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The Cubs May Have Another Talented INF Prospect For Next Season

By
Sean Sears
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The Cubs keep seeming to finding promising infield prospects with an ability to play all over the diamond. From the obviously skillful Javier Baez, the versatile Ian Happ, an even the flexible Tommy La Stella, the Cubs one of the more resourceful infield groups in all of baseball.

Any infield that features Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo would already be considered dangerous enough, but add Baez and Addison Russell starting everyday, its going to be tough for anyone else to see consistent playing time in the Cubs infield for 2018.

However, Baseball America has shined their spotlight on a lesser known player in David Bote – who is coming off a special 2017 season in AA Tennessee.

The 24-year-old Bote was taken by the Cubs in the 18th round of the 2012 MLB draft and is currently listed as a 1st and 2nd baseman – according to Fangraphs, but has played everywhere but catcher during his six year minor league career. Up until this year, Bote’s versatility was one of his lone qualities that was making him stand out in the Cubs system.

However, that has changed quickly after Bote surprised everyone in the Cubs system with his power, smacking 14 homers in AA (after never hitting more than one home run in any league higher than A+).

His season was shadowed heavily by former Cubs top prospect Eloy Jimenez before he was traded to the White Sox in the Jose Quintana trade. But Bote slashed an impressive .272/.353/.438 with a 130 wRC+ in 127 games for Smokies, while play four different positions.

Ignore the weird slo-mo section of this video and watch Bote’s pretty stroke.

Bote’s natural position is 2nd base, where he played 107 games at in 2017, but he did play close to 20 games in the outfield this season as well. While likely a long shot to make the Cubs major league roster in next season, Bote could provide more serviceable depth over a Mike Freeman.

He also provides another solid piece to flip in a potential deal in the future, but it’s unlikely Bote finds his way onto a healthy Cubs roster in 2018.

Bote had this to say to Baseball America when asked about his performance this season.

“You’re always being evaluated,” Bote said. “Every single time you’re on the field you’re being evaluated … if it’s Rule 5 draft or not Rule 5 draft or free agent year. I don’t necessarily put any extra emphasis on it because every day I’m getting evaluated. There’s always a scout in the stands, whether you’re playing in rookie ball or you’re playing in Triple-A or even in the big leagues, you’re always being scouted … The only thing I control is to go out there, work hard and perform the way I perform. Whatever happens is going to happen.”

Regardless, David Bote is another fun player that has turned himself into another asset the Cubs can utilize in a few ways, as versatility continues to pay off big time for the Cubs.

If Mitch Trubisky Is Good, How Far Away Are The Bears From Being The Eagles?

By
Erik Lambert
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mitch trubisky

Chicago Bears fans had to be salivating as they watched Carson Wentz and the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. The second-year quarterback and former #2 overall pick was outstanding and the team is firing on all cylinders. They might be the best in the NFL right now, which is amazing to think about given where they were a year ago. Of course this will lead to the speculation. How far away are the Bears from being the exact same team and can Mitch Trubisky be their Wentz?

The similarities are indeed striking. In 2016 the Eagles had the semblance of a good roster including a solid offensive line and intriguing defense. However they also were thin at wide receiver and in the secondary.

Sound familiar? The Bears are beyond depleted at receiver. They have a rookie quarterback who is a former #2 overall pick. At the same time they have an emerging defense and solid offensive line. How far away is this team from becoming the Eagles of 2018?

Chicago Bears 2018 hopes hinge on two factors

Of course much of that will depend on Trubisky and his progression as a quarterback. People are quickly going to argue he’s nowhere near where Wentz was in 2016. Is that fair though? Wentz threw 607 passes last year in 16 games. In three games so far this year Trubisky has thrown it 48 times. If that average holds he’ll throw it 192 times this season. That is a clear indication he’s not being asked to do as much as Wentz was.

There are a few reasons for this. One could argue the Bears receiver situation is even worse than Philadelphia last year. The Eagles had Jordan Matthews and Nelson Agholor. Matthews finished three yards shy of 1,000 in 2015. Agholor is a former first round pick. They also had second round pick Dorial Green-Beckham. So there was talent there.

