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Ex Cubs Pitcher Nearly Lost His Finger In Freak Accident

By
Aldo Soto
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Whenever you see these kind of injuries that happen during the offseason you always wonder what really happened. Well, ex Chicago Cubs pitcher Travis Wood didn’t make this story up, as he nearly lost a finger following a crossbow hunting accident in January.

Wood spent five seasons with the Cubs that included being a part of the bullpen in 2016, when the Cubs won the World Series. His career took a turn for the worse in 2017, recording a 6.80 ERA with the Kansas City Royals and San Diego Padres in 94 innings. The lefty signed a minor-league deal with the Detroit Tigers this offseason and after the hunting accident Wood was willing to have doctors cut off his index finger.

Luckily that wasn’t needed and even more fortunate the terrible-looking injury was on Wood’s non-pitching hand.

Still, it looks pretty gross.

Hopefully that heals back up because Wood could have a great shot at being a starter for the Tigers, who are in complete tank mode.

Plus, we all know that Wood can give the Tigers more than just an arm. He’s a triple threat. Pitcher, hitter and fielder.

Just, you know, wait for the pin to be removed before making any more leaping catches.

Anyway, as soon as I saw this injury I thought about some other weird injuries from previous Cubs players. I think two of the most infamous ones were Kerry Wood and Sammy Sosa.

Back in 2007, Kerry Wood slipped and fell getting out of a hot tub at his home in Arizona during spring training. He was already trying to come back from several shoulder injuries and was in the process of being converted into a relief pitcher. Wood didn’t pitch in the big leagues until August that year. That hot tub slip was just another small setback during his injury-plagued career.

This is the first weird injury I remember with the Cubs. Sammy Sosa once suffered back spasms because he sneezed too hard before a game.

However, the funniest weird injury has to be Carlos Zambrano, who had to be told to stop using the computer so much because it could have been the reason he was experiencing some elbow issues. Zambrano said he would spend four hours a day on his computer, talking with family in Venezuela via e-mail.

Right, he was emailing too much…

This Cubs Giveaway Against The Indians Wins Troll Of The Year

By
Aldo Soto
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Theo Epstein has talked about how the Chicago Cubs most likely don’t win the 2016 World Series if it wasn’t for that 17-minute rain delay after the ninth inning. This year, the Cubs are making sure to remind the Cleveland Indians just how Game 7 ended with a fantastic giveaway.

The Cubs dugout was lifeless after Aroldis Chapman gave up a game-tying home run to Rajai Davis just four outs shy of breaking the franchise’s 108-year championship drought. The Cubs stranded a runner at third base in the top of the ninth inning and somehow Chapman got through the bottom of the inning running on fumes. And then the rain came. Then, Jason Heyward earned every single cent of his contract with his players-only speech that seemingly motivated the best team in baseball that year.

Kyle Schwarber singled to start extra innings. Albert Almora Jr. pinch ran and tagged up to second on a deep fly ball by Kris Bryant. Anthony Rizzo was walked and then with two strikes, Ben Zobrist made history.

Addison Russell was walked and Miguel Montero came through with what would be the difference in Game 7 of the World Series.

And well, you know how it ends.

But again, in the mind of many, including Theo Epstein, none of that happens if there wasn’t a rain delay before extra innings.

The Cubs host the Indians at Wrigley Field this season for a short, two-game set and the team’s giveaway on May 22, is simply amazing.

2018 NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Jaren Jackson Jr.

By
Patrick Mooney
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Several media outlets have started publishing their first 2018 NBA mock drafts, so I guess it’s already that time of year.

With the bottom 8 teams in the NBA separated by just 3 games, the final 25 games of the season will go a long way in determining where the Bulls will draft. They are still in the running for a top 3 pick, and it would take terrible lottery luck to the push them out of the top 8-9 picks. Keep in mind they also control the Pelicans pick, which should fall somewhere in the 13-16 range. So at this point, there is a multitude of prospects that the Bulls could be in a position to draft.

One player that has been linked to the Bulls quite a bit is Michigan State center Jaren Jackson Jr.

