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Alshon Jeffery Was Not Happy About His Free Agency Exposé

By
Erik Lambert
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alshon jeffery free agency

For those who somehow missed recent news regarding former Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, here’s a quick recap. The 26-year old had reportedly stated multiple times he wished to stay in Chicago. He was confident a deal could get done. Yet nothing did. Some assumed the Bears were being cheap. However, Adam Schefter of ESPN soon revealed a telling piece of information regarding the truth of that.

He told the MMQB that Jeffery called him requesting information about what other receivers were making on the open market. This was a clear indicator that he’d been misleading people about his true intentions. Jeffery clearly planned to leave Chicago and was chasing the best possible money deal he could get.

Jeffery free agency folly

“Schefter goes through the contract numbers on Smith, Jackson and Pierre Garçon, slowly, so Jeffery can apparently write them down. “It’s all about the guarantee, Alshon,” Schefter says. “It’s all about the guarantee … Your average per year could be $100 million. It doesn’t matter. If they’re going to guarantee you the majority of the contract, that’s what you want.”

Schefter asks where Jeffery is going. Jeffery doesn’t have an answer yet. Schefter asks that Jeffery notify him when he does make a decision and leaves the conversation at that.

After he hangs up, Schefter explains that he helps players like that “hoping that they reciprocate. Some people do, and some people don’t. And we’re going to find out.”

Jeffery did not. Instead he revealed to another insider, Josina Anderson, a short time later that he was signing a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Suffice to say there were more than a few fans who were not happy with Alshon after those details came to light. They felt his talk about loving Chicago and promising Super Bowls had all been just a bunch of BS.

Apparently Jeffery was not thrilled about the sudden backlash. In fact he even took to Twitter defending himself, stating the article was flatly wrong and untrue.

Damage control

If this were coming from another source it might be easy to believe that. This is Sports Illustrated and the best NFL insider in the business though. It doesn’t get much more legit than that. By that story it was clear Alshon Jeffery made a big mistake giving Schefter the cold shoulder regarding his plans. So Schefter retaliated with his greatest weapon: information.

Jeffery already had a dimming legacy in Chicago before he exited stage right. His final two years were marked by injuries and an ugly four-game suspension for PED violations. The promise he’d shown earlier in his career was a distant memory. More than ever he’s started looking like the classic #2 receiver most people viewed him as. That’s why he didn’t get a lucrative deal in free agency, and it may have cost him what was left of his credibility.

At least in the eyes of fans. He’ll forge ahead in Philadelphia, but any chance he had of carving out a truly special place in history? That’s gone.

White Sox Trade Peter Bourjos To The Tampa Bay Rays

By
Dan Fappiano
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The Chicago White Sox have traded Peter Bourjos to the Tampa Bay Rays for cash. (Photo courtesy of Armando L Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Earlier Monday night, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reported that the Rays were interested in acquiring outfielder Peter Bourjos from the Chicago White Sox,

According to Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago the deal has been completed with Bourjos heading to Tampa Bay and the White Sox receiving cash considerations. Topkin later confirmed Hayes report.

Bourjos has been in the MLB for the past seven seasons playing for the Angels, Cardinals and Phillies. He has hit .243 with 37 home runs, 149 RBIs and 61 stolen bases.

Bourjos was expected to be the White Sox starting center fielder after Charlie Tilson suffered a major injury. However it now appears as if Jacob May will enter 2017 as the team’s starter in center.

May is currently the White Sox 26th best prospect according to MLB Pipeline. He has hit .273 with 13 home runs, 121 RBIs and 118 stolen bases. May’s speed should help him cover more ground in center and could potential help him earn the leadoff role to enter 2017.

White Sox fans have been expecting pitching Jose Quintana to be moved. However Rick Hahn made a surprise trade by dealing Peer Bourjos. It appears as if the team is dedicated to the youth movement and is doing everything they can to give their young prospects a chance.

Peter Bourjos could be the first domino in a series of trades for the Chicago White Sox.