Trubisky has Kendall Wright, Tanner Gentry, Tre McBride and Josh Bellamy. Wright is a former first rounder who was cut by his original team. McBride was a seventh rounder cut by the same team. Gentry is an undrafted free agent and Bellamy used to be one. Not only is it a group lacking talent, but also experience.

Then there’s the fact that the Bears have a better running game than Philadelphia did. Their best back was Ryan Mathews. Chicago has Jordan Howard. It’s little wonder the Bears are content to feed the ground game. They’re sticking to what they do best. It may not be ideal for the QB, but it’s what’s best for the team. That said there is one huge divide separating them and the Eagles right now.

Doug Pederson is a vital key to Wentz that John Fox can’t be to Mitch

It’s critical to never underestimate the value of a having a sharp offensive mind as the head coach. People wonder why Wentz and Dak Prescott excelled so quickly since last year. Sure it’s their own gifts but also having two former NFL quarterbacks as their head coaches hasn’t hurt. Doug Pederson is a protege of Andy Reid, one of the best coaches of the past two decades. If anybody has learned what it takes to develop a QB properly, it’s Pederson.

Then there’s John Fox. His success at team building speaks for itself. The man has now constructed three excellent defenses in Carolina, Denver and Chicago. He’s built strong running games and understands how to foster a thriving team culture. The one area that people might call him weak is developing quarterbacks.

All of his success including the two Super Bowl appearances were brought about by QBs who’d been developed elsewhere. Jake Delhomme sharpened his teeth in New Orleans and NFL Europe before arriving in Carolina. Peyton Manning was already a future Hall of Famer by the time he got to Denver. Trubisky represents the first ever first round pick drafted under his watch that he’s had to develop in 15 years.

The results so far are not encouraging. Fox’s conservative style is making Mitch hesitant to throw. He’s completing barely half his passes and failing to find a rhythm. It’s worth noting that Fox has had a top 10 passing offense four times in his career. Three of those times were with Manning in Denver. Is this really the man Chicago wants overseeing their most talented young QB to come around in years?

A man that will be 63 in February, don’t forget. That is going to be the decision that GM Ryan Pace has to make.

Cubs Eyeing Star Red Sox Outfielder

By
Sean Sears
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Boston Red Sox, Cubs, Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field, World Series, Theo Epstein

The Cubs 2017 season is over, and while the Astros and Dodgers are about to kick-off their final push for a World Series, Theo Epstein and the Cubs front office is already dreaming of bringing the trophy back to Chicago in 2018.

Their offseason needs are highlighted by pitching, as both Jake Arrieta and John Lackey enter free agency this year, meaning the Cubs have two rotation spots to fill. The 31-year-old Arrieta, while stating just a few days ago that he plans on ‘playing another game in Chicago’, is likely going to come at price too high for the Cubs to justify.

So, you would think the Cubs main focus would be on acquiring pitching this offseason, but a source tells Sports Mockery that is not necessarily the case.

Andrew Benintendi…To The Cubs?!

According to a source, the Cubs are being told that Epstein is targeting position players from Boston and Miami, with budding outfielder Andrew Benintendi sitting atop the team’s wishlist. Yes, you read that right and no I am not taking crazy pills.

Now, there will be people who read this article or the headline of this article and assume I am just throwing things at wall, but this is not the first time the Cubs have coveted a player that didn’t seem to be on their radar at all. He currently plays right field for the Cubs.

Jason Heyward was on Theo Epstein’s roster board when he and the front office were envisioning what their team needed to win their first title. And now, the front office brain trust of Epstein, Jed Hoyer, and Jason McLeod are trying to pair the young Benintendi with Heyward in their outfield.

With the numbers Benintendi put up in his first full season in Boston, .271/.352/.424 with 20 home runs with 84 runs scored, sliding him in front of Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Willson Contreras should make almost any Cubs fans eyes light up. Especially when he clubs 20+ homers and also makes incredible defensive plays like these.

Would the Red Sox Even Trade Him?