There is a lot to like about Jackson’s game. He’s a 6’11, 242lb freshman that doesn’t turn 19 until September. He was a 5-star recruit, ranked as the 9th best prospect of his graduating class, and he has been a force for a title contending Michigan State squad.

He was listed as a power forward coming out of high school, but he starts at center for the Spartans and he’s excelled in his role, especially defensively.

One of Jackson’s most appealing traits is his 7’4 wingspan. At 6’11, he has a 9’1 standing reach, making him a force at the rim on both ends. By most accounts, he’s a good-not-great athlete, so he doesn’t stand out as much as some of the other top draft prospects do when you watch him on TV. That doesn’t mean he won’t be as good as his more athletic counterparts.

Along with great size and reach, his mobility, coordination and timing have allowed him to be a dominant defender and efficient scorer. He currently ranks 3rd in the country with 3.39 blocks per game. That’s a great number if he were averaging 35 minutes a game, but he only averages 22.6 mpg, which makes that number even more impressive. MSU is 7th in the nation in defensive efficiency, and Jackson is their anchor.

The video above shows Jackson is much more than just a space-clogging rim protector. He’s a dominant weakside help defender who can hold his own on the perimeter and plays the pick and roll masterfully. A big man with his defensive skill set is a rare, and highly valuable, commodity in today’s NBA. The Bulls have had more than their share of defensive woes this season, drafting Jackson could bring immediate improvement.

Jackson’s offensive game is plenty exciting as well. With three All-Conference caliber upper-classmen on his team, Jackson doesn’t get as many opportunities as most 5-star recruits. Yet, he still averages 11.6 points (12.9 in Big Ten play) on just 6.6 FGA per game (62.8 eFG%).

He makes 44.3% of his 3-pointers, which makes him a sexy fit for Fred Hoiberg’s offensive system. His form isn’t the most orthodox:

But his release is still pretty quick, which makes his shot reminiscent of Al Horford’s quirky but effective stroke.

His biggest offensive flaw is he doesn’t finish as well as you’d expect him to, given his size-speed-athleticism combination. When contact comes, he gets knocked off balance pretty easily, which causes him to take shots from awkward angles.

(video courtesy of Zach Harper:Fanrag Sports)

At just 18 years old, he should be able to grow into his body more overtime, which in turn should help him become more balanced. Also, in Hoiberg’s spread out offensive system, Jackson could find himself isolated 1-on-1 in the post more often. He’ll score more efficiently around the rim if he isn’t constantly having to muscle up shots over 2-3 defenders.

Final Verdict: Yay or Nay?

For me, the final verdict is a resounding yes. Jackson doesn’t look like the type of player a team can build around, but with the Markkanen-Dunn-Lavine trio already wearing red and white, Chicago feels like a place where he can maximize his talents and reach his potential as an impact starter. The biggest negative about Jackson’s performance this season is that he’s risen his draft stock so much, that he might not fall past the #3 pick of the draft.

I don’t think the Bulls would take him with the #1 pick, but they should strongly consider him if they’re drafting in the 3-5 range. If he’s still on the board for the Bulls at pick #6 or later, it would be hard for them to justify taking somebody else.

NFL Insider Says Bears Will Lose Kyle Fuller to Free Agency

By
Erik Lambert
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kyle fuller

The Chicago Bears earned a black eye in free agency in 2017. Not only was their incoming class almost completely helpless to their cause, but they also lost one of their best players in Alshon Jeffery. There is a genuine fear that’s getting ready to happen again. GM Ryan Pace has had some success in free agency before but not as much as he probably should. Not only has he missed on a number of his signings to date, he’s also failed to reel in big names despite strong offers.

Perhaps that’s the drawback of running a team that hasn’t had a winning record in six years. Either way, a repeat of last season would not be ideal. While no one knows for sure who the Bears will sign next month, there is a growing fear another strong young talent could depart the team for elsewhere.

After three difficult seasons mixing poor play and injury, cornerback Kyle Fuller broke out last year in a big way. He was their best defensive back by a mile. All told he finished with two interceptions and 22 passes defended. He also finished near the top of the team in tackles. There’s no question he became a vital component to their defensive success.

Now they may have to watch another team enjoy it.

