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Bears Insider Drops Big Hint on State of Pace and Fox Relationship

By
Erik Lambert
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john fox and ryan pace
CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 13: during a preseason game at Soldier Field on August 13, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

A lot of Chicago Bears fans were a bit confused when the Chicago Bears failed to make any sort of move on the coaching staff or front office. The team had just gone 3-13 after all. One would think a significant change was warranted after such a debacle. Instead nothing more than a series of changes to the lower assistant coaching staff was made. The Ryan Pace John Fox partnership remained firmly “joined at the hip” heading into 2017.

Pace continued to insist that the team has not long any sort of faith in the 62-year old Fox. Last season was unfortunate but much of it was out of his hands. Specifically in regards to the injury woes. A total of 21 players on injured reserve alone? It’s hard to win with problems like that. Pace believes stability and Fox’s experience still serve the greater purpose for what is a rebuilding team.

However, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune dropped a curious bit of info that changes the outlook for this coming season and what may result from it.

Ryan Pace John Fox tandem may separate soon enough

During one of his weekly mailbags, Biggs was posed the question on whether it was wise that the two remain together through this process. His answer? An interesting look into the reality of their situations looking towards 2018.

“Could Fox be fired and Pace be allowed to hire a second head coach? That’s not outside the realm of possibilities. You insist they’re joined at the hip but it’s not entirely that way. Pace was signed to a five-year contract and Fox was signed to a four-year contract. Fox answers to Pace but ownership ultimately has control, right?

Maybe Pace seeks an offensive-minded head coach after the season. Maybe the Bears stay healthy and play well for a decent stretch of the season and finish 8-8 with the arrow pointing up into 2018. There’s an awful lot of ground to cover between now and the end of the season.”

That’s a pretty big admission from a Bears insider and the first real indication that the bond between GM and coach isn’t as solid as the organization makes it out to be. Rumors have persisted for the past few months that there’s a divide between Fox and Pace. How big a one it is remains debatable but it can’t be surprising.

The power of losing

When a team is losing as much as the Bears have, it creates lots of tension. Coaches and GMs can sometimes have different ideas about how to approach such a problem. That creates disagreements which can easily lead to division. It’s unclear at what stage those two are at presently. One thing is clear enough though.

Mitch Trubisky is in place now. The Bears higher ups know the critical job moving forward is to build around him and do everything possible to make him a success. To do all the things they failed to do with Jay Cutler. If John Fox can’t get this team aimed in the right direction this year, there’s every reason to think Pace won’t blink about making a change.

You Know You Want To See Jordan Morgan Go Yokozuna on this Defender

By
Erik Lambert
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jordan morgan block

A Jordan Morgan block that deserves an entire article of recognition? It must be pretty special. Well given this time of year it’s at least something enjoyable for Chicago Bears fans to watch until the actual action is able to get going in July and August. That is what this clip is all about. Reminding people that the team may have found another gem in the fifth round. Just one year after Jordan Howard no less.

After all they do have the same first name Coincidence? Not possible. In all seriousness Dan Durkin did some in-depth work on the new Bears guard for The Athletic. Coaches helped guide him to this snippet involving one of the best and most well-executed blocks Morgan achieved during his time at Kutztown. Durkin explained the layout.

“Morgan is leading the way on a screen. Once he engages with the defensive back, he drives him all the way to the sideline before finishing with a pancake. I guarantee this play was celebrated in film study sessions.”

Word is Morgan started to draw NFL attention over two years ago. His quick feet, long arms and nasty disposition told teams he might be able to play with the big boys. The Bears got even more confirmation in that regard at the Senior Bowl. Their coaches ran the North Squad during that week and Morgan was one of the offensive linemen on the depth chart. He performed rather well in drills.

Seeing clips like this reinforce that he has much of what Chicagoans love in their players. A sheer desire for not only winning but physically dominating an opponent. Even crushing him into the dirt if need be. He should fit right in and may have a bright career ahead if he develops as hoped.

Javy Baez Goes All Grand Salami In The 1st Inning, Annihilates Curveball

By
Matt Eastman
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When Javier Baez is up, it can go from 1-0 to 5-0 real quick, especially when you hang a meatball of a curve right down the middle.

The Best and Worst Chicago Bears 2017 Off-season Moves

By
Erik Lambert
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john fox start mitch trubisky

WORST MOVES

#1:  Letting Alshon Jeffery walk

Okay, this must be prefaced by a simple statement. The failure to re-sign Alshon Jeffery is not entirely on the Bears. There are many reasons that likely went into this happening. In the end though it became obvious the veteran receiver didn’t have many fans among the top team brass. That was evident from the frustrating contract negotiations and camp holdouts.

Nevertheless failing to re-sign him was a bad move. It left a gaping hole in the passing game right when the team couldn’t afford it as they try to break in two new quarterbacks in Mike Glennon and Mitch Trubisky. Him staying may not have made them contenders, but it certainly makes the job more difficult.