 

Feel free to continue the conversation on Twitter: @DFappiano14

Free Agents That The Chicago White Sox Could, And Should Target in 2018-2019

By
Emmet McClain
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The future of the White Sox is looking pretty solid so far. They have revamped their entire farm system from just two trades, with more expected throughout the course of the 2017 season. Right now, the focus around the league is on top international prospect Luis Robert, a player who has often been linked to the White Sox. The rebuild is still much closer to the beginning than the end, and the final piece(s) are most likely going to be added via free agency in 2018-2019. The free agent class that year is absolutely loaded with both bats and arms. By then the Sox should be far enough into the rebuild to be able to isolate one or two last weaknesses and go all in during the free agency period to address them.

The biggest thing to remember is that the White Sox will have an incredibly low payroll going into the 2019 season. Before Tim Anderson signed his extension, the White Sox had just $4.25MM committed to the 2019 payroll. That is not a typo. Now it sits at roughly $5.7MM. With the majority of the team most likely still being on cheap entry level contracts in 2019, the White Sox are going to have more than enough wiggle room to work with.

Rick Hahn has already said that he does not mind going over the international spending pool limit to sign players overseas (Luis Robert cough cough), and he is on record saying that the 2018-19 free agent class should be the final piece to the rebuild.

“The 2018 and 2019 free-agent classes are stacked. A number of players will command nine-figure contracts. There’s nothing magical about the $68-million threshold. And we know spending is the final piece of all this. When we get there, we expect the resources to be there.”

-Rick Hahn on 2018-2019 free agency

With all that being said, here are the top 5 free agents the White Sox should be pursuing towards the end of the rebuild.

Experts Starting To Agree Who Bears Will Draft At Quarterback

By
Erik Lambert
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kizer to the bears

DeShone Kizer to the Bears. Weird hearing that? There are four quarterbacks in the upcoming 2017 NFL draft that analysts feel have the best chance to become strong pros. The talent is most certainly there. However, reservations have been maintained over the past few months. Mitchell Trubisky is too inexperienced (started just 13 games). Deshaun Watson is a winner but he’s also erratic with his accuracy and decision-making. Patrick Mahomes? Absolute cannon for a right arm but woefully underdeveloped in his fundamentals.

Then there is Kizer. At the start of the 2016 college season he was viewed as hands down the best QB prospect in the class. Big, strong, athletic and intelligent. He had every tool a team could want in a starter. To top it off he embraces the details of the game. His Xs and Os understand is advanced for a 21-year old. So what’s his issue?

There are lingering concerns regarding his leadership and his ability to elevate a team. Kizer was just 4-8 his final year at Notre Dame. He’s also viewed as a “my bad” guy. He gets caught thinking too much about his mistakes, inevitably leading to others. That being said, he’s very young and didn’t have a lot of help.

Kizer to the Bears?

Recent word stated that Chicago would hold a private meeting with Kizer leading up to the draft. This isn’t a surprise. They’re meeting with all the top quarterbacks. So why is he any different? It goes back to the physical parameters. Don’t forget about GM Ryan Pace. Through his first two years, his MO in the first round has centered on great athletes.

Kizer is the best all-around physical talent of the top four quarterbacks. The fact he played well with virtually no help around him might be seen as an added position. Experts are starting to get a growing feel that he’s destined for Chicago.

Bucky Brooks of NFL.com broke down Kizer in his recent scouting report. After listing where he feels the young man is likely to go, he too offered his belief the Bears are a good landing spot.

“The 2017 QB class is viewed as one of the most polarizing groups in recent history. Teams are having a tough time sorting out the talent at the top, particularly Kizer and his unique game. I believe he’s an elite talent worthy of consideration among the first 20 picks, but he will probably come off the board between the bottom of the first round and the middle of the second round on draft weekend.

Teams like the Arizona Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants and Chicago Bears would be a nice destination for him based on his game and their respective schemes.”

Not so crazy

Among his positives, there is an interesting key with Kizer that might make him appeal to the Bears in particular. He’s positively lethal off play action. His passer rating was 154.7 in those situations, ranking him first in the entire nation. This is significant because Chicago is going to be a running football team with Pro Bowler Jordan Howard paving the way. They’ll want somebody who understands how to take advantage off play action fakes. Clearly Kizer is one such type.

