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A Few Questions From This Picture Of Tom Ricketts On Halloween

By
Aldo Soto
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Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts greeted trick-or-treaters on Halloween Tuesday night and damnit, he owes everyone some answers.

First the photo:

My buddy is neighbors with the Ricketts family. Screw candy, take a baseball.

All right, the questions we need answers to.

  1. You’re the owner of the Cubs, why are you handing out fun-sized candy bars?
  2. You have a dutch door, why are you handing out fun-sized candy bars?
  3. Do you have a dutch door because you don’t want a dog running out, or do you enjoy answering the door without needing to have pants on?
  4. Are the baseballs signed?
  5. Are those baseballs also juiced?
  6. Are you trying to get rid of evidence of juiced baseballs?
  7. Are you saving money on Halloween candy to sign Bryce Harper?

OK, that concludes the questioning of Tom Ricketts.

h/t: Reddit

NFL Referee VPs Unanimous On if Zach Miller Scored that TD

By
Erik Lambert
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zach miller

It’s already been a few days but Chicago Bears fans are still talking about the game in New Orleans. Much of the furious debate centers around how bad the officiating crew was. There were a host of awful calls across the four quarters. However, none could even hold a candle to the mind-boggling sequence late in the third on the Zach Miller touchdown. Or non-touchdown.

Trailing 14-3, the Bears were driving deep in Saints territory. On third down, Mitch Trubisky dropped back to throw and lofted a 25-yard strike to the end zone. Tight end Zach Miller appeared to collect the pass with one hand for the touchdown. Unfortunately the 33-year old suffered a gruesome dislocated knee on the play.

It was a gorgeous play that ended in tragedy for Miller who was swiftly taken to the hospital. There he discovered he’d torn the main artery in his knee and almost lost the entire bottom half of his leg. Thankfully the rapid response of the doctors allowed them to repair the issue and he’s now recovering. Yet for Miller the worst part was what came right after the play itself.

Referees VPs join in bafflement of Zach Miller touchdown overturn

As the medics were getting him off the field, the call came in from the refs that the touchdown had been overturned because Miller had failed to maintain control. Yet every conceivable replay showed no evidence that the ball had hit the group. The game announcers were flummoxed by the overturn. Even several players took to social media saying it was a terrible call.

Of course the most interesting opinions to get are from current or former referees who understand the job. In that regard there was no change in opinion. Top guys Mike Pereira and Dean Blandino who represented the headquarters in New York were clear on where they stood.

Losing the TD proved to be the decisive moment of the game. If the Bears get it called their way, it’s 14-10 with plenty of time left. This means their touchdown later in the game wouldn’t have required a two-point conversion attempt. That would’ve made it 20-17 when Chicago began their final drive of the game. Only a field goal would’ve been needed to tie the game. It changes how both the offense and defense plays.

In the end it went down the way it did and the Bears now know they got robbed.

It’s Going To Take A Miracle For The Cubs To Sign Japanese Phenom

By
Sean Sears
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The dream of landing Japanese superstar Shohei Otani has been flirted with by most Cubs fans. A legitimate two-way player is always going to catch the attention of even the most casual of fans.

The Cubs need starters, and Otani could possibly be the most dynamic arm on the market in years. The majority of talk has centered around finding back of the rotation help. But when a player is being referred to as his countries Babe Ruth, you have my full attention. However, Otani has always been unlikely piece to end up in Chicago, even after he announced he was coming to the MLB in 2018.

Show Me The Money

For starters, the Cubs can only offer him somewhere in the range of a 300k signing bonus due to the new CBA. For reference, the Rangers can offer the most bonus money at $3,535,000.

So, the Cubs are playing from behind in that regard. But, the good news on Otani posting earlier than expected is that he is forgoing a massive payday to come play in the MLB this year. Like a reportedly $190+ mil payday to come to the states, leading people to assume he is doing for the love of the game.

Personally, I find it hard to believe that the most hyped Japanese player since Ichiro is coming to the MLB just because. But here we are.

Pros And Cons For The Cubs

We also don’t know if Otani plans to be an actual two-way player. Clearly, on the mound is where teams want his focus at, where he registered a 1.86 ERA in 2016. But Otani hit .322 with 22 home runs in 2016 and another 8 homers in 2017.

His skill set is a much better fit in the AL with the DH, especially with his recent ankle injury that kept him to just 25 games this season in the NPB. But if Otani is committed to consistently hitting everyday, playing the outfield in Chicago for at bats might not be what he is looking for.