Top insider believes Kyle Fuller will be on another team in 2018

Fuller hasn’t been forthcoming on his plans for free agency this year. His enthusiasm to stay in Chicago can be considered lukewarm at best. Then again he’s not known for showing his emotions. It’s believed Fuller wants to get the best payday possible. This leaves some doubt that Pace will meet his price, especially after just one good season. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports went a step further, claiming outright that Fuller is gone.

“Re-signing corner Kyle Fuller should be a priority but he’s going to find a lucrative market ahead and will not be returning to Chicago, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.”

Now La Canfora isn’t exactly known for his precise accuracy in such predictions but he’s hit often enough to at least be taken seriously. The likelihood of a long-term extension getting done with Fuller at this point feels unlikely. The two sides are probably too far apart on numbers. However, it doesn’t automatically mean Fuller is leaving. Chicago still has the franchise tag in their back pocket.

They have more than enough cap space to accommodate paying Fuller top five money for one year to see if his 2017 run was a fluke or not. If he has a repeat performance, Pace will feel more comfortable about meeting his price. If he doesn’t? Well then he might be the next Jeffery after all.

One Chicago Bears Free Agent Connection They Can’t Ignore

By
Erik Lambert
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The Chicago Bears free agent agenda will likely stick to the original script. Ryan Pace has a certain style. He targets players that are generally younger who are trending up in their careers. This allows him to get them for slightly cheaper. Also included is the fact they come from high character backgrounds. Some early mistakes during his first year with guys like Ray McDonald likely taught him that lesson.

One can understand his caution. At the same time risk is part of the job. Sooner or later it feels like Pace will have to take a calculated gamble on a player with a somewhat questionable background if he’s going to significantly upgrade his roster. It’s almost impossible to build an NFL team made entirely of boy scouts. Matt Millen always said that you need at least one or two “pricks” on the field.

Since 2018 is such an important off-season, the Bears can’t close the doors entirely on the idea of adding a “prick” to their team. There is one name set to become a free agent they must seriously consider. Somebody with a connection to their coaching staff, as it turns out.

Dion Jordan should be a Chicago Bears free agent target

Mention the name Dion Jordan and a lot of NFL enthusiasts immediately cringe. It’s understandable. The former Oregon standout looked like a star in the making when he was drafted in 2013. His absurd mix of size, power, length, and athleticism had rarely been seen before. What they failed to grasp was his lack of maturity.

Over the next four years, his career was put in limbo by a mixture of injuries and suspensions. Many thought he’d never play a meaningful down again after missing the entire 2015 and 2016 seasons. The Seattle Seahawks though were willing to give him another chance and he took advantage. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune agrees that his performance last season might be just enough to warrant a short-term deal.

“Former No. 3 overall pick Dion Jordan has been an absolute bust, but he produced four sacks in five games for the Seahawks last season. Offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich could certainly offer insight on the former Duck, who missed the entire 2015 and 2016 seasons.”

Helfrich was at Oregon throughout Jordan’s entire run. If anybody can provide insight into the edge rusher as a player and person, it’s him. The amazing thing is Jordan is still just 27-years old. Considering how much time he’s missed, his body has the wear and tear of a player three years younger. So there’s zero danger of him breaking down anytime soon.

The Bears normally wouldn’t take a risk like this but they’re in a difficult position. Their edge rusher group is in a major transition state. Leonard Floyd is their only prominent member under the age of 30. Pernell McPhee and Willie Young are both coming off major injuries. This team has to find a younger rusher who can play opposite Floyd.

Given the uncertainties of the incoming draft class, Pace may have to think about taking a risk in free agency to find that solution. If Jordan can keep his head on straight, a pairing of him and Floyd could be fun to watch.

Chicago Bears Claim Top Grade for NFC North Draft Classes

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears 2017 draft

The Chicago Bears 2017 draft class got railroaded from all sides last May. Almost to the point many people were laughing at it. An inexperienced quarterback from a primarily basketball school? A tight end from a small school who started his career in basketball? A safety coming off a broken leg and a running back who could cosplay R2-D2? There was no way this bunch could do anything except get GM Ryan Pace fired.

