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I Think Wade Boggs Just Broke Big Cubs News

By
Aldo Soto
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Mar 18, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (L) and bench coach Dave Martinez (4) look on before the game against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

So ever since the Chicago Cubs were eliminated from the postseason Joe Maddon has revamped his coaching staff and he might not be done making changes if Wade Boggs is right. Yes, the same 100 beers a day Wade Boggs, the Hall of Famer Wade Boggs, might have just broken some news on Twitter.

By now we know that the Washington Nationals are considering Cubs bench coach Dave Martinez to be their new manager and on Friday Boggs congratulated his former teammate for getting the gig.

Before that, we knew Martinez was interviewing for the Nationals job and was considered the favorite, as ex-Boston Red Sox skipper John Farrell is also a candidate.

Earlier in the week, Maddon talked with the media and said he hoped Martinez would get the Nationals job.

Martinez has been Maddon’s bench coach for the previous three seasons in Chicago and with the Tampa Bay Rays too, 2008-14.

The Cubs have already made changes at several coaching positions, as the team will have a new assistant hitting coach, hitting coach, pitching coach and third base coach. If Martinez finally gets his shot to be a manager, Maddon will have another coach to replace.

A candidate could be the previously mentioned John Farrell.

The signing of Jim Hickey as the Cubs new pitching coach should be made official after the World Series. Chili Davis has already been signed to be the new hitting coach.

Meanwhile, former Cubs pitching coach Chris Bosio has been hired by the Detroit Tigers.

It’ll be interesting to see how the new voices mesh with the players, but it’s clear that Maddon is getting his guys. However, it looks like one of them is leaving in Dave Martinez.

This Jason Heyward Trade Rumor Is Amazing And I Hope It Comes True

By
Aldo Soto
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Let me begin by saying that as always these are rumors. We are NOT stating that this WILL happen, we’re only relaying to you the reader what’s being thrown out there by people who have built up credibility. These are not my sources, you can go to their Twitter accounts and complain if you wish. I have to say this because apparently some of you can’t comprehend what we do around here.

Anyway, let’s get to this juicy Jason Heyward trade rumor.

As we know, the Chicago Cubs signed Heyward to a huge contract, 8 years worth $184 million. That includes a couple opt out and opt in clauses and a full no-trade clause for the first three years of his contract. So, obviously that includes the 2018 season. Lots of money and despite remaining the best defensive right fielder in baseball we can all agree that Heyward hasn’t played up to his expectations with the Cubs.

The Cubs also have a few big holes to fill this offseason, as Jake Arrieta, John Lackey and Wade Davis are all free agents and Theo Epstein has discussed how the team would be exploring trading MLB talent to address the club’s deficiencies. Everyone immediately thought of Kyle Schwarber, Ian Happ, Javier Baez and Addison Russell, but ESPN 1000’s David Kaplan threw out that it’s Heyward who will be dangled as trade bait in the offseason.

Kaplan specifically discussed the San Francisco Giants as a team that could be willing to take on Heyward’s contract, while trading away a few of their big contracts the other way. The Giants were 64-98 in 2017, and are rebuilding, so Kaplan mentioned starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija and closer Mark Melancon as two viable options to be traded to the Cubs.

Kaplan also brought up Giancarlo Stanton as a possible trade candidate, but here’s why this is focusing on the Giants.

A few hours later, White Sox Dave, who has broken several MLB stories before including the Jose Quintana trade, tweeted this out.

I don’t care what you think about Dave, we’re here to talk about how every Cubs fan should hope this becomes true.

Love Jason Heyward. Great defense, great teammate, great speech, but let’s get this trade done. One, the Cubs get Jeff Samardzija who immediately comes into the rotation as the number four starter. Plus, the Cubs then don’t have to worry about over spending in free agency for two starting pitchers. Second, the Cubs make the bullpen better by getting Mark Melancon. Forearm injury is a concern, but it’s a risk you’d be more than willing to take as insurance if Wade Davis isn’t re-signed.

HOWEVER!

This is the perfect trade for the Cubs not because they get two guys to plug into the rotation and bullpen, but because then guess what position is left wide open? Right field. Who plays right field?

It all sets up to then open up the checkbook for Bryce Harper next offseason when he becomes a free agent.