A pro for the Cubs are that everyone has the same ceiling. Otani’s choice will depend on the fit on the team and the city, which should give an advantage to the Cubs. However, since there is a cap on how much Otani can make, every single team is going to be involved.

Plus, if he does want regular at bats, he likely profiles better in the AL. But, if there’s one thing I will never do is count this front office out on any deal.

 

So, The Cubs Chances Are…?

While the Cubs are limited in funds, they are still one of the best teams in baseball. They also happened to have one of the more entertaining clubhouses in baseball. Surely Joe Maddon would find ways to get Otani to the plate throughout the season.

It’s not entirely impossible that Otani agrees to an extension for 2019 – in theory, of course. The ‘spirit of the CBA’ is something you are going to hear a lot as the Otani-Mania starts. Essentially, the MLB is concerned teams are negotiating under the table deals for extensions or bonuses as a way around the strict CBA rules.

But, if the Cubs can sell the Japanese flame-thrower on a ‘prove it’ one year deal with hope of a mammoth extension – maybe he signs?

All of this is speculation of course, but with Otani likely capped at roughly $3.5 mil for 2018, teams are going to get creative to stand out from the rest. He could also supplement his contract with marketing opportunities in a larger city. New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago quickly come to mind.

But, the entire situation boils down to two things. Does he want to get paid or does he want to win? Coming a year earlier than expected to make less money would lean more towards winning. And if he is truly looking to play for a contender, the Cubs stand a better chance than most.

 

Seat for Chicago Bears Coaching Staff is “Red Hot”

By
Erik Lambert
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john fox era

The Chicago Bears coaching staff is on quite the roller coaster. Well most of them are anyway. Vic Fangio seems like the only man who has managed to endear himself to fans and media. That of course thanks to the way his defense has played this season, especially the past three weeks. As for head coach John Fox, offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains and everybody else? Not so much.

Truth be told the buzz over the job security of this staff has felt shaky since January. Understandable since the team finished 3-13. There was a growing belief the Bears might cut ties. In fact back in December I was informed that Fox came exceedingly close to getting fired but would end up staying. Though expect a lot of changes.

Both came to pass. Fox remained but the Bears remade much of their assistant staff including wide receiver, running back, offensive line, outside linebackers and safeties. The warning was clear though. The staff was brought back reluctantly under the belief that a better run of health might change fortunes.

Chicago Bears coaching staff have failed to gain any ground

Truth be told not much has changed. The Bears are still getting banged up and still finding way to lose games they should be winning. Much of it due to simple mistakes that a well-disciplined team should never make. Just the game in New Orleans offered examples. Kyle Fuller lining up offsides on a field goal attempt. Charles Leno committing a false start on the first play of the final drive that put the offense behind the sticks.

It’s something that hasn’t changed for three years, and that all goes back to the man at the top in Fox. Everything I’ve heard to this point says he’s gone in the next two months. However, in the interests of corroboration I reached out to somebody else who has a prior history covering Fox in Broncos insider Benjamin Allbright. His reply? Fairly difficult to dispute.

One thing is for sure. Even opponents have no respect for the Bears coaching staff. Dan Hampton talked about it on the radio after the loss to New Orleans. He spoke to a Saints player about their impression of the Bears. The answer was equal parts exciting and infuriating. Take a guess on which side the coaches fell.

It’s clear now that GM Ryan Pace is going to uphold the Bears tradition of letting a head coach finish out a season. If it can happen for Marc Trestman, it can happen for Fox. Then again Trestman had a better winning percentage. Petty digs aside it feels like the final eight games of 2017 are do-or-die time for them.

Ozzie Guillen To The Chicago…Cubs?

By
Aldo Soto
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ozzie guillen coach chicago cubs

Ozzie Guillen’s made it pretty clear during the last few years that he’d love to get back into MLB. Could that chance come with the Chicago Cubs?

The former Chicago White Sox manager, who led his 2005 club to a World Series title in 2005, would jump at the opportunity of being Joe Maddon’s bench coach. On Monday, Dave Martinez, who was the bench coach of the Cubs since 2015, was officially hired as the Washington Nationals manager.

So, Maddon has to fill that open coaching spot and Guillen wouldn’t think twice about it if he was presented the offer.

Guillen, 53, last managed with the Miami Marlins in 2012. He was only there for one season and hasn’t been coaching in the MLB since. Before that he spent eight years with the White Sox and we all know how that relationship ended. Despite not being in MLB, Guillen has been managing the Tiburones de La Guaira in Venezuela.

But as much as Guillen would want to be the Cubs bench coach, would the Cubs want Guillen?

Well, let’s see, how does Ozzie like the front office being involved in baseball decisions?

