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The White Sox Pitching Prospect You Really Need To Pay Attention To

By
Emmet McClain
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It is no secret that the White Sox have an abundance of riches when it comes to elite prospects, specifically pitchers. Michael Kopech, Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez, Carson Fulmer, Zack Burdi, and Dane Dunning all have the talent needed to thrive at the MLB level. However, there is one pitcher specifically who has been putting up legitimate video game numbers in the minor leagues. That pitcher goes by the name of Alec Hansen.

No no, not ALEN Hansen. He is a speedster who is currently playing a super-utility role for the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field. ALEC Hansen is the White Sox 10th ranked prospect and is currently a member of the Winston-Salem Dash- the White Sox High-A affiliate. And what he is doing to apposing batters should be considered illegal. But before we dive into that, lets get to know the guy.

Who Is Alec Hansen?

Alec Hansen was taken in the 2nd round by the White Sox in the 2016 draft. A draft that also saw the team snag catcher Zack Collins and future closer Zack Burdi. Hansen had a legitimate chance to go no. 1 overall when his Junior year at Oklahoma got underway. However, he saw his control and command go haywire to the point where he slipped all the way out of the first round and right into the White Sox lap. So far, it looks like he could be the steal of that draft. When Hansen is on and able to locate his pitches, he is virtually unstoppable. He possesses 3 plus pitches, (fastball, slider, curveball) and also has an average changeup. His fastball sits at 93-97 but has hit 98. It also comes with a decent amount of run, making it even harder for hitters to catch up on. The slider sits in the mid-80’s with late break, while his curveball is his 3rd best option.

The first thing you might notice about this video is Hansen’s size. He stands at a monstrous 6’7, giving the ball a higher release point out of his hand and more of a downward plane. In this video we see a decent array of pitches. He primarily uses his fastball here, and for good reason, as he consistently hit mid to upper 90’s. There was also a few location issues that saw his draft stock slip, but for the most part, Hansen looked like the legitimately talented prospect he is. And with this being a college highlight video, it was before he started to make corrections to his delivery that saw him improve his command.

So How Is He Doing In The Minors?

Well, Hansen began the season in class low-A, and…well let’s just say it was probably a bit boring for him. He finished with a record of 7-3 and a 2.48 ERA. With that, his K/BB ratio was 92/23 in 72.2 innings, and batters hit a measly .207 against him. Recently promoted to High-A, Hansen’s first start followed his pattern of success in low-A. Although he left without a decision, he pitched 5 innings of 4 hit ball, with no runs allowed, and 5 K’s. In short, A-ball does not seem too much of an issue for the kid.

When Can We Expect Him On The South Side?

Well on one hand, the White Sox are notorious for quickly developing their elite pitching prospects. See Carlos Rodon and Chris Sale. Alas, this year is obviously a different story, as there is zero rush to promote prospects of any level or position, and we should expect a similar script next season as well. If I had to guess, I would say he makes it up to Double-A before this season ends. He should start 2018 in Double-A, like Michael Kopech did this year. If he continues to improve his command, he should hit Triple-A by next seasons end and get an invite to Spring Training in 2019. I think the earliest Alec Hansen debuts on the South Side is at the beginning of the 2019 season, but at the latest he should be with the club before the All-Star break that same year.

Final Rotation?

When the White Sox have all of their pitchers developed and ready for the Majors, they should boast one of, if not the top pitching staff in the American League. Maybe in all of baseball. When it is all said and done, I think the White Sox rotation could/should look something like this (not including any potential trade that brings in more pitching prospects):

Michael Kopech

Carlos Rodon

Alec Hansen

Lucas Giolito

Reynaldo Lopez

In the end, I see Carson Fulmer coming out of the bullpen. His delivery is just too violent for his small body figure, and an extended workload could see him wear down quicker than the staff would like. The same could be said for Reynaldo Lopez, and it would not shock me to see Dunning sneak into the starting 5 with Lopez out of the bullpen as well. Either way, if you have Giolito and Lopez/Dunning as your 4 and 5 starters, you have to be feeling pretty good about the future of the staff.

It is still too early to peg Alec Hansen as an “elite” prospect. Hell, he isn’t even in the top 100. But if he keeps up the pace he is currently on, that should change sooner rather than later. And with the White Sox track record of developing pitchers, it is safe to say that he is in good hands.