Well he who lasts laugh as the saying goes. Despite the Bears finishing 5-11 on the year, their draft class actually carried them to a majority of those victories. This despite atrocious coaching at times that failed to get them in the proper position for success. That’s why head coach John Fox was fired and Matt Nagy replaced him.

The lingering question is did this group of characters make believers out of anybody? Yes, as it turns out. Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com graded the 2017 draft class for every team in the league going by division. How did the Bears stack up against the rest of the NFC North?

Chicago Bears 2017 draft class ties for best grade in division

As it turns out Bergman came away impressed with what they did. While it wasn’t a smashing success like some of the other classes, the Bears did the job. They ended up tying Minnesota for the highest grade in the division.

“Trading up one spot to draft Trubisky — and letting go of three mid-round picks in the process — was a risk, but one worth taking in retrospect. Trubisky is a work in progress, but under the tutelage of Matt Nagy and Mark Helfrich, the QB can aspire to a sophomore surge, a la Jared Goff in L.A.

Chicago made the most of the few other selections it possessed, hauling two great athletes in Jackson and Cohen, the latter of whom was an immediate game-breaker. Jackson and Adrian Amos will give the Windy City a top-five safety tandem in years to come. Chicago needs to utilize Shaheen more to justify a higher draft grade; the tight end caught just 12 passes in 13 games despite Zach Miller missing half the season. GRADE: B+”

It’s hard to figure out how Minnesota got such a good grade considering most of their picks never truly flashed. Alas, that’s the value of winning in the NFL. What the Bears did comes across as more impressive. They made just five picks total for that draft. Yet combined four of them started 29 games. The Vikings made 11 picks and got 28 starts from theirs. So Chicago got considerably more bang for their buck.

Then again we’re biased.

VIDEO: Anthony Rizzo Speaks At Florida Vigil

By
Aldo Soto
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Anthony Rizzo went back home to Parkland, Fla., where the Chicago Cubs first baseman spoke at a vigil after 17 people were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Rizzo left Cubs camp in Mesa, Ariz., late Wednesday following the tragedy at his alma mater. On Thursday night, Rizzo once again made a call for change, as the latest school shooting was the 18th of the year in the United States.

Rizzo’s former football coach, Aaron Feis, as well as Jaime Guttenberg, a relative of Rizzo’s agent, were among the 17 killed in Parkland.

Anthony Rizzo Goes Back Home After 17 Killed At His High School

By
Aldo Soto
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Anthony Rizzo left spring training to go back home, where 17 people were killed Wednesday at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. The Chicago Cubs first baseman is a 2007 graduate of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and recently donated $150,000 to his alma mater.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon said he told Rizzo he could take as much time as he needed and offered his support.

Via ESPN.

“I told him to get back to us if there was anything we can do to help,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said Thursday. “I definitely want him to go back there and be involved. I told him, ‘Take as much time as you want.'”

Sadly, Rizzo isn’t the only player on the team to have had a mass shooting directly impact someone they know. On Oct. 1, 2017, Kris Bryant’s sister in law was in Las Vegas, where the deadliest mass shooting in the United States occurred.

“I know Anthony will have a big influence in Florida, but it’s so sad that it happened. I can’t imagine what some of those people are going through. It speaks to who Anthony really is. Anthony is a role model for everyone on this team and in Chicago and this country. I know he’ll do anything he can do to help.”

(Kris Bryant)

Rizzo and his family knew some of the victims, including football coach Aaron Feis, who was killed while shielding students from the shooter. Rizzo played football as a freshman, when Feis was an assistant coach.

After the shooting, Rizzo tweeted out support for his community and also called for a change.

Rizzo’s former football coach wasn’t the only person killed that he had a connection to.

Via ESPN.

Jaime Guttenberg, who was killed in Wednesday’s shooting according to a Facebook post by her father, was a relative of Rizzo’s longtime agent.

There have been 18 school shootings so far this year in the United States according to Everytown for Gun Safety.

Albert Almora Jr., who is also from Florida, discussed the tragedy as well.

The Cubs won’t have spring training games until Feb. 23. At this time there’s no word when Rizzo will return to Mesa.