Biggest Threats To Steal Luis Robert From The White Sox

By
Emmet McClain
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We are just two days away until prized international phenom Luis Robert is officially eligible to sign with a team. While there are a handful of teams that are big time contenders to earn Robert’s talent, it sounds like the White Sox are the odds on favorite as of now.

After hearing what Jon Heyman had to say about Robert and the White Sox, it is hard not to get excited; however, anything can happen and there are still three teams in particular that should be at least a threat to snag Robert away from the South Side.

St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals look to be the biggest contender aside from the White Sox to sign Robert. With the Cardinals being docked two draft picks in this June’s MLB Draft, they will be looking to free agency to bring in new talent. They have the money to spend as well, and it has been reported that the Cardinals will bid hard on Robert’s services. However, recent news broke yesterday that should calm White Sox fan’s nerves a bit.

Both Kevin Wheeler and Jennifer Langosch cover the Cardinals, and while they are expected to spend big, it sounds like they are not looking to get into an all out bidding war with another team. This favors the White Sox immensely, as Rick Hahn has repeatedly hinted at them going hard after Robert. Reports have started to surface that the number people are bidding is already over $20MM. Time will tell how big that number grows in the upcoming days.

San Diego Padres

With the Padres in a rebuild of their own, Luis Robert has been linked to them for the past few months. With their outfield depth arguably in worse shape than the White Sox, they were even the favorite just a few short months ago. However, a big red flag popped up when it was reported that GM A.J. Preller did not attend the private workout that the Padres held for Robert a few weeks ago. This could honestly turn out to not be that big of a deal. Perhaps Preller just trusts his best scouts and feels comfortable in them doing their job. It seems a little strange though that the head of the Padres front office would not be there in person to watch Robert personally work out for the team. Regardless of the reason, the Padres should not be taken lightly once May 20th rolls around.

Houston Astros

While a top threat to the White Sox, it would surprise me the most if Robert decided to sign with Houston. The trio of Carlos Beltran, Josh Reddick and George Springer is one of the better outfields in baseball as is. And with stud prospect Kyle Tucker just a year away from the show, it would be odd to see Houston go all out for Robert. Nevertheless, when a talent like this comes around, teams with money would be stupid not to at least make a solid offer. Maybe the wide open championship window for Houston will entice Robert to lean that way. And while it would surprise me that Robert winds up in Houston, they are most definitely in play.

Why The White Sox Should Remain The Favorite

While the Cardinals, Padres and Astros should all make lucrative offers to Robert, the White Sox just make too much sense at the end of the day.

Let’s look at the factors.

  • Willingness to get into a bidding war with other teams? Check.
  • Cuban connection? (Jose Abreu, Yoan Moncada) Check.
  • Big need in the outfield? Check.
  • Age (19-years-old) fits into the White Sox rebuild plan? Check.

It seems that a Luis Robert marriage with the South Side is destined to happen. And while it still is not a for sure thing, it is the most logical scenario out there.

Kyle Schwarber’s New Campaign Will Make You Love Him Even More

By
Gus
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Chicago Cubs' Kyle Schwarber juggles during the team's photo day Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Kyle Schwarber appears to be the next Cubs superstar that is using his fame for a great cause off the field. Anthony Rizzo has taken the lead for the Chicago Cubs when it comes to dedicating time and energy into non-baseball causes with his endless work on childhood cancer research and now Schwarber has selected his cause. Wednesday night he launched his “Neighborhood Heroes” project that recognizes first responders and honor their heroism, courage and devotion to duty.

Schwarber invited 45 police officers, veterans, and firefighters to Wednesday night’s 7-5 win over his “hometown” Cincinnati Reds. Schwarber grew up about an hour north of Cincinnati in Middletown, OH and is directly tied to the “Neighborhood Heroes” campaign that he began. His father, sister, and cousin all have served as first responders in addition to his mother being a nurse so the personal connection to the cause is strong for the Cubs leadoff hitter.

Schwarber addressed the group before the game Wednesday and said he wanted to start Neighborhood Heroes simply to recognize them for their service.

“I just wanted to do something special for you guys — you deserve it,” Schwarber told the group.

So next time you’re bashing Schwarber because he doesn’t hit a 462-foot bomb in every at-bat like you’d like him to, remember he’s a 24-year-old kid who has enough respect to honor those who put their lives on the line everyday for people like you and me. It’d be easy for Schwarber to get caught up in all the hype that surrounds him but his focus has always been on the team’s success and now he’s shining a light on those who we often take for granted.

One of the veterans recognized Schwarber’s character is a rarity with young, popular athletes these days.

“To come to 2017, and have a player like Mr. Schwarber reach out to the veterans, it means a lot.”

Tip of the cap to you Kyle, well done.