Brian Urlacher Declared The QBs He Enjoyed Beating Most

By
Erik Lambert
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brian urlacher
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - NOVEMBER 19: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears lines up against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 19, 2012 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Brian Urlacher is a Bear to the bone. That was made clear enough by his decision to retire rather than play for another team in 2013. He likely had offers and could’ve extended his career, even gone after a Super Bowl. Instead he chose to hang it up. It just wouldn’t have been the same. Players don’t have that kind of loyalty these days.

It’s a big reason why many Chicago fans view him as their favorite player to this day. Another reason of course was him being great. That small thing. Urlacher went on the WGN Morning News to talk about his storied career recently. He covered plenty of topic, but perhaps the juiciest was saved for the this question.

What quarterback did he enjoy competing against the most? His answer was not only unsurprising, but another reminder of how much of the Bears kool-aide he drank throughout his run on top.

Brian Urlacher loved taking down Favre and Rodgers

“[Aaron] Rodgers. I liked playing against Brett Favre,” the legendary linebacker said. “We played Green Bay twice a year and they’ve had some of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. Playing against those two guys were always fun because we knew we had to play well to beat them.”

Great rivalries come and go in the NFL. Some may have had higher degrees of sustained intensity. However, none have endured like the Bears and Packers. It’s the oldest in the NFL and manages to produce some epic encounters from time to time, especially over the past couple decades. Often where a division championship and even a Super Bowl berth were at stake.

His love of playing against Favre and Rodgers shouldn’t be surprising. The best always love to play against the best. Based on the numbers, Urlacher always brought his A-game whenever it was Packers week. He played them 23 times in his career. Favre or Rodgers were the quarterback throughout the entire span. During that run he intercepted them five times, even returning one for a touchdown.

There was no bigger thorn in their sides than him. The mutual respect was obvious at the end of every game. The only thing that could’ve made it better was if Urlacher was a quarterback himself. As it stands that wasn’t the case. Nonetheless Bears fans got to see some elite-caliber football be played when those men went head-to-head. Every time the Bears won it was a different level of sweet.

Few understood that better than Brian.

It’s The 10-Year Anniversary Of Len Kasper’s Greatest Call With The Cubs

By
Aldo Soto
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Thinking back to the 2007 season, it was kind of similar to what fans have seen from the 2017 Chicago Cubs. Hovering around the .500 mark well into June and not really taking off, yet. In 2007, the Cubs chased down the Milwaukee Brewers, something they’re attempting to do this year too, and guess what today is? It’s the 10-year anniversary of Len Kasper’s greatest call with the Cubs that just happened to be against the Brewers.

If you’re 20-years-old old or above, you remember this like it was yesterday. The Cubs were scratching and fighting, trying to stay in the division race and they welcomed the Brewers in for a weekend series. A sweep would’ve been nice, but the Cubs needed a series win to feel better about themselves and at least gain a game in the standings. Rich Hill started the game for the Cubs and I swear the Brewers fouled off 20 pitches against him in the first inning. It seemed that way anyway, as Milwaukee jumped ahead to a 5-0 lead after the first. Hill only lasted three innings, throwing close to 100 pitches.

Yet, the Cubs kept chipping at the lead. Ultimately, it came down to Aramis Ramirez vs. Francisco Cordero, with Mike Fontenot at first base and two outs, Cubs trailing 5-4.

I’m getting chills just typing that. Everyone, once again fall in love with Len Kasper.

The Cubs scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth to beat the Brewers that day, capped off by Ramirez’s walk-off home run. It’s only fitting that exactly 10 years later the Cubs rallied to score three runs in the ninth inning to beat the Washington Nationals.

Cubs Comeback To Beat The Nationals In Dramatic Fashion

By
Aldo Soto
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After the Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals each scored a run in the first inning, both Jon Lester and Joe Ross settled down to keep the offense at a minimum. That was until Jeimer Candelario hit his first MLB home run to give the Cubs a 2-1 lead. Sadly, the Cubs bullpen couldn’t hold the edge, but it did set up for a dramatic ninth-inning comeback.

Down two runs and with two outs in the ninth, the Cubs had runners at the corners with Tommy La Stella at the plate. He singled to make it 4-3, and then Jon Jay came through with the game-winning hit to the gap in right-center field.

OH BABY!

Jimmy Butler Recruiting An All Star Point Guard

By
Matthew Milakovich
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jimmy butler gives phone number critics call me

773-899-6071

Anyone else call that number today?

If you have, then you’ve obviously seen how brazen Jimmy Butler has gotten in just a week since being traded to Minnesota. And if you’re aware of that, then you’re probably aware Butler wasn’t shy about his desire to recruit other players to join he, Andrew Wiggins, and Karl Anthony Towns to potentially dethrone the Warriors.