He may not be ready to play, but the Bears seem prepared for that. They have Mike Glennon in place as starter and Mark Sanchez arriving as older veteran and mentor. It’s an ideal situation for a young quarterback to come into. It becomes a matter of when and how Chicago is able to draft him, presuming that’s the plan.

Patrick Kane Talks “Playoff Type Game” Against Tampa Bay

By
Matt Eastman
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Video: Chicago Blackhawks

Joe Maddon is “Ok” With Closer Wade Davis’ Spring Training Struggles

By
Sean Sears
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The 2016 postseason proved how valued the closer position is in baseball, with guys like Aroldis Chapman working on no rest, Andrew Miller enter games in the 6th inning, and arguably the league’s best closer in Zach Britton not even appearing in his clubs lone playoff game.

The closer position has never been looked upon as so crucial, and it’s why the Cubs twice traded for two of the game’s best over the course of six months. And it’s also why it would be completely reasonable for the Cubs to be concerned about the performance of newly acquired Wade Davis this spring. The 31-year-old closer is currently sporting an egregious 19.64 ERA with an opponent batting average of .474 in 3.2 innings this spring.

And while those gaudy numbers would normally raise most coaches blood pressures, Joe Maddon is still cool and collected, according to Bruce Levine. 

NBA Jam Creator May Finally Leak Holy Grail Version With Michael Jordan

By
Matt Peck
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nba jam creator leak version michael jordan

The Holy Grail of sports video games might finally be leaked. During a Reddit AMA over the weekend, NBA Jam creator Mark Turmell said he still has the old EPROMs that include Michael Jordan for the original NBA Jam arcade game that launched in 1993. When a Redditor asked Turmell is he’d be willing to release said EPROMs to the public via the internet, he responded with, “I could! Will try to dig up.”

Oh. My. God.

The Missing Link

When the initial NBA Jam premiered in ’93, Jordan was the biggest name in sports across the globe. The Bulls initial threepeat team dominated headlines and everyone wanted a piece of Air Jordan. But therein lied the problem for Turmell and his team at Midway Games. Due to Jordan’s deal with Nike, he decided to pull out of the NBPA’s group license just a few weeks before NBA Jam’s launch. On top of his Nike deal, Jordan also had an ongoing partnership with Electronic Arts, a different video game production company that likely would’ve objected to Midway using Jordan’s likeness.

So Turmell pulled Michael from the game, which still premiered with great success and quickly became one of the most popular arcade games in history. Every kid (and hoops-loving adult, for that matter) had in-home versions of the game at the top of their wish list. Who doesn’t want to play a video game where NBA stars can do multiple flips before dunking or drain halfcourt shots with a flaming basketball?

Gary Payton, one of Jordan’s NBA rivals, also did not appear in the first edition of NBA Jam but wanted to get in on the action after realizing the game’s popularity. Payton and fellow Seattle-based superstar Ken Griffey Jr. requested that Midway make a custom updated version with their likenesses included. Oh, and they wanted MJ included in that version too. So Turmell made special EPROMs with Payton, Griffey and Jordan and privately distributed copies to those three individuals.

Fast forward nearly 25 years, and Turmell sounds like he’s ready to let the rest of the world in on the biggest secret in virtual hoops lore. Just one thing: he has to find it first.

“I have a cabinet stored away with sets of [old EPROMs]. Have to see how they’re labeled when I get in there.” – Mark Turmell

Why now? Who knows. It’s almost as if this was a simple “ask and you shall receive” situation. But there’s no way diehard gamers haven’t been hounding Turmell about the lost Jordan edition of NBA Jam for the last two decades. Maybe enough time has passed that he finally isn’t worried about possible legal consequences. He hinted at that after saying he’d try to dig it up, saying, “Can’t imagine getting into any trouble at this point!”