This isn’t to say that Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer are at Joe Maddon’s office every day telling him what to do, but it’s pretty clear that the front office and Maddon talk some things out to come to a certain conclusion at times. Plus, I doubt that Maddon would want to bring in someone who has already been successful as a manager to put any pressure on his own job if the Cubs struggle at all.

Just imagine all the meatball fans demanding more “fire and passion” and hey look, there’s the most fire and passion-y guy in the game as the bench coach. Not that the Cubs front office would be swayed by meatball fans, but it just doesn’t make sense for Maddon to give the team any path to the next hire.

But let’s enter in fantasy land, where Guillen becomes the Cubs bench coach. Those press conference would be must-see. Obviously he couldn’t be able to get away with the stuff he’s said in the past, but I mean, it’s Ozzie, he probably wouldn’t care and would still say everything that’s on his mind.

By the way, I know the majority will automatically say no to Ozzie, but is that because he managed the White Sox? We should all be past that now? Or no? Do people really care about that type of stuff anymore because you know, getting Jose Quintana was a good thing, but still saw far too many Cubs fans bitching because he was a White Sox player. That’s not to say Guillen is good fit for the Cubs, because I don’t think he is, but where he played for and managed shouldn’t really be reason number one as to why you hate the option.

By the way, if you didn’t read yesterday’s post about David Ross and the Cubs bench coach job, make sure to give it a look. No, really, actually read it, it doesn’t sound like he wants to the job.

David Ross Addresses Cubs Bench Coach Position

Teams Calling the Chicago Bears About a Josh Sitton Trade

By
Erik Lambert
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josh sitton
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 19: Josh Sitton #71 of the Chicago Bears warms up prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field on September 19, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

It’s unclear what GM Ryan Pace may have planned for the NFL trade deadline. Most think he’ll remain passive after making a minor deal for wide receiver Dontrelle Inman. Turns out that may not be the case. Word is filtering out from Ian Rapoport and others that the Chicago Bears are taking calls about veteran Pro Bowl guard Josh Sitton.

Of course the questions start flying after that. Why in the world would the Bears consider such a move? Well it’s clear that Sitton has some value for starters. Remember that after the Inman trade the Bears are down to six picks in the upcoming draft. That after having only five this past April and May. Normally it’s not wise to go multiple drafts with a limited number of picks.

Then there’s the fact that Tom Compton, whom they signed this offseason has played well whenever he’s gotten onto the field. Pace might think that the team can take advantage of Sitton’s value while it’s still high and plug Compton into his spot moving forward. Don’t forget that Sitton is 31-years old with declining health. Trading him not only gets some compensation back but also clears up $8 million of salary cap space.

This would give the Bears a far more advantageous position going into 2018. More picks to utilize. More money to spend. Also they’ll have Eric Kush and Jordan Morgan coming back from injury to supplement the depth at guard.

Nikola Mirotic Continues To Distance Himself From Bulls Teammates

By
Matt Peck
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nikola mirotic continues distance bulls teammates

How does that old saying go? “Time heals all wounds”?

Time will surely heal the broken face of Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic, but it likely won’t heal his pride or his relationship with teammate Bobby Portis. When Portis knocked Mirotic out with one punch during practice a week before their regular season opener, Bulls VP John Paxson tried to convince the media that both parties just needed time to let the dust settle. Water under the bridge in a few short weeks, right?

Wrong.

Multiple sources have reported that Niko’s camp asserts this has become a classic “me or him” situation. If that is the case, how exactly will Paxson and his increasingly invisible partner Gar Forman deal with this?

Here’s what Paxson had to say recently regarding Mirotic’s “me or him” demand:

“We’re really sensitive to this entire issue and what Niko’s going through physically and mentally. We’re trying to be sensitive to him…But just like in anything, as an organization we have to do what’s in our best interest. That’s the bottom line.” – John Paxson

Bottom Line

The bottom line is as follows: Niko and Bobby cannot coexist on this team anymore. This fight was reportedly a long time coming, as the competing forwards have had numerous run-ins spanning the past two years. Portis did extend an olive branch – rightfully so, being the one who threw the only punch and seriously injured his teammate – but there have been no reports of Mirotic responding to any of Bobby’s calls or texts. In fact, Niko has only responded to a select few teammates despite every player on the Bulls roster reaching out to him during his recovery.

Throughout his first three years in the NBA and his free agency summer of 2017, Niko always expressed his desire to stay in Chicago. He and his family have built a happy life for themselves here. But recent rumors suggest that given the fight with Bobby, Niko is even willing to be the one who gets traded. Due to the team option the Bulls have on the second year of Mirotic’s contract, he can veto a trade this season. However, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, Niko’s camp said they wouldn’t veto a trade. Perhaps a change of scenery is the best thing for him after three frustrating seasons with the Bulls.