Butler Recruiting Players

“I’ll be talking to a lot of really good players, much better than myself, and get them here to join what we have. I know that with the support I’ve already felt from this city that they’re definitely going to love it.

“Getting here, with this young core, winning these games, anybody is going to want to be a part of that.

“Now it’s all about getting the right fit to fit with these guys.”

SO with that..

Word on the street is, in an appearance on KFAN’s “The Dan Barreiro Show” on Wednesday, Sporting News’ Mitch Lawrence claims Mr. Buckets is recruiting Kyle Lowry to take a quick shuttle flight over the border to join him in Minnesota.

Given that, it seems that our former darling is not only handing out his number… (which at this juncture has to be at the bottom of a swimming pool somewhere) but using it to form a super team of his own.

Sure, Golden State is currently gold in more ways than their namesake, sitting atop the NBA throne. However, should Lowry join forces with the former Bulls all-star, one cannot deny that the T’wolves (with Psycho Tom [Thibodeau] at the helm) will be a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference.

The Potential Caveat?

Similar to Butler, Lowry is a three time all-star, but he is also 31 years of age.

Some may view that as a negative, seeing as– yes he is in his prime, but unlike the 28 year old Butler, on the tail end of it.

Although, if one was to play devil’s advocate, one could also say that Lowry, a proven NBA point guard; could be just what a young Minnesota squad needs to challenge the mighty Warriors. Not to mention a Rockets squad with a new point guard of their own in Chris Paul.

Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain. Butler recruiting all-stars could spell danger for the rest of the league.

 

Jordan Howard Is Now Using Training Methods of the G.O.A.T

By
Erik Lambert
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A Jordan Howard Walter Payton connection is never a bad thing. Especially when it involves the young running back using methods that made “Sweetness” the greatest football player in Bears history. People always thought that Payton was able to do what he did on Sundays because he was an extraordinarily gifted athlete with toughness for days.

The truth was far different and deeper than that. Payton was a good athlete but far from the best. He knew this better than anybody. That meant the only way for him to become greater than anybody was hard work. Really hard work. Payton quite literally abused his body during offseasons. His workout routines are legendary.

Oftentimes other athletes, not just fellow teammates, joined him for sessions near his home. All of them were throwing up or passing out towards the end of it.

Can’t say it didn’t work. Payton retired as the all-time leading NFL rusher and all-time leading scorer. Since then exercise routines have taken on a more technological spin. However, there are some who choose to revert back to the old school methods he used.

Jordan Howard Walter Payton workout war

LaDainian Tomlinson, who idolized Payton, started using them during his time with the San Diego Chargers. He eventually became MVP and set the record for most TDs in a season with 31. Now Jordan Howard is taking up that challenge. The former fifth round pick has freely said that his conditioning was a big reason for why he didn’t have a better rookie year.

Sure he finished second in the NFL in rushing but there were several instances where he could’ve scored on a long run but always got caught from behind. Playing in better shape is often a way to fix that problem. So he reached out to Walter’s son, Jarrett Payton, to show him how the greatest ever did it.

It’s a frightening prospect. Howard was already one of the best in the league without Payton levels of conditioning. Throw that in and just how much better can he get? No doubt Bears fans are eager to find out. Expectations are for him to carry the offensive load in 2017. No surprise given the massive turnover at quarterback, wide receiver and tight end. He’s their lone proven option on that side of the ball.

That might sound familiar to Payton himself, who endured much of the same thing during his early years with the team.

Jimmy Butler Gives Phone Number To His Critics: “Call Me”

By
Matt Peck
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jimmy butler gives phone number critics call me

It’s official. Former Bulls star Jimmy Butler has been welcomed to his new home in Minnesota. The Timberwolves held a press conference at Mall of America on Thursday morning. There were plenty of questions about the bright future of Minnesota’s young team, how Jimmy sees himself fitting in, etc, etc. But the show-stopping part of the interview came when Butler addressed a question about the negative press he got as he was being traded away from the Bulls.

If you have a problem with Jimmy Butler, he’s okay with being the guy to take the blame for the Bulls’ failures. He’s ready to listen if you still have beef with him.

“Somebody’s got to take the blame. I’ll be that guy. I’m okay with it. I’m fine. Everybody is entitled to their opinion. That being said, my phone is in my back pocket right now. Whoever has anything to say to me, feel free. 773-899-6071. So, if you want an interview, there you have it. Remember that.” – Jimmy Butler

There you go, Bulls fans. Want to call Jimmy? Tell him you’re sorry about the way things ended? Tell him you love him? Tell him he’s overrated and you’re glad he’s gone?