Kerry Wood And Ryan Dempster Are Filling In For Jim Deshaies As Cubs Color Analysts

By
Aldo Soto
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Here’s a treat for fans, especially for Friday’s Chicago Cubs game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Kerry Wood is going to be the color analyst on CSN, filling in for Jim Deshaies when the Cubs welcome the Brewers for a weekend series. On Saturday, Ryan Dempster will sit next to Len Kasper for the TV broadcast.

Wood was in the booth during Wednesday night’s game, preparing for his big moment.

I don’t know which umpiring crew is going to be in Chicago for the series, but for the first time maybe ever I hope Joe West is the home plate ump on Friday. Wood hasn’t been shy when it comes to blasting the ump on twitter in the past.

West actually has a pretty good strike zone, but we all know he tries to make the game about himself whenever he gets the chance. So, yeah I kinda want to listen to Wood attempt to hold it in and then unleash a rant on Joe West if he’s up to his usual antics.

But in all seriousness, this might be a window into the future for Cubs fans. Wood has been an analyst before for WGN Radio and he’s loved by the fan base. I believe there’s a good chance that Wood will eventually be the color guy on TV, so this will be some good practice. That’s still several years down the road, though, as Kasper and JD both extended their contracts with the Cubs prior to this season.

As far as Dempster goes, he seems like a good dude, but just don’t do the Harry Caray schtick. 

Both Friday and Saturday games will be on CSN Chicago, starting at 1:20 p.m.

Man Dies After Falling Over Railing At Wrigley Field

By
Aldo Soto
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According to the Chicago Tribune, a man died after falling over a railing at Wrigley Field and hitting his head on Tuesday night.

Via the Chicago Tribune:

Richard E. Garrity, of Wheaton, was pronounced dead at 3:33 p.m. Wednesday at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office

Garrity fell over a railing about 11 p.m. Tuesday night, causing him to suffer head trauma, according to Chicago police. He was taken by private ambulance to the hospital at that time, police said.

An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday to determine the cause and manner of his death.

The Chicago Cubs began a 10-game home stand, starting a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night. The Cubs won 9-5, as the game ended at about 10:17 p.m.

Garrity, 42, was of the 2300 block of Embden Lane, according to the medical examiner’s office.

Kyle Schwarber Broke The Budweiser Sign At Wrigley Field

By
Aldo Soto
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I’m honestly surprised this hadn’t already happened.

During the 2015 NLDS, Kyle Schwarber hit a home run against the St. Louis Cardinals that landed on top of the right field video board that has the Budweiser sign on it. During batting practice on Wednesday before the Chicago Cubs game against the Cincinnati Reds, Schwarber hit another blast toward the sign and this time he broke it.

During the broadcast on WGN, Len Kasper explained why the “Bud” in the Budweiser sign wasn’t lighting up. The reason is because of Kyle Schwarber.

The legend continues.

Vic Fangio Believes This Bears Defender Is Primed For a Breakout

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears
Nam Y. Huh/AP

Seems the Vic Fangio Jonathan Bullard narrative just took a shift. Most Chicago Bears fans are focused on what the newest influx of free agents and draft picks are going to do to help the team. That’s understandable. Especially coming off a 3-13 season. Then again there are ways a team improves that sometimes people tend to overlook. A big one being the natural development of young players still on the roster. That includes the 2016 third round pick.

Bullard didn’t contribute quite like many hoped in his rookie season. This despite coming in with a lot of buzz about his mixture of size, burst and quickness. To be fair that’s often normal for rookies. Not everybody goes the way of Jordan Howard, rocketing out of the gate to a Pro Bowl in his first try. Most typically take at least a year to get things clicking.

Fangio understands this reality well. A man known for his blunt honesty, he was limited in any sort of praise for Bullard last season. That seems to be changing.

Vic Fangio Jonathan Bullard project is showing results

“Well Jon didn’t play a whole lot last year,” Fangio said. “And hopefully he’s ready — you always look for a lot of improvement from Year 1 to Year 2. I think he’s better prepared now to play in the trenches of the NFL than he was last year. He’s gotten a little bit bigger. I think his mentality — he understands more of what’s expected of him playing in the NFL, in the trenches. I don’t think he was quite ready for that last year, both physically or mentally, emotionally I think he’s more ready. We’re hopeful that he does well.”

There’s reason to think this will be the case for Bullard. Typically players make their biggest leap in the second year. Towards the end of 2016 there were flashes that the young defensive lineman was starting to pick things up. He made a couple nice plays including a tackle for loss against Washington where his technique and strength both showed up.

If he’s indeed bigger and stronger than last year and maintained that burst and quickness that made him so dangerous at Florida? There is no doubt he can fill that final spot on the defensive line next to Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman. This could give the Bears one of the more intriguing and dynamic front sevens in the NFL. If nothing else that would ease the concerns people have over the secondary.

At the same time it would further validate the incredible job GM Ryan Pace did with that 2016 draft. Bullard has worked tirelessly all offseason, getting help from former Bears Pro Bowl alternate Alex Brown. All he requires at this point is an opportunity to show what he’s learned. Health permitting, that chance looms ever closer.

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