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Cubs Barber Sits Down To Chat With Sports Mockery

By
Gus
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If you’re like me, you probably spend no more than $20 when you go to get your haircut. I see no problem going to Sport Clips and letting some college kid attempt to cut what’s left of my head of hair partly because I have the luxury of not being in the public eye every second of my life.

Members of the 2016 World Champion Chicago Cubs however, are under public scrutiny from the minute they wake up until the second they go to sleep so they can’t run the risk of walking out in public with a jacked up hair cut.

Cubs players have found a much better option to get their hair cut during Spring Training and his name is Ray Zuniga, better known as Lil’ Ray.

Ray sat down and spoke with me recently about life cutting the World Champion Chicago Cubs.

How Basic Economics Can Predict The First Chicago Bears Draft Pick

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears draft

What are the Chicago Bears going to do with the third overall pick in the NFL draft? This will be the all-consuming question fans will be wrestling for the next month and a half. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know how important this stretch of the offseason is. After going 9-23 over the past two years, the current regime knows the time is approaching where they have to start showing progress.

That means a strong draft is imperative, and the first round pick is always the most important. Part of the reason the team fell apart over the past few years was because they couldn’t get that pick right. Chris Williams? Gabe Carimi? Shea McClellin? Those three busts only served to help the downward spiral accelerate. It’s what bad drafting does.

They can’t afford to screw up at #3. So which direction will they go with it? Everybody has an opinion on that subject. Most of them involve a pure football perspective. What if, on the other hand one were to take a more business-oriented approach to it. Specifically in regards to economics. Perhaps that will shed some light on where the team is likely to focus.

Former Bears Scout Confirms Teams’ Interest In This Top Prospect

By
Erik Lambert
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solomon thomas bears

At this point with free agency all but finished, everything shifts towards the NFL draft next month. This is when the cold war takes place. A silent conflict of misdirection and espionage where teams try to get other teams thinking things that just aren’t true. Perhaps showing interest in certain players or fielding unrealistic phone calls for trades. The Chicago Bears are guilty of this just like everybody else.

All people can say at this point is they have no clue what this team plans to do. GM Ryan Pace made sure of that with his array of free agent additions over the past week. A quarterback, two wide receivers, two cornerbacks, an offensive tackle and a safety. Each of those bolsters what was considered a serious position of need on the roster. It may not solve the problem, but it gains the team flexibility.

Pace has said constantly over his entire tenure that he wants to take the best player available at every single draft pick. Position should not matter as much as talent. If that’s true then there is no way to tell who they might have in mind because there are plenty of intriguing options. That said, one name just got a big boost.

At this stage the tug-of-war centers around what the team plans to do at the #3 pick. There is the camp who believe it must be a quarterback. Considering the fact this franchise hasn’t picked one in the first round for over a decade. Then there are those who believe it should be the best player available. Which in all likelihood would mean it’s a top defensive player.

The hot name of late in that regard is Stanford defensive lineman Solomon Thomas. He burst onto the scene a few month ago with his dominant performance in the Sun Bowl against North Carolina. Since then his stock has skyrocketed, thanks also to a boost from a highly productive showing at the scouting combine. The lingering question is whether the Bears have any interest in him. Thus far there hasn’t been any word either way.

Until now.

Greg Gabriel is a former scout for the Bears. He spent several year with the team during their successful run in the mid-2000s. So it’s safe to say he might have some credible sources within the organization. This confirmation on the teams’ interest in Thomas is a missing piece to the puzzle. Most feel he will be the best option on the board. A Chicago native with a relentless motor, strength and an ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage.

The fact that he’s been compared to Justin Smith only makes it better. Keep in mind Smith was a key reason Vic Fangio had such dominant defenses during his four-year stint in San Francisco. Being able to pair Thomas with Leonard Floyd and Akiem Hicks could give the Bears a potentially lethal front seven. Never mind if Eddie Goldman and Pernell McPhee stay healthy.

There are still many twists and turns to take before the NFL draft arrives next April. One thing is for sure though. A lot of fans will be happy if there is a Solomon Thomas Bears ticket handed in once they’re on the clock.