But hey dumbass, you might be saying right now, why would the Giants do this trade and how realistic is it anyway?

Well, I wish I had a better answer because it really makes no sense for the Giants to take on Heyward’s deal unless the Cubs cover a lot of the money and even then it’s still a little tricky. For starters, Heyward has that no-trade clause, so the Cubs can’t just ship him off. He has to want to go. Not only that, but Melancon also has a full no-trade and Samardzija can block a trade to eight teams, although I don’t know what eight teams those are.

Samardzija has four years left on his contract, worth $79.2 million. Melancon signed a four-year deal worth $62 million. So, he still has three years remaining on his contract.

I don’t think there would be any issue with Samardzija and Melancon wanting to leave the Giants, but Heyward, that’s going to be tough. No matter what, Heyward’s going to make his money, so who knows, maybe he’ll believe he can be better with the Giants? Though again, why would you want to leave the Cubs, who are still in their prime window to compete for championships.

So, with all that taken into consideration, I don’t doubt that the Cubs are trying to find a way to trade Heyward and that possibly with the Giants is great for the Cubs, but I just can’t see it happening. Think whatever you want about Kaplan and White Sox Dave, but they’ve been plugged in and have been spot on before. Are talks happening? I believe it. Will Heyward actually get traded? Doubt it.

That doesn’t mean I hope it doesn’t happen because again Bryce Harper to the Cubs becomes a lot more realistic. And really that’s what all Cubs fans should be rooting for here.

By the way, lots of people mad that the Cubs would get Jeff Samardzija. He had a 3.8 fWAR in 2017 with the crappy Giants. The only Cubs pitcher that was better was Jose Quintana at 3.9 fWAR.

Also, Theo Epstein wanted to sign him in free agency a few years ago, so no, there’s no bad blood between the two sides.

Former Super Bowl Champion Exec Sees Bears In the Playoffs

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears
Credit: USA Today

Gil Brandt is a legend inside the football business. He started his career as an executive back in 1955. He’s seen the game grow by leaps and bounds since then, enjoying a great run of individual success. In that time he was one of the principal architects of the great Dallas Cowboys teams in the late 1960s through the 1970s. His two Super Bowl rings are a testament to his exploits. Since leaving the front office in 1989 he’s been a senior analyst for the league. So imagine hearing the idea of a Chicago Bears playoff run coming from him.

Brandt decided to comb through the NFL looking for what he considers the “scariest” good and bad units. Among the good were the Chiefs receiving corps and the Rams offensive line. However his top spot was reserved for none other than the Bears defensive front seven. He believes GM Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox have assembled a talented and dynamic group. One that is emerging as arguably the best in the league.

Their 21 sacks rank fourth overall and they’re also 11th against the run. It’s a young, hungry and aggressive group. One that Brandt thinks can carry the team far this year. All the way into January even.

Brandt sees Chicago Bears playoff trip happening sooner than later

“John Fox wins everywhere he goes, and I can see this defensive front pushing Chicago to the postseason. I don’t know if the unit is good enough to ensure a victory once the Bears get there — you still need strong quarterback play to succeed in the playoffs, and that’s a question mark with rookie Mitchell Trubisky under center — but Floyd and Co. have this team ahead of schedule. One thing is certain: You don’t want to look up on offense and see these guys lined up across from you.”

The Bears have navigated the fifth toughest schedule in the NFL to this point through seven games. Most predicted they might get two wins if they were lucky. They already have three with a chance to reach the bye week at .500 with a victory in New Orleans. After that the schedule appears to lighten up. Five of their final eight games will be against opponents who are averaging 20 points or fewer on offense.

This could mean a big second half of the season for the Bears defense. That isn’t including a Green Bay Packers team that won’t have Aaron Rodgers available. If they continue to run the football well and get even halfway decent play from Trubisky, this team may begin their window of playoff contention far sooner than expected.

Blackhawks In Need Of Central Win Versus Rival Nashville

By
Andy Campbell
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With a recent flat outing, it’ll be interesting to see which Hawks team will show up on Friday night in a key central match-up vs. the Nashville Predators. We’re certainly not at a crossroads of the season, and truthfully, the Blackhawks haven’t really established an identity yet. It’s too early for that.