Since NBA 2K11, Jordan has been included in 2K Sports’ classic teams rosters. But given the immense popularity of the NBA 2K series, it’s unlikely 2K Sports would put up any fuss over Turmell finally releasing Jordan’s character in NBA Jam. It’s not like that would put any dent in sales. At this point, it would just be a really cool thing for older video game nerds who’ve been wanting and wishing for this moment.

The Grail is out there. Indiana Jones-err, I mean Mark Turmell-is hunting it down.

He’s heating up…

Possible Blackhawks “Black Aces” For Playoffs

By
Marc-Louis Paprzyca
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It’s that time of season again where we start hearing about the Blackhawks potential “Black Aces.” If you’re unaware or just plain forgot what those are, I’ll fill you in.

The Black Aces are a group of players called up to the big squad for an organization’s playoff run. They’re eligible to play in the playoffs but their main role is to provide extra bodies in practice. The reward is invaluable practice time, playoff experience and a possible Stanley Cup celebration.

The Blackhawks have a nice pool of young talent to choose from this postseason and you may have heard of most of them. Their NHL experience varies from no NHL experience to half a season.

Forwards

Tyler Motte: Sports Mockery friend and Chicago Tribune reporter Chris Hine recently told The 312 Podcast that Motte is the Black Ace to watch this year. He started the season on the Blackhawks opening night roster and played 33 games before being sent to Rockford in early January.

He has only 6g and 9a in 34 games with the IceHogs but it’s important to keep in mind this is only his first season of pro hockey. It took him a couple years to develop at Michigan but he has already made great progress at the pro level. Motte’s ability to work is a great attribute for a Black Ace.

Vinnie Hinostroza: Another opening night roster player, Vinnie played 48 games with the Blackhawks to start the season and registered a respectable 6g and 8a. He had some stints on the Toews/Hossa line a few times during his time but couldn’t really find a spot. In late February, he was sent back to Rockford where he led the team in scoring last season.

What Hinostroza lacks in size he makes up for in other ways. He has some speed and can even play slightly bigger than he is. This would allow him to give the Blackhawks some nice looks during their playoff run.

Kyle Baun: Unlikely that Baun gets a call up but he is the current leading scorer for the IceHogs. For that reason, he may be rewarded in April. Baun has 5 career games with the Blackhawks with the last coming on October 15, 2015.

The 6’2″ and 210lb winger has good offensive skills to go with his big frame. Much like Motte and Hinostroza, he is a depth player but could be a good body if the Blackhawks end up playing a larger team like San Jose.

Defensemen

Ville Pokka: Pokka is probably the most developed defensive prospect in the organization. He was acquired in the Nick Leddy trade with the Islanders and has shown an ability to make the right plays in Rockford.

His great hockey sense has allowed him to be a very good two-way D-man. Pokka can play stay at home defense but also have an offensive side. He is near the team lead in assists and led the IceHogs in assists as well as shots last season. Pokka would be a good change of look in practice from the offensive-minded Keith/Seabrook or the shut-down Hjalmarsson/Oduya.

Gustav Forsling: The 20 year old D-man made the opening night roster and played 36 games with the Blackhawks. He averaged a little under 15 min/game in his time but played 16-18 min/game during the middle of his run. In early February he was sent to Rockford for some more seasoning.

Forsling is bit undersized to play a completely defensive minded game and is seen as more of an offensive-minded player. He has great vision and the ability to make plays with the puck. The young guy can bring some real youth to practice and make some plays.

Unlikely Black Aces

It’s unlikely that there will be any goaltenders brought up unless something severely bad happens to Corey Crawford or Scott Darling. I think we can all agree that we hope that doesn’t happen since the Blackhawks don’t have another goalie with NHL experience.

There were rumors that KHL star and Blackhawks prospect Maxim Shalunov could make the squad. It seems as if that rumor has been squashed. His season has been done for a month and there has been little to no talk about him since then.

I would not expect the Blackhawks top prospect Alex Debrincat to be named to the roster either. He just won the OHL scoring title with 127 points in 63 games (65 and 62a) for his third straight 100 point season. While there is a ton of excitement regarding Debrincat, many feel he is too small and requires some more seasoning before making the jump.