Now, the Red Sox have done nothing anything to show the former No. 1 overall prospect in baseball is currently available. In fact, they would likely rather move another outfielder in Jackie Bradley Jr. over Benintendi, but the Cubs are making it clear that they are willing to part with some MLB-talent to make a deal like this happen.

A source explained that while the scouts are not saying who the Cubs would be willing to part with, they did drop a subtle hint that Kyle Schwarber may not be the untouchable piece he was regarded as a year ago.

Players like Addison Russell, Javier Baez, Albert Almora Jr, and even rookie Ian Happ may be considered in deals this offseason as well. This does not mean the Cubs are trying to trade any of those players, just that the Cubs would be more willing to move one of those pieces if it nets them a Andrew Benintendi caliber player.

Another name mentioned was Marlins outfielder Christian Yelich, who the Cubs have checked in a few times this past season while Miami owners attempted to sell the team. The Cubs would also have an interest in Giancarlo Stanton, but with his massive contract and with players like Jason Heyward owed close to 150 mil over the next six years, that seems impossible.

Regardless, the Cubs have internally been upset with the performance of their outfield in 2017. The team feels they need to add a top of the lineup-type player, who can also fill their need in center field. And if the asking price starts with a Kyle Schwarber or Javier Baez, don’t expect the Cubs to think twice about pulling the trigger.

Mike Glennon Played Huge Role In Eddie Jackson Interception Touchdown

By
Erik Lambert
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eddie jackson interception

The Eddie Jackson interception return for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers was a joy to watch. It showcased all the things about him that made many believe he was a draft steal back in April. He showed awareness to find the football, ball skills to get it and then speed to take it back for what was the decisive touchdown of the Chicago Bears’ third victory of 2017.

It also marked the second-straight week a Bears safety had scored. A complete turnaround from where this team had been for the past decade. Indeed that position has given them lots of problems over that span. Player after player was unable to fill the void, making safety one of the weak points of an otherwise strong defense.

Jackson was merely the latest in a long line of mid round picks and free agents trying to help fix it. At last it appears the Bears have scored a hit. His progress over the past few weeks is impressive. As it turns out his biggest play as a Bear got a huge assist from the greatest source ever.

Eddie Jackson interception laid out in practice by Mike Glennon

Everybody would rather not remember the brief Mike Glennon experience through the first four games of this season. It was hard to watch at time, mostly due to turnover issues. Well get ready for some irony. Turns out Glennon played a pivotal role to Jackson’s big moment on Sunday according to teammate Prince Amukamara.

“The latest version included a bullet point that stuck in Prince Amukamara’s mind. Whenever the Panthers lined up two receivers on each side of the formation and split them wide, the veteran cornerback should be aware of a slant pattern.

So as the Panthers got set Sunday for third-and-10 from the Bears’ 33-yard line in the second quarter, Amukamara’s memory set off alarm bells.

He recognized the formation. Two-by-two. Wide split.

Watch the slant.

Amukamara chuckled at his locker as he recalled how a scenario similar to the interception played out in practice last week.

Bears scout-team quarterback Mike Glennon threw the slant, but in that case, Amukamara called off Jackson to get the deflected ball himself.

On Sunday, Jackson charged after it, undeterred by the traffic.”

It seems rather fitting. Glennon wasn’t much of a help on the Bears offense. So being the team player he is he applied his talents towards helping the defense instead. It’s hard to argue with the results. Hopefully he’ll keep it up so Jackson can get more.

Surprising Player Came To Defense of Trubisky After Quiet Game

By
Erik Lambert
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julius peppers

Mitch Trubisky is his own worst critic. He hasn’t shied away from how he’s played over the first few weeks of the season. There haven’t been excuses. Even in the midst of victories he hasn’t been smiling that much. Why? He’s a competitor. Winning the game is most important sure. At the same time a competitor wants to contribute to that win. Not be along for the ride. Unfortunately against Thomas Davis, Julius Peppers and the Panthers he was exactly that.

Trubisky and the rest of the offense took a back seat to a Chicago Bears defense that is emerging into one of the best in the NFC, if not the league. For 60 minutes they harassed Cam Newton and the rest of a talented Carolina offense. They forced three turnovers, collected five sacks and scored two touchdowns.