Where this game is critical is the Hawks need to start playing well in the Central if they want to lead the pack as they did last season. Last year saw the Hawks finished with a 26-8-2 record against central foes, yet this year they have yet to have a signature win in the division. An uninspired, 5-2 loss vs. the Wild, followed by a point sharing 2-1 OT win vs. the Preds, and last Wednesday night, the familiar sight of watching the Blues physically push the Hawks around like a pee wee team, is the sample size thus far. To claim Friday night’s tilt as a must win is pushing it as we haven’t gotten to November yet, but if there was ever a chance for the Hawks to make a statement for remaining in the NHL’s elite, it’s Friday.

But this begs the bigger question about the Hawks. Are they elite anymore? The Hawks are a talented team with a few generational players. Certain player resumes are solidified and Kane, Toews and Keith will no doubt have plaques in the Hall of Fame. While I’m not ready yet to be nostalgic about the glory days yet, there has been a departure from the teams we saw earlier in the decade. Yes, those ones who won the last game of their season on three occasions.

Time To Shuffle Up The Deck

The old Blackhawks recipe of outskating teams is somewhat defunct as the teams they’re facing are younger, faster opponents, and some, quite frankly carry a sandpaper element that the Hawks still don’t have. As seen against the Golden Knights, the Hawks stayed on the outside most of the night, didn’t get to the paint and weren’t winning pucks.

Perhaps it’s time for Q to reshuffle the deck and try different line combos and he’s been know to do that frequently. While nobody wants to split up Toews and Saad, the second line still seems like they’re missing a component if players are going to keep taking liberties with Schmaltz and Kane. So, either Hartman takes on all comers to the stick-work handed out to 8 and 88 after the whistles or finding a way to split that group up could make sense. In fairness to the Anisimov line, they weren’t wretched the other night in Vegas, but for a third line, that group is miscast.

The honeymoon phase is over for Alex DeBrincat and though he will be a good NHL player, it’s hard to imagine him not seeing time in Rockford at some point this season. More than likely, with his size and tool set, a third line role is not his future. Sharp is clearly showing his age and life for Anisimov without Kane on his flank doesn’t look like much fun for him. In fact, his $4.5 million cap hit through 2021 is starting to look like a major issue. A third line in hockey is expected to contribute secondary scoring from time to time, but more importantly, is supposed to have an element of toughness, relentless forechecking and be responsible defensively. Basically, keep the puck out of your own net and make life hell for the opposition. So, when you say “Line 3” and the names Sharp, Anisimov and DeBrincat are included, you don’t need me to throw out the stat that they are a combined -9 thus far to recognize a problem.

So, whether Rockford is involved or a player is added later via trade at some point, don’t expect that mix to continue.

According to the Blackhawks, DeBrincat will join Brandon Saad and Jonathan Toews on the top line, as Richard Panik moves to the second line to join Nick Schmaltz and Patrick Kane, while John Hayden moves up to the third line, and Ryan Hartman drops down to the fourth line.

On the blue line it’s anyone guess for now and unfortunately with Keith, a declining Seabrook and kind of “bunch of guys” back there, we’ll see how it plays out. After being scratched for two games, I would expect Michal Kempny back in the line-up and he’ll bring some speed. Connor Murphy (the player in return for the beloved Niklas Hjalmarsson), still not ready to go there yet as it’s early and nobody has seemed to notice him that much. And not noticing a defenseman isn’t necessarily a bad thing either, but the jury’s out for now.

Statement Game

As I said, it’s hardly a crossroads this early on and it’s certainly not all doom and gloom. It’s a good team; can they be a great team? With their current mix, it’s hard to tell, but smart money says they need to address a few things and if they do have a shot to go deep into the playoffs there may need be a different look at some point.

So, will Friday bring a rejuvenated effort and a convincing win? One would hope, but the real question is, can the Hawks be that fearsome opponent every night? Truthfully, it’s hard to see that right now, and perhaps expectations should be below the standard set by the Hawks cup-winning teams. But that’s the bar now and anything less should be unacceptable. Perhaps that’s unrealistic to expect, but if Stan Bowman is going to take the podium at the end of a shocking first round sweep and say it himself, then all fans should expect nothing less.