Dwyane Wade Has Fracture In Elbow, Out For Season

By
Matt Peck
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john paxson puts foot down dwyane wade buyout bulls

This could be the end of Dwyane Wade’s Bulls career.

Moments ago, the Bulls announced that the veteran shooting guard has a small fracture in his right elbow and will miss the rest of the regular season.

Wade suffered the injury during Wednesday night’s defeat against the Memphis Grizzlies. Dwyane did not return, and was seen with his right arm in a sling in the locker room following the game. While talking with reporters, he said he heard a “couple of pops” when the injury occurred.

With the Bulls currently trailing Milwaukee and Miami for the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, losing Wade could be the final nail in the coffin of this up and down season.

On the bright side, this means more minutes for the younger players in the backcourt who supposedly will remain on this roster moving forward. Wade, on the other hand, has a player option for the second year of his contract. If the Bulls decide to rebuild after missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season, he will probably opt out and move on after just one disappointing year with his hometown team.

Hector Rondon Joined Team Venezuela And Got Destroyed By The USA

By
Aldo Soto
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While a few Chicago Cubs players have balled out at the World Baseball Classic, most notably Javier Baez, Hector Rondon made his debut for Venezuela and was crushed by USA bats.

No one is going to feel sorry for Rondon, who is a World Series champion, but it’s been relatively rough for him individually during the previous calendar year. He went from being the underrated, but efficient closer in Joe Maddon’s bullpen, to the set up man after the Aroldis Champan trade and then he went on the disabled list in August and simply wasn’t good when he returned in the postseason. Maddon had no confidence in Rondon late in close games and now the Cubs reliever is giving up moonshots in the WBC.

Venezuela was leading 2-1 over the United States on Wednesday night, when Rondon came in to start the eighth inning. Adam Jones was the first batter Rondon faced and the outfielder wasted no time in tattooing a baseball 400 feet for a game-tying home run.

https://twitter.com/MLBNetwork/status/842226234234933249

Christian Yelich singles after that and with one out, Eric Hosmer launched a two-run shot, giving the USA a 4-2 lead.

The inning was a disaster already, but Rondon gave up two more hits and then walked a man to load the bases with two outs before he was pulled.

Normally it wouldn’t be a big deal seeing one of your relievers get tagged during a game in the middle of March. However, the WBC isn’t just another spring training game. These guys, especially the pitchers, aren’t there to just work on certain pitches and not necessarily care about the results. So, hopefully Rondon’s confidence hasn’t taken a hit because the most unpredictable aspect in a baseball team from a year-to-year basis is the bullpen. The Cubs have the assets to make a move if they have to, like we saw last season, but you certainly wish Rondon can get his groove back.

Four Reasons The Blackhawks Will Win The Stanley Cup

By
Marc-Louis Paprzyca
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blackhawks 2017 stanley cup favorites

Many people will read the headline and believe that I’m just a homer, but I’m not. I am an objective fan, but this team has given me all the feels lately. The main feeling being, the Blackhawks will win the Stanley Cup.

I’ve compiled a list of stats and observations to prove to the hockey community why the Blackhawks will win the Stanley Cup. “Why four?” you say, because this would be the fourth title with this core group. Duh.

Through the process I look to hype up the Blackhawks fans and eliminate the hopes of the rest of the NHL.

While this first slide isn’t a reason they will win the Cup, it should have been a reason for fans to keep hope alive early in the season…

Chicago Bears Just Tipped Their Hand On Which Draft QB They Covet

By
Erik Lambert
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bears pick deshaun watson

Are the Chicago Bears going to draft a quarterback? This is the all-consuming question that fans will keep asking for the next 40+ days until the end of April arrives. It’s easy to understand why. This franchise hasn’t drafted one since 2014 and hasn’t taken one above the fourth round in over a decade. It seems way past due.

GM Ryan Pace indicated that Mike Glennon will be the starter for 2017. Some people panicked, believing this was a declaration the 27-year old former backup was the man moving forward. Yet nothing else seems to support that theory. Most notably the short-term contract Glennon signed. During which his guaranteed money is almost gone by year two.