Trubisky made one notable contribution to the effort. He lofted a beautiful 70-yard bomb to Tarik Cohen that set up the final score of the afternoon, a chip shot 19-yard field goal. The rest of the game was marred by frequent pressures and just a general lack of rhythm. Perhaps a product of being on the field for only 38 plays.

One person however believes people are being too hard on the rookie. (continue to next page)

The Cubs Could Be Replacing Another Coach

By
Aldo Soto
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Mar 18, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (L) and bench coach Dave Martinez (4) look on before the game against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs are already on the search for a new pitching coach and soon they could be looking for another replacement to Joe Maddon’s staff.

According to Jorge Castillo of the Washington Post, Cubs bench coach Dave Martinez will interview for the Washington Nationals manager job.

Martinez has been the Cubs bench coach for the previous three seasons and has been next to Maddon for 10 years, the first seven coming with the Tampa Bay Rays. Martinez, 53, has been a candidate a few times in the past for a manager’s job, but still hasn’t gotten that opportunity.

The Nationals managerial position is open after the team decided not to bring back Dusty Baker after two seasons that ended in disappointing losses in the NLDS.

Meanwhile, the Cubs are already set to interview former Rays pitching coach Jim Hickey for the same position after Chris Bosio was let go on Saturday. Hickey spent 11 years with Tampa Bay, the first eight being the pitching coach for Maddon. So, the familiarity is obviously there between the two.

Over the weekend, ESPN Chicago’s Jesse Rogers also reported that Mike Maddux, who was most recently the Nationals pitching coach, would be interested in the Cubs pitching coach position.

Changing times on the North Side. Stay tuned for the upcoming signings and then some free agency fun.

Charlie Tilson Played Baseball In September And Did Not Get Injured

By
Matt Enuco
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Charlie Tilson avoided injury in two weeks of September-baseball.
Duane Burleson/Getty Images North America via Zimbio

The offseason is sure to produce a deluge of speculation on roster moves and with the White Sox in their second season of rebuilding most of it deserves attention. In fact, the volumes of roster moves in one year are something to marvel over and bare consistent double-checking. With players clinging to the carousel, it is easy to forget that Charlie Tilson is still with the South Siders.

Tilson made a few clandestine appearances in the fall instructional league without suffering an injury – a milestone for the tormented outfielder. After tearing a hamstring in 2016, Tilson seemed poised to inject speed at the top of the lineup for the White Sox in 2017. But willful optimism quickly gave way to the reality of another lost season for Tilson after he was sidelined with a stress reaction.

After the diagnosis, Tilson said, “I had a stress fracture in my right foot previously [in 2013], which made it a little alarming for me.” Still, his positivity could not be sapped. “I still have very little doubt I’ll be able to get back out there and be ready to play,” Tilson told Daryl Van Schouwen of the Sun-Times.

Everyone waited for Tilson’s words to become prophetic, but March turned into April and April turned into July without a whisper of his recovery. By August it became evident that Tilson’s season was lost.

Since Tilson joined the White Sox the complexion of the roster has changed and he could find himself without a home. Tilson will turn 25 in Dec. and every at-bat, drop-step and lead from first will be magnified and scrutinized.

Eloy Jimenez and Tito Polo are poised for a shot at the big leagues and Blake Rutherford, Luis Robert and Micker Adolfo are not far behind. Avisail Garcia earned himself a second chance with the White Sox and his future hangs in the balance with so much young talent forcing their way into the conversation. And let’s not forget the defensive splendor of Adam Engel this past season.

Rest assured Tilson is not dwelling on these decisions, he is just happy to play baseball writes James Fegan of The Athletic. Fegan traveled to instructs in Arizona and caught up with Tilson and Rick Hahn.

“It’s not simply him being out there playing, which is great,” Hahn said. “It’s the look on his face after he plays, almost a combination of excitement and quite frankly a little bit of relief because I know this is a real milestone for him. …”

Despite the glow of renewed optimism, Tilson hasn’t ruled out surgery on his ankle and understands that he is further away from the big leagues than ever before. “I would describe it as a test,” Tilson said, addressing his time at instructs. “There’s always possibilities but I’m just trying to take it a day at a time and keep doing the things that are working for me. And just stay ready to play and I’m pretty confident that I’ll make it through this just fine.”