There will most likely be four players added as Black Aces and I think it could be any combo of the five players I listed. I may be wrong but these are players that the Blackhawks have showed confidence in before or have just earned the right to be there.

Follow @Pappy_Hour on Twitter for more Blackhawks stats, information and musings. 

Bears Draft Strategy Hints They Want This Scenario To Play Out

By
Erik Lambert
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bears draft strategy

At the end of the day nobody knows entirely what the Chicago Bears draft strategy really is. Since they hold the #3 overall pick, the odds have to be good that they know who’d they would take at that spot. Sure it’s still another month before the NFL draft takes place. Then again evaluations should be wrapped up soon with pro days concluding across the country.

So much of what they have planned depends heavily on a single, uncontrollable factor. What will the San Francisco 49ers do with their #2 overall pick? Everybody pretty much knows what’s going to happen at #1. The Cleveland Browns are locked in on pass rusher Myles Garrett, as they should be. That means it falls to the 49ers on deciding the direction of the top 10 picks and beyond.

The $64,000 question is will they take a quarterback? Well there is reason to believe that they won’t. Several sources have indicated the new regime of John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan aren’t going to reach at that position. Especially with so many needs across the roster. If they go for a top prospect at another position, that would mean every quarterback would be available at #3. This would suit the Bears just fine, but not for the reason people think.

Bears draft strategy hinges on QB availability

There is nothing that drives up the value of a draft pick, especially in the first round than the availability of quarterbacks. Even in a weaker class like 2017, imagine how much more value #3 would have if teams knew it was the ticket to get any QB in the class they wanted? It’s an easy sell. With teams like the Jets and Browns sorely needing help at that position, and the Jaguars flirting with the idea of replacing Blake Bortles, the Bears would have tons of leverage were this to happen.

After being unable to strike it big in free agency, GM Ryan Pace knows he needs a power move of some kind in the draft to infuse his roster with more talent. Moving down from #3 and collecting a series of extra picks would grab lots of attention. Not to mention secure more chances at acquiring really good players in a really deep draft class.

All word has been they like the quarterbacks, but not enough to take one that high. That may be different for one of the other teams. This is where the subtle brilliance of signing Mike Glennon comes into play. He at least gives Chicago more flexibility. They no longer need to draft one high. Looking at New York or Cleveland? No way they could say the same.

JETS:  Josh McCown, Bryce Petty, Christian Hackenberg

BROWNS:  Cody Kessler, Brock Osweiler, Kevin Hogan

Keep in mind Chicago has been crafty in their approach to the draft, meeting with every top prospect. They even had the full brass of Pace, John Fox, Dowell Loggains and Dave Ragone at Clemson to watch Deshaun Watson. If the Bears are interested in a move down, and there’s plenty of reason to think they are, it shouldn’t be hard to facilitate a deal. All it takes is one team to see the benefit of getting a pick that is the ticket their quarterback of choice. At that point it all becomes about the price.

Ranking The 5 Worst Chicago Bears QB Depth Charts of All-Time

By
Erik Lambert
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bears qb depth chart
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 24: Jonathan Quinn #12 and Craig Krenzel #16 of the Chicago Bears look on from the sideline during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on October 24, 2004 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Bears 19-7. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The offseason is only half over and already Chicago Bears fans are left wondering. Could 2017 go down as the worst quarterback depth chart this team has ever had? On the surface it’s not exactly the most enticing group. Mike Glennon, a former third round pick turned failed starter and then backup. Mark Sanchez, a former first round pick turned failed starter and then journeyman backup. Finally Connor Shaw, a former undrafted free agent who flamed out in Cleveland and broke his leg last year.

What exactly about this group inspires any sort of confidence that the Bears will be better in 2017? Mind you they just got done finishing 3-13. It shouldn’t be that hard to improve on such a record. That’s how low the expectation bar has been set. So if Chicago does not make a meaningful move in the draft, this is what they have.

The best minds in the world couldn’t sell that. Then again, even this group might not qualify as one of the five worst in franchise history. That should give people an idea of just how bad the quarterback play has gotten in this city over the decades.

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