Insider Calls For the Bears To Double Down at Wide Receiver

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears wide receiver

GM Ryan Pace knew the status quo wasn’t going to work for the Chicago Bears wide receiver position much longer. There was no way the team could survive another nine games playing well only on defense and the running game. If they were going to make the most of their recent surge to 3-4, they have to find a way to open up the passing game. That’s why they chose to deal a seventh round pick for veteran Dontrelle Inman.

The 28-year old is an instant upgrade over what they have at present. He posted 810 yards and four touchdowns in 2016. Unfortunately a loaded depth chart and new coaching staff combined to see his playing time erased this year. Sensing an opportunity, Pace got him on the cheap to come into a situation where he’s guaranteed to get action.

Together with Kendall Wright that at least gives the Bears a little more credibility. However, could this be the only move they make? The trade deadline is still five days away on October 31st. That could be enough time for Pace to make another move, and one top NFL insider is calling out one name as a possibility.

Adam Schefter can see Martavis Bryant as Chicago Bears wide receiver

It’s always interesting whenever longtime insider Adam Schefter proposes certain ideas, given how well-informed he is. That’s why the first of his list of possible deadline trades was so interesting. He believes the window remains open for the Bears to make a move, this time for a certain disgruntled receiver in Pittsburgh.

“The Bears add needed help at wide receiver, and the Steelers dump a headache, as Bryant continues to issue demands. Bryant can only hope Mitch Trubisky throws it a bit more than the seven (!) times he did last week, as the Bears beat the Panthers.”

Schefter has the Bears surrendering a fifth round pick in such a deal. It’s a fascinating idea. Bryant is not happy with the Steelers and their unwillingness to get him the football more. Thus far the team has remained adamant they have no intention of trading the 25-year old. Whether that’s true or they’re just not showing their hand to the rest of the league is unknown.

It’s clear though that Bryant wants out. He wants to join a team that will use him, just like Inman. If the Bears were to deal for him, that would suddenly give Trubisky a trio of Bryant, Inman and Wright going into the second half of the season. Far better than what they had just over 24 hours ago.

It would also leave the Bears with only five picks in the 2018 draft. That means Pace might have to get creative to refill the coffers.

Dontrelle Inman Slipped a Jordan Quote into First Bears Interview

By
Erik Lambert
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dontrelle inman

Mitch Trubisky is going to like Dontrelle Inman. Not just because the guy is a solid wide receiver, something the Chicago Bears are desperately short of. He’s also a clever little devil who knows how to stroke the fans the right way. Trubisky endeared himself to the Bears and the city a few months ago when he made a dinner reservation under the pseudonym of “James McMahon.”

It seems Inman is also an aficionado of Chicago sports history. The difference is he aimed a little bit higher in his name drop when he met Bears media for the first time. Things started out simple enough. Inman talked what he could add to the wide receiver room and how he could help using his experience and leadership.

It was when he was asked to elaborate that things took a turn down nostalgia lane when Inman quoted the greatest Chicago sports icon of all-time. (start video at 1:16)

Inman channels Jordan when talking about intensity

Well go big or go home as the saying goes. There are certainly worse athletes in history to model your approach after. Quoting Jordan to the Chicago media is almost guaranteed to gain him instant brownie points with fans. At the same time the quote he chose is an interesting one. He talks about leadership but also a need to bring intensity to his job, along with the expectation that his teammates should do the same.

Last year when injuries thrust him into the starting lineup, Inman applied that approach with career-best results. He went for 810 yards. Despite the Chargers being down two of their best receivers, Philip Rivers managed to reach his sixth Pro Bowl. That’s the kind of help Inman can bring. Sure the Bears are still thin on talent but he brings both his ability on the field and knack for getting teammates to play better.

Just like Jordan did.

Cubs Hire New Pitching Coach Jim Hickey

By
Aldo Soto
-

The Chicago Cubs officially have a new pitching coach, as Jim Hickey has agreed to a contract on the North Side.

Hickey, 56, is reunited with Joe Maddon, as they were both with the Tampa Bay Rays for eight years before Maddon became the Cubs manager in 2015. A Chicago native, Hickey spent 11 seasons as Tampa Bay’s pitching coach that came after a 2.5 year stint as the Houston Astros pitching coach.