White Sox hitting coordinator Mick Gellinger took an equally sanguine tone on Tilson as well, saying “…I think he did himself a great justice. He’s got a great mindset right now.”

Tilson seems to be a likable prospect and it is hard to root against a guy that has suffered so many injuries. But the reality is that if Tilson doesn’t stay healthy and light the world on fire at Spring Training he could find himself searching for a new team. It is never easy to miss an entire season of baseball and return to form quickly. Baseball is a skill game and the more one plays the better they become. Drills and side work can only take you so far before you have to jump into a game and kick it up to game speed.

But Tilson has one thing going for him; he is fresh. A full year of rest can do wonders for a body pulverized by the baseball grind. It would be wonderful to see Tilson bounce around the fields at Camelback Ranch in March with youthful verve.

 

Mitch Trubisky Was Pissed Following Bears Win over Carolina

By
Erik Lambert
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mitch trubisky

Almost the entire Chicago Bears team was elated following the 17-3 beat down of the Carolina Panthers. Head coach John Fox was fired up in the locker room and smiling during the press conference. Clearly he’s a man who thinks he’s one big step closer to saving his job. Few had to feel better than the defense. A unit that emerged as one of the best in football after smothering former MVP Cam Newton for 60 minutes. Only one person wasn’t feeling quite the same joy as others.

That was their rookie quarterback Mitch Trubisky. For the second-straight week the passing game was rendered largely irrelevant save for one or two key passes. The biggest moment of the day for him was a beautiful 70-yard bomb to Tarik Cohen that set up a Bears field goal to get them back a 14-point lead before the half. Other than that it was a rather quiet day for the offense in general.

Trubisky only completed four passes. He only attempted seven and took four sacks including one that cost them another field goal. It was hardly a performance that roused feelings one way or another. He wasn’t bad. He wasn’t great. Honestly he wasn’t much of anything, and it was clear after the game that Trubisky had a big problem with that. (continue to next page)

Proof the Chicago Bears Are Not Adjusting to Help Trubisky

By
Erik Lambert
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mitch trubisky

The Chicago Bears coaching staff has some explaining to do. Okay to be more specific the offensive staff does. Look it’s understood that the situation isn’t ideal right now. They’re playing without their best receiver in Cameron Meredith. They also are trying to break in a rookie quarterback. It can be difficult at times to make things happen.

Even so it’s difficult to explain what’s going on not just the past three weeks but all year. Most people will focus on the fact that Mitch Trubisky has just 10 pass completions in the past two games. Sure the Bears have won both games but it doesn’t excuse the fact that the #2 overall pick has completed so few passes in 2017. This is an era where passing is supposed to be relatively simple.

The Bears are making it look like chess against Deep Blue. They faced a Panthers team without their star middle linebacker and without their best safety and managed 153 total yards. That doesn’t seem right. Something has to be wrong. The easy way is blaming the players for not executing well enough, but there are deeper problems. (continue to next page)

Facts That Make the Eddie Jackson Performance Even Crazier

By
Erik Lambert
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eddie jackson

I normally try to stay humble about most things but this is one of the few times I’ll choose to toot my own horn. Back on April 29th I stated that Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson would’ve gone in the first round of the NFL draft had he not been injured during his final year at Alabama. A number of people thought I was merely talking him up because the Bears had just drafted him in the fourth round after trading up with the Rams.

That was not the case. After months of watching Jackson on film it became clear he was one of the best ball hawk safeties in the entire 2017 college class and was being undervalued because he happened to get hurt at a bad time. It was clear if he could stay healthy that he would end up being a steal for the Bears defense.

Seven games into his rookie year that became a reality as the Alabama alum singlehandedly carried Chicago to their second-straight victory with easily the best game by a safety in a decade. That in itself is something to celebrate. Yet when digging a little deeper, the facts around it get crazy. (continue to next page)

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