Give him a call. I tried, and will try again. The first attempt wasn’t successful. I’m guessing his phone is ringing off the hook right now.

What a bad-ass move from a professional athlete. Jimmy must be sick of all the talk swirling around his name over the past several months, even years. Bring that talk straight to him.

You wonder just how many calls from unknown numbers he’ll answer to back up that talk. You better believe we’ll be trying that number all day.

Source Confirms The Cubs Are Scouting Orioles Kevin Gausman

By
Sean Sears
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The Cubs are once again struggling, first with Miguel Montero and Jake Arrieta struggling to stop the Nationals from running rampant on the base paths Tuesday night, which lead to a stupid amount of drama that saw Montero getting Designated for Assignment Wednesday afternoon. Then, John Lackey once again had another dismal performance that saw the Cubs down 6-0 by the 3rd inning.

This team needs a little bit of everything, but the most glaring need for the Cubs is starting pitching. Jon Lester and Kyle Hendricks, when he returns to the rotation, have shown they can be arms the club can rely on this season. But outside of those two, the rest of the rotation is loaded with question marks. And despite their .500 record (39-39), the Cubs are luckily still only a single games back of the Brewers, and are classifying themselves as buyers at the trade deadline.

Sonny Gray and Chris Archer are the two names everyone wants the Cubs to acquire, which would require Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer to part ways with top prospects like Eloy Jimenez and Ian Happ. Outside of those two, the White Sox are also dangling lefty-ace Jose Quintana after rebounded nicely in June, sporting a 1.78 ERA with nearly a 9% K/9. But, with almost every team in range of a playoff spot searching for another pitcher, the Cubs will be competing with the likes of the Yankees, Astros, Red Sox, and Dodgers for any of the three listed above.

However, I was tipped off yesterday about the Cubs scouting a former top prospect and current Orioles starter Kevin Gausman, with Cubs scouts reportedly at the right handers most recent start. Stop me if you’ve heard this before…

Gausman is having an awful 2017 campaign, with a 6.07 ERA in 17 starts, but his breakout 2016 season where he ended with a 3.61 ERA and a K/9 at 8.72, the 26-year-old has upside. He also features a fastball that lands between 94-96 MPH with a devastating split-fingered fastball.

No word on if the Orioles are even interested in moving Gausman, who has three more years of arbitration eligibility and is making $3.5 Mil this season. And while Baltimore sits 4.5 games back from the division, it remains to be seen whether the club is ready to become sellers at the deadline.

I have heard conflicting reports on the asking price for Gausman, with some sources saying it could take a package headlined by Jeimer Candelario and lesser pieces, and others claiming the Cubs would have to part with Jimenez or Happ to make the deal.

While it’s not guarantee that Kevin Gausman will be a serious option for the Cubs at the deadline, it’s becoming clear that the North-Siders are looking into multiple names to acquire in hopes of improving this rotation for another deep playoff run.

Tom Waddle Shares Hilarious Stories About Mike Ditka and Dan Hampton

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears

Tom Waddle has had a rather inspiring rise on the Chicago sports landscape. He arrived as a nondescript wide receiver from Boston College. Many people didn’t give him a prayer of keeping a starting job on offense. He just didn’t have the size or the athletic chops. What he did have though was an unyielding work ethic and a strong pair of hands.

He used both to maximum effect. Though he never became a star, he did gain a sort of cult following among Chicago Bears fans. They appreciate his effort and his willingness to sacrifice his body to make plays. That folk hero status helped him to become one of the most notable names in the Chicago-area sports broadcasting business.

He has his own show (Waddle & Silvy) on ESPN 1000 but has also done outside work with NFL Network and others. He’s a respected name who keeps things honest and straightforward. At the same time, the man has to have his share of stories to tell.

Tom Waddle survived the end of the Ditka era

One of the biggest influences on his life, personally and professionally, was former Bears head coach Mike Ditka. Next to his father, Waddle says Ditka was crucial to his sports career going so well. One would think this would’ve led to a heartfelt moment between the two. According to Dan Pompei of The Athletic, that was the case. Well, almost.

An injury-depleted group of wide receivers forced Waddle on the field in the season opener against the Vikings, and Waddle caught a 37-yard touchdown pass in a 10-6 victory.