Something else to think about in the ongoing conjecture of who stays and who goes: Bobby’s trade value right now is significantly lower than Niko’s. The Bulls just picked up the fourth year option on Portis’s rookie deal for next season, but he hasn’t shown any consistent NBA-level talent through two seasons. He’s essentially a streaky shooting guard in a power forward’s body who’s prone to making mistakes. Oh, and he just knocked out his teammate in practice. How many NBA teams want to add that guy to their locker room?

“Calm down, everyone! Don’t all line up at once! We’ll take your Bobby Portis inquiries one at a time.

…Hello? Anybody?”

Mirotic might not have huge trade value either, but it’s definitely higher than Bobby’s. At least he’s shown glimpses of being a serviceable scoring option and three point threat off the bench. Plenty of teams could use that.

Timeline

It’s been two weeks since Mirotic suffered a concussion and facial fractures during that fateful practice on October 17. The initial timeline for recovery of 4-6 weeks remains the same, according to coach Fred Hoiberg. The Mayor also said Niko plans to do some light, supervised activity at the Advocate Center this afternoon. A noteworthy detail? He’ll wait to arrive at the practice facility until after his teammates finish their pre-flight practice. The Bulls head to Miami today for a game against the Heat tomorrow.

Is Mirotic going out of his way to avoid contact and communication with teammates? Or perhaps just Bobby? Although he’s still serving his 8 game suspension for the altercation, Bobby is allowed to attend team practices. Can these two not even be in the same building together? It certainly seems that way right now. One must go. So what’s the holdup?

If Paxson’s plan is to trade Niko, he can’t do so until January 15. If Mirotic’s face fully heals and he’s cleared to play by team doctors in another four weeks, that leaves a window of 1.5 months for Hoiberg to deal with a tornado of media drama and rotation roulette. With Portis off his suspension and Niko ready to play, who gets minutes? Will either of them supplant impressive rookie Lauri Markkanen, who already looks better than both of the “veterans” he replaced because they fought each other? (A. I hope not. Niko and Bobby are the past. Lauri is the future. B. Really excellent “culture” you’re building here, gents. *Eye roll*)

This timeline of Bulls troublemakers returning and possibly being traded has potential to get messy. If Mirotic wants to avoid the drama and leave town with a little bit of dignity, don’t be surprised to see the Bulls shut him down – even if he’s cleared to play – until they find a trading partner. They’ll come up with some PR-spin excuse for why he’s not playing, but we’ll all know the real reasons. He can’t be near Bobby, and Lauri is better than both of them anyway.

Get ready, Bulls fans. The shift from fall to winter is on in Chicago. In time, we’ll see spring again. But these winter months won’t heal any wounds in that Bulls locker room. It’s all broken egos, factions and frostbit cold shoulders until Bobby or Niko leaves town.

Chicago Bears May Not Be Done On the WR Market

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears jarvis landry

GM Ryan Pace did the right thing when he traded a seventh round pick to the Los Angeles Chargers for veteran Dontrelle Inman. While not a superstar, the 28-year old veteran at least provided experience and depth to a receiving corps ravaged by injuries. The goal moving forward is clear. Do anything and everything possible to help quarterback Mitch Trubisky be a success. Thing is the Chicago Bears may not be done.

Some think that with the NFL trade deadline at hand and several teams in selling mode, Pace may try to double down. There are a number of intriguing names including T.Y. Hilton and Martavis Bryant. However the most interesting has to be two-time Miami Dolphins Pro Bowler Jarvis Landry.

His names has been attached to trade rumors dating back to the offseason. With good reason too. He’s 24-years old and will be a free agent in 2018. Miami doesn’t have the financial flexibility to meet the high prices he’s likely to demand, so it’s either trade him now or let him play out his contract.

Chicago Bears apparently sniffing around Jarvis Landry

The trade deadline is at 3 p.m. central time today. That means there is still enough wiggle room for Pace to pull some magic if he feels necessary. According to growing buzz, the Bears are in quiet discussions about Landry, along with a handful of other teams.

The debate over Landry is all over the map. Many are saying the Dolphins have no intention of trading him. Others say he’s available but at the right price. What does that mean? Well given the receivers’ accomplishments to this point including two-straight 1,000-yard seasons one can imagine the price is extensive. Most likely somewhere in the second round pick range.