Bears May Get An Assist at Wide Receiver From Arch Rivals

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears

The Chicago Bears aren’t trying to hide their intentions at this point. Everybody knows they’re going to hunt wide receiving help this off-season. That’s the byproduct of having the worst passing offense in the league. This means every avenue is on the table from free agency to the draft. That includes potential salary cap cuts by other teams. Even main rivals if possible.

One team that could be set to make a big decision at wide receiver are the Green Bay Packers. They just handed DeVante Adams a lucrative new extension. This places the focus on veterans Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb. Both carry cap hits in excess of $9 million this year and both are in the final years of their respective contracts. With only $16 million in cap space projected, it’s possible the Packers may decide to move on from one of them.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network believes a decision is looming and that it’s Cobb who might end up getting the short end of the stick.

Randall Cobb could fit the new Chicago Bears offense well

Back in 2014, Cobb was emerging as one of the best receivers in the league. He went to the Pro Bowl that year with 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns. Since then though his production has slackened. He hasn’t cracked 830 yards since then. The emergence of Adams has made his role in the offense even murkier. Part of this may be nagging health issues. He’s missed four games over the past two years with various problems.

That said he is just 27-years old and when featured in a game plan has proven he can still deliver some excellent performances.

Though not known for his speed, Cobb is a precision route runner with quickness and agility. If featured in an offense that can find him some space, he’ll get to the open spot for his quarterback. It’s hard to say he can ever regain the form he had four years ago but there is no doubt he’d be an upgrade over most of what the Bears have their roster.

At the same time, his deep knowledge of the Green Bay system can bring added benefits. Cobb is known for being a competitive, high intangibles guy. No doubt he’ll carry a big chip on his shoulder if the Packers end up releasing him. It wouldn’t be hard to receive a prominent role in the Bears offense. It could be a mutually beneficial relationship.

Ryan Pace Made a Notable Sacrifice to Get Back Vic Fangio

By
Erik Lambert
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vic fangio

It’s hard to say what the Chicago Bears did to ensure the return of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. The pitch must’ve been strong. After all, it’s not like Fangio didn’t have options. He’s one of the top defensive coordinators in the league and would’ve had a job within 24 hours of departing Chicago. So GM Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy had to have said the right things to lure him back to a team that hasn’t posted a winning season for five years.

Sure money was no doubt part of the pitch. While contract details aren’t known, Fangio is now undoubtedly one of the highest paid defensive coordinators in the NFL. There’s also the widespread belief that Nagy made a strong impression on him. The idea of combining a Nagy offense, which finished 5th overall in Kansas City this past year, with a Fangio defense? Good things should follow.

Even then it’s still hard to believe Fangio stayed. There had to be another angle to this. As it turns out that may be true.

Ryan Pace agreed to relinquish some roster control to Nagy and Fangio

If nothing else, Pace has proven one thing. He’s a pragmatist. He sees a problem with his team and takes direct steps to fix it. Are players getting injured a lot? He renovates the entire training program and facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and techniques. Has the team a long history of quarterback problems? Trade up in the first round to get the best one you can find. Is that QB struggling from poor offensive scheming? Hire a young head coach who embraces new ideas.

It seems that mode of operation served him well again. According to a source, Pace approached the Fangio dilemma with similar practicality and made a bold decision as a result.

“As far as players on offense and who the Bears will sign or won’t sign, it will be completely up to Nagy and the same goes for Vic on defense. This was pitched to Nagy in their meeting and was a ‘key’ reason Fangio is back.”

This is a fascinating twist on things

For those who don’t remember, right after the regular season ended for the Bears, Pace had his end-of-year press conference. John Fox had just been fired. He spoke to the media on the plan to get things fixed. Amidst that, he was quite adamant about one thing. Control of the 53-man roster would stay with him.

So this means the likely situation is as follows. Pace will still make the signings and the draft picks. The key difference is Nagy and Fangio will hold far more sway in which players are to be the most heavily pursued on both ends. It’s less a ceding of power and more a compromise. It makes sense to a degree. Fangio and Nagy are both highly-respected experts in their fields. They should have considerable say in the talent they want to make their schemes flourish.

Credit to Pace for recognizing that.

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