This would seem to suggest Pace is far from done adding bodies at that position. He may in fact have another move in mind. A significant one. Could it possibly involve the #3 overall pick in the upcoming draft? Some remain skeptical. However, new signs have emerged to support this theory in a big way.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that there was a large contingent of Bears higher-ups present at the Clemson pro day. They’re the reigning national champions after all, loaded up with future NFL players. However, it’s more who was on hand for the festivities. Of course Ryan Pace himself along with head coach John Fox. Then Dan Wiederer mentioned two other names that should draw immediate interest.

Dowell Loggains is the offensive coordinator for the Bears and Dave Ragone is his quarterbacks coach. Now follow the logic here. If Chicago had no plans to draft a quarterback high next month, why would they bring those two to the pro day at all? Especially since star quarterback Deshaun Watson, who led Clemson to that thrilling championship, isn’t expected to get out of the first round.

What adds intrigue to this are two key factors. Pace’s own words on what he looks for in a quarterback and also who Watson is being compared to.

For those who don’t remember, the Bears actually made a concerted attempt in 2015 to trade up for Marcus Mariota. Word was Pace really liked him. The price proved too costly in the end. This time though Chicago is in much better position to get their guy. So why Watson? For the same reason he wanted Mariota.

The guy just makes the entire team around him better. He elevated the program from good to great by his sheer presence.

Watson lost just two games in his two years as a starter for the Tigers. Each of them came despite him putting up over 40 points on offense. Suffice to say the kid is an ultra competitor who doesn’t like to lose. People question his decision-making and his accuracy at times, but none can argue about his heart and his will to win. The athleticism is there and the leadership is evident from teammates and coaches who gush about him.

A Deshaun Watson Bears connection was easy to make after the college season ended. It wasn’t until now though that the franchise has dropped their first hint of deep interest.

Another Ignored Reason Chicago Can Get Its Future QB In 2nd Round

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears second round

The Chicago Bears are in the midst of reshaping the entire quarterback depth chart for the first time in almost a decade. Jay Cutler, once the immovable pillar in a raging roster hurricane, is gone. Step by step the new regime has installed their own vision for what they want out of that position. Both from mental and physical perspectives.

Looking at Mike Glennon and Connor Shaw, the template is clear enough. They want smart, dedicated workers who have leadership intangibles and put the team first. Sure they might lack certain physical qualities. Glennon can’t run to save his life. Shaw is undersized and boasts an average arm. Yet each is confident in his own ability to overcome and prevail.

Even so many still wonder. Is this it? Are those two the best this organization could do at the most important position in professional sports? Underwhelming if so. That’s why many hold out a belief (hope) that the team isn’t done. The NFL draft is still to come. Expectations are they will get somebody. Some even predict a bold move in the first round. Mostly out of fear that all the good ones will be long gone if they wait.

In truth though, if one were to examine history they’d realize common draft philosophy is on their side.

The Connection Between Javier Baez And Francisco Lindor Is Nothing Short Of Amazing

By
Gus
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If you’ve tuned in to any of the World Baseball Classic these past two weeks and have been lucky enough to catch a game featuring Puerto Rico, there’s a great chance you’ve witnessed two of the fastest rising superstars in Major League Baseball: Javier Baez and Francisco Lindor.

The pair have led the Puerto Rican team to an undefeated record thus far and have put themselves in the drivers seat to reach the title game. Both Baez and Lindor have given us some absolutely jaw-dropping highlights that really makes me wish that somehow they could play together at the Major League level.

The two led their team to a victory last night over the Dominican Republic which may not seem like that big of deal, but the loss was the first in eight years for the Dominican team.

The highlight of last night’s game Javier Baez doing his usual wizardry when he decided to pull off the ol’ “no look tag out” that absolutely no baseball coach at any level has ever taught.

PR tamo gozando oh que? #JB9 #ElMago #TeamPR #TeamSSK

A post shared by Javier Báez ⚾ (@javy23baez) on

The WBC has given the two stars an opportunity to play on the same team for the first time since they were young kids growing up in Puerto Rico. Both would eventually end up going to high school in Florida, getting drafted as the 8th and 9th pick in the 2011 MLB draft, playing against each other in the 2016 World Series, and now representing their native country together in the WBC.

