that his future in the NFL is at quarterback. This may sound odd given the phenomenal numbers he put up with the Cardinals including 9,043 yards passing and 69 touchdowns. It seems the buzz going around is many don’t see him as a QB and wish to try him out as a wide receiver. This is something Jackson continues to resist strongly.

It’s not clear whether the Bears share this viewpoint. Nonetheless, it hasn’t stopped them from meeting with the former Heisman winner.

Jackson is considered one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks to come out of college in years. He’s been widely compared to Michael Vick thanks to his freakish athleticism and speed. This belies his better-than-average arm that has made some impressive throws over the course of his career.

What makes Jackson so interesting for the Bears rests on who their new offensive coordinator is. Mark Helfrich was one of the architects of the famed Oregon offenses between 2009 and 2015. They were often nearly unstoppable because it helped maximize the effectiveness of quarterbacks who could run.

Jackson would’ve been the epitome of their type of QB. So it makes perfect sense the Bears would be watching him carefully. As things stand it looks like he’s a favorite to go somewhere in the first two rounds. However, things change quickly in the draft process. If by some chance he falls to the fourth round, where Chicago has two picks, Pace may be tempted to pull the trigger.

Cubs Sign Former Top-100 Pitching Prospect Who Has Interesting Connection To Kyle Hendricks

By
Aldo Soto
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It was first reported a week ago that the Chicago Cubs signed former second overall pick Danny Hultzen and made official yesterday, but the front office isn’t done giving pitchers a second chance at a major-league career. The Cubs have added Allen Webster as well, inking him to a minor-league deal according to Chris Cotillo.

The 28-year-old, right-handed pitcher hasn’t appeared in the majors since 2015, when he played for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Webster was drafted way back in 2008, by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 18th round. He made his debut in 2013, with the Boston Red Sox.

As mentioned above by Cotillo, Webster was part of the 2012 blockbuster trade between the Dodgers and Red Sox that involved Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Josh Beckett and Nick Punto plus some cash going to Los Angeles. Webster was a top prospect at the time, ranked fourth best in Boston’s farm system and 71st overall by MLB.com prior to the 2013 season.

Unfortunately for Webster, he didn’t have much success at the MLB level. He made eight appearances in 2013, going back and forth from Boston to the minors. Webster made 11 starts in 2014, striking out 36, walking 28 and recording a 5.03 ERA with a 1.46 WHIP in 59 innings. Boston traded him to Arizona, where Webster only made five starts and nine total appearances in 2015, before he was designated for assignment after the season.

Webster spent some time playing in Korea in 2016, and was then picked up by the Texas Rangers. Last year in Triple-A, Webster’s struggles continued, posting a 6.79 ERA and 1.66 WHIP in 58.1 innings.

By those numbers you have to wonder what the Cubs see in Webster, but the intriguing thing is this front office was trying to trade for him in 2012.

Here’s where the interesting Kyle Hendricks connection comes in.

So, when you go back to 2012, the Cubs traded starting pitcher Ryan Dempster to the Rangers. In return, the Cubs received Christian Villanueva and Kyle Hendricks. That would have never happened if the Dodgers wouldn’t have been so concerned about trading Webster for Dempster.

Here’s what Jon Heyman wrote in 2012 about the trade talks between the Cubs and Dodgers involving Dempster and Webster.

The Cubs offered to send Ryan Dempster to his preferred Dodgers straight up for solid right-handed pitching prospect Allen Webster, but the Dodgers have rejected the offer.

The issue seems to be this: The Dodgers don’t appear to love Dempster quite as much as he loves them.

According to people briefed on the talks, the Dodgers have thus far offered a couple of lesser prospects, guys who may project as relievers.

The Cubs really wanted Webster in 2012, but once the Dodgers refused, they moved on to other suitors. Also keep in mind that before the eventual trade with the Rangers, the Cubs and Atlanta Braves agreed to a deal for Dempster, but he didn’t approve the trade and was eventually dealt to Texas a week later.

So, can you imagine if Los Angeles loved Dempster more at the time? The Cubs would have had Webster instead of Hendricks.

You know what, let’s not try to imagine that and simply hope Webster can figure it out now that he’s in the Cubs organization.

This Cubs-Themed “The Office” Intro Is Incredible

By
Aldo Soto
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It’s no secret that Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon is a huge fan NBC’s hit show, “The Office” and over at Cubs Insider an incredible Cubs-themed intro video featuring the show’s catchy tune was created.

Maddon was in his first spring training as the manager of the Cubs back in 2015, when he let everyone know just how big of a fan he was of Michael Scott among others.

Then a year later, when the Cubs were in the World Series, Maddon once again referenced “The Office” and jokingly said the beloved character of Michael Scott was his mentor. 

“Michael Scott (is) probably the biggest influence,” Maddon deadpanned with only a hint of a smile to betray the joke. “That’s ‘The Office,’ for those who don’t watch TV.”

That inspired this amazing video created by Cubs Insider.

Bravo.

And in case you haven’t heard, there’s also a new version of “Go Cubs Go” sung by the players themselves.

The Best Version Of “Go Cubs Go” Is Here

The Best Version Of “Go Cubs Go” Is Here

By
Aldo Soto
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Hate it, love it, feel indifferent about it, think it doesn’t make sense to play after a win, it doesn’t matter because “Go Cubs Go” is never going away, so obviously the next reasonable step is to have the players sing it. That’s exactly what WGN has given Chicago Cubs fans.

The best version of “Go Cubs Go” is here!

Kris Bryant’s wink just got every woman watching pregnant.

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