Would Pace meet that price? It’s hard to see that happening. The Bears are already understocked in draft picks. The deal for Inman dropped their total in 2018 to six. This after having only five in the 2017 draft. Giving up another pick for Landry, who will be a free agent next year is dangerous to the long-term outlook of the franchise.

Signing him to a contract extension would be ideal if it were to happen, but that would cost a lot of money. Landry no doubt feels he should be paid top dollar. Is Pace the kind of guy to pay that kind of cash to a player most view as a slot receiver? It’s hard to imagine it. Then again Pace has surprised before.

Three Pitchers The Cubs Need To Target This Offseason

By
Sean Sears
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Tyler Chatwood, Alex Cobb, Chicago Cubs, SP, Starting Pitchers, Free Agent

There is nothing ‘hush-hush’ about the Cubs offseason plans. The club needs pitching and they are willing to part with MLB talent to obtain the right players.

We know they have an interest in adding someone like Andrew Benintendi from the Red Sox or Christian Yelich of the Miami Marlins, but Cubs most glaring issues involve pitching – and Theo Epstein plans on fixing that to start 2018.

The Cubs are expected to be aggressive in free agency this offseason, and have already been linked San Francisco’s Jeff Samardzija earlier this week. But the Cubs will try to round out their rotation via free agency this year, and here are three names Cubs fans should pay attention to this offseason.

Alex Cobb

The 30-year-old right-hander miss all of 2015 and most of 2016 due to Tommy John surgery. However, Cobb bounced-back nicely in 2017, registering a 3.66 ERA in a 179.1 innings pitched.

Cobb has primed himself for a nice payda, however, his injury history could still drive down the price for the veteran righty. According to a source, the Cubs see Cobb as one of their top targets coming into this offseason, but he will be coveted by multiple teams this winter.

The biggest advantage the Cubs have over others is their newly hired pitching coach in Jim Hickey, who has been Cobb’s pitching coach his entire career. If the Cubs can lure Cobb, the North-Siders will already be benefiting from their shocking coaching.

 

Tyler Chatwood

The former Rockies starter has displayed excellent numbers when pitching away from Coors Field in 2017, sporting a 3.49 ERA on the road, Chatwood looks like the perfect ‘change of scenery’ candidate.

However, despite the striking road numbers, Chatwood regressed after an inspiring 2016 season. Chatwood’s biggest issued seems to be home runs, even when he was pitching away from the thin air of Colorado. On the road last year, the 27-year-old produced a depressing 17.9% home/fly ball rate.

Despite his tendency to give up home runs, Chatwood would be an excellent fit in the backend of the Cubs rotation. The biggest deter will once again be the market. He is a clear-cut reclamation project, but it’s easy to see Chatwood’s asking price outweighing his value.

 

Lance Lynn

The Cardinals righty is another pitcher who did well in their first season back from Tommy John surgery. Lynn posted a 3.43 ERA and tying his career high in games started with 33 last season. While not nearly as dazzling as his 2014 and 2015 seasons were, Lynn still showed he can be an effective starter last season.

The alarming numbers for Lynn last year was the clear decline in strike outs. Lynn threw 186.1 innings this season but only registered 153 strike outs. Compare that to his 2015 season, where the struck out 167 in more than 10 fewer innings.

What makes Lynn attractive is his high ceiling. Once seen as a potential top of the rotation arm, Lynn’s injuries likely keep him from ever being that again. However, teams do not need him to be an elite arm, just a reliable arm.

While the injury history may cost him a few dollars, it won’t scare teams away. As the best arm on the market not named Jake Arrieta or Yu Darvish, Lynn is going to get paid. If the price is right, the Cubs would love to add Lynn, but that currently seems unlikely.

The Latest NBA Power Rankings Are Depressing– If You Still Care, That Is

By
Matthew Milakovich
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vegas releases nba win projections bulls

If for whatever reason you’ve tricked yourself into thinking the Bulls aren’t a shit show then A.) you’re really good at playing ignorant, and B.) I’m jealous.

For those of us paying attention it’s been obvious for quite some time that the Bulls are the worst team in the league. Just look at what they’ve done in the draft over the past few years.

Welp, all those bad decisions have finally caught up with John Paxson and the boys, as ESPN just sprinkled a little salt in our wounds, ranking the Bulls last in their latest NBA power rankings.

Here’s what they had to say-

The Bulls found their first win of the season over Atlanta on Thursday, but this is still a roster that practically invites misery. The Bulls rank dead last in offensive efficiency, last in net rating, and last in workplace harmony, as Nikola Mirotic told management that it’s either him or Bobby Portis. On the bright side, sweet-shooting rookie Lauri Markkanen looks like a keeper.

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