The two stars have a friendship that started way before World Series appearances, All-Star games, and becoming the poster boys of swag.

With Anisimov Out, Nick Schmaltz Now Key To Blackhawks Run

By
Brian Foran
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In the weeks and days leading up to the NHL’s March 1st trade deadline I wrote on multiple occasions in regards to the critical importance of the Blackhawks adding center depth before the team’s imminent and demanding season-ending push for playoff seeding – a rigorous stretch that would merely serve as a precursor to the far more unforgiving and grueling playoff run.

At the time, even in full health, the Blackhawks were among the thinnest teams in all of hockey down the middle. And even this blatancy is putting the Blackhawks’ festering woes generously. A more honest interpretation would state that aside from Jonathan Toews, the Blackhawks have been quite dreadful at the dot – as no other center on the roster boasts a face-off win percentage above 50%. Despite these lingering concerns, Stan Bowman opted rather to reinforce his depth at the wing and defensive positions prior to the March 1st deadline.

Despite owning a win percentage of just 45.1%, Artem Anisimov and his 416 face-off wins, 45 points, 17:15 of ice time and effectiveness bridging the oh-so-important gap between superstars Artemi Panarin and Patrick Kane is far and away the Blackhawks most effective centerman not named Toews. After an Alex Radulov hit from behind sent the 28-year old pivot awkwardly into the boards in the closing seconds of the first period of last night’s game in Montreal, Anisimov, per reports, will not be available for perhaps the remainder of the Blackhawks stretch run due to an unspecified left leg injury.

Just when you thought the Blackhawks couldn’t get any more feeble at center, the unforgiving unpredictability that is NHL hockey manifested in the form of a 6’1, 200 lb Russian winger for the Montreal Canadiens and rendered the Blackhawks borderline hapless at the position just in time for the most important stretch of the season.

Filling Anisimov’s void at second line center will be breakout rookie Nick Schmaltz, who has come on particularly strong in past weeks skating on Toews’ wing alongside Richard Panik.

The conundrum facing the Blackhawks and their ability to hold onto first place in the Central Division rests in Schmaltz’s ability to adjust to the center position, a position the 21-year old has played only sporadically through his first 48 NHL games. While the coming weeks will certainly be a transitional period for Schmaltz where inevitable, fledgling mistakes will be made, comforting is the fact that in the periodic moments the rookie has centered Kane and Panarin this season, there has been instances of sheer, highlight reel, how-did-they-do-that brilliance between the trio.

As I just mentioned, Schmaltz rawness will be very evident at times so for this reason we must remain patient with the youngster. Most evidently, Schmaltz must elevate his game at the dot. The rookie won just 2 of 14 draws last night in Montreal and boasts a 30.1% (59 of 137) face-off win percentage on the season. The irony with Schmaltz’s issues at the dot is that, while struggling immensely to maintain the puck, he, Panarin and Kane still found a way to dominate possession and produce a number of grade-A scoring chances.

Just imagine if Schmaltz discovered a way to elevate his face-off win percentage to even near-adequate levels. The line’s already high possession numbers and subsequent scoring chances would be through the roof.

And if there’s one thing we’ve learned from watching Kane and Panarin, it’s that when this combination has an excess of high quality scoring chances, they capitalize on them more often than not. Further, while Anisimov is a fine center whose acquisition has worked wonders for both Panarin and Kane, quite frankly, the reality is the duo has never had a consistent centerman as naturally gifted as Schmaltz. The potential here could be cinematic.

The next three-to-four weeks for Nick Schmaltz will be a crash course learning how to center a top-six line at the NHL level. While it will be sure to give the very meticulous and historically impatient Joel Quenneville an abundance of headaches, the rest of us watching on with far-less judgmental eyes will have the opportunity of being subjected to All-Star Skills Competition-level eye-candy each night.

A rigorous learning curve it will be for Schmaltz and the Blackhawks, but who will notice as long as there’s potential for fireworks each time he’s on the ice with two of the game’s most prolific wingers.

Follow @BForanNHL on Twitter for more Blackhawks talk.

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