Afterwards, Ditka found Waddle on the field and patted him on the shoulder. Waddle ducked his head to hide his emotions, and he went into a heartfelt speech.

“Coach, I just want to tell you thank you for believing in me,” Waddle said. “This wouldn’t be possible without you. If you keep believing in me, I promise I’ll keep playing hard for you.” And on and on.

When he finished, Waddle looked up to find his coach’s eyes. Instead he saw Ditka 30 yards away walking into the locker room.

Classic Ditka. Though he could be a caring man, he was also not one for sentimental moments. They wasted too much time. Iron Mike has always been about the next thing. He gave Waddle his credit and was done. Tom was merely one of the latest guys to learn that lesson. Good thing it didn’t happen on camera.

That wasn’t end of the memorable stories though.

Waddle got some sage advice from Dan Hampton

He also recalled how much respect he had for his veteran teammates. Specifically those who played for the famed 1985 Bears defense. It turns out one man in particular he was desperately seeking approval from. For obvious reasons.

Waddle remembers being too afraid to speak to Steve McMichael for two years. And he remembers trying to get Dan Hampton to notice him.

“You knew if you got into Dan’s good graces, you made it,” Waddle said. “I remember making catches in training camp and impressing Dan. He would have his pants pulled up high, his No. 99 jersey on with a cup of coffee on the sidelines watching practice. He couldn’t practice because his knees were a mess. The only thing he could do was to save himself to play on Sunday.”

Hampton liked the hands, but he had some advice.

“Kid,” he told Waddle, “small, slow and friendly is no combination for this league. You have to be a little meaner. You have to be a little nastier.”

Seems Waddle took the advice to heart. He started playing with a bit more of an edge in 1991 and he had a breakout year with 599 yards and three touchdowns. A year after that he broke both marks with 674 yards and four touchdowns. Injuries soon began to take their toll on him and he was out of the league before age 28. Too bad because it’s fair to wonder how he might’ve done in a more modern offense.

Regardless those are two great stories of just how larger than life Ditka and Hampton were, and still are.

Jimmy Butler Reveals How He Learned About Trade To Timberwolves

By
Matt Peck
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jimmy butler reveals learned trade timberwolves

Jimmy Butler is excited for his next NBA chapter in Minnesota. Why wouldn’t he be? Reuniting with former Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau and teaming up with rising stars Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns provides more optimism than wasting away his prime years on a Bulls team going nowhere.

So how exactly did Butler find out he was traded? It’s a pretty funny story, and one he revealed to Alan Horton, the radio voice of the Timberwolves. Jimmy was vacationing in Europe last week while trade rumors around his name heated up approaching the NBA draft. Was he paying attention to those rumors? Nope, Jimmy was too busy having fun. He met up with his then-teammate Dwyane Wade, Wade’s wife Gabrielle Union and fellow NBA star Carmelo Anthony in Paris. As the four of them were sitting around a table playing cards, Jimmy got a call from his new agent Bernie Lee.

“I was very much aware of all the trade rumors, but my name was in so many different situations with different teams that I didn’t pay it any mind. Until my agent, Bernie Lee, decided to call me. I was playing spades, Carmelo was my partner. We was beating up on D Wade and Gab. And [Lee] broke the great news to me that I was now a Minnesota Timberwolf. I’m happy with that, and that is exactly how it happened. And we won in spades that night, so it was a win-win all the way around.” – Jimmy Butler

It’s well known that playing spades is one of Wade’s favorite non-basketball activities. He and Union even hosts parties for NBA friends and other celebrities centered around spades tournaments. Sounds like he’s gotten his Marquette brother Jimmy in on the fun. But with this trade to Minnesota, it looks like Wade and Jimmy’s on-court partnership wasn’t meant to last.

Still, you wonder just how close Jimmy is to cracking into the famous “Banana Boat” crew. He’s joining Wade and Carmelo on European vacations. Were the reports of LeBron James luring Butler to Cleveland true? Maybe not. But at least, for Jimmy’s sake, he has a great story for the rest of his life.

“The night I got traded? Oh, yeah. I was just hanging out in Paris, playing cards with D Wade, Gab and Melo. Fun night. Melo and I won.”

You can watch Butler’s full interview with Alan Horton below:

Minnesota has already embraced Jimmy. As for the Bulls? Free agency begins in just a few days, but don’t expect much to happen there. Fred Hoiberg and his bosses are more concerned with the player evaluation and development process to begin this rebuild. Summer League games start soon. Let’s hope some of these young guys make a good first impression.

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