Hickey has been on two World Series coaching staffs, 2005 and 2008.

The Bears May Have Just Fired a Shot at Alshon Jeffery

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears

Accusing an NFL franchise of something as petty as a thinly-veiled jab at one of their former employees sounds a bit childish. At the same time these are human beings running said franchise. They have egos just like the players they try to make a success. It’s not a stretch at all to think the Chicago Bears, professional organization though they are, would somehow be above something like that.

Of course they’ll never admit to anything like that. It’s beyond easy to deny. Merely pass it off as coincidence. Yet one doesn’t have to go far to connect the dots. Understand that GM Ryan Pace did his homework on veteran receiver Dontrelle Inman. He is not the sort of executive who goes off a gut feeling. He wants all the information on a player before he takes a calculated risk on them.

That makes what happened next beyond fascinating in a multitude of ways.

Chicago Bears assign Inman jersey #17 after trade completion

Of course any self-respecting fan knows that jersey numbers shouldn’t be taken too seriously. Then again this is the Bears. No franchise has retired more numbers than them, so it’s kind of a big deal for this organization. That’s why it was interesting when news came down of what number Inman was getting.

Most Bears fans know that number belonged to former Pro Bowl receiver Alshon Jeffery, who left in the offseason to join the Philadelphia Eagles. While Jeffery wasn’t exactly a superstar it does seem curious the team would go out of their way to give Inman that number. Why? Here are a couple of reasons.

They had several other receiver numbers available that would’ve caused less of a stir. Deonte Thompson’s #14 was recently made available. The same goes for #80-84. Yet the Bears went right for #17. Where it gets weirder is the fact that Inman is a native of South Carolina. He was born in Charleston. That’s a 90-minute drive from St. Matthews where Jeffery was born.

It’s not like Inman had anything to do with the choice either. He wore #81 in college (which was available remember). In Canada he wore #11 (currently reserved by Kevin White) and #15 with the Chargers (worn by Josh Bellamy). So it’s fair to say this choice of number was more the team than the player.

Bears brass no doubt did not enjoy their Alshon experience

Was this a subtle jab from the higher-ups towards a receiver who gave them a lot of grief over the past couple years? Remember Jeffery wasn’t always the most cooperative player on or off the field. He was ravaged by soft tissue injuries in 2015. Last season he missed team minicamps during the summer and then was suspended four games for PED violations.

On top of all that he repeatedly rebuffed attempts made by the team to sign him long-term. This led to beliefs that the Bears were trying to shortchange him or that his demands were simply too high. Then he up and signs with Philadelphia for a one-year, $9.5 million deal. It was clear at that point he never had any intention to re-sign and didn’t see the Bears as worth his time anymore.

In hindsight he kind of left them out to dry. So one understands why the team may be a bit salty about that.

John Mallee Out, Cubs Name New Hitting Coach

By
Aldo Soto
-

The Chicago Cubs have named a new hitting coach, as John Mallee’s contract has not been renewed.

Chili Davis will be the new hitting coach, while Andy Haines will take over as the assistant hitting coach.

The Cubs also have a new third base coach.

Davis and Butterfield extremely respected in MLB.

Lots of changes to the coaching staff, as the Cubs are still looking for a pitching coach to replace Chris Bosio and bench coach Dave Martinez remains a candidate for the Washington Nationals managerial position.

As for Davis, he was the hitting coach for the Oakland A’s from 2012-14, and spent the last three seasons as the Boston Red Sox hitting coach.

Joe Girardi Fired By Yankees. Are The White Sox A Possible Landing Spot?

By
Emmet McClain
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As soon as the Yankees were eliminated from the playoffs, talk began to swirl around that manager Joe Girardi would be fired. Today the Yankees made it official, announcing that he would not be returning as skipper for the Baby Bombers.

Although there seemed to be some tension between Girardi and the Yankees front office, this move is still very questionable in my eyes. In 10 years with the Yankees, Girardi’s teams went 910-710. That happens to be the best record in baseball during that span. He also won the World Series in 2009. However, with teams like the Yankees and Red Sox, the pressure is on to win at all times. If you don’t, you’re out. Right now, there are a few teams who make perfect sense for Girardi. Are the White Sox one of them?

The Front-Runners

Right now, the Nationals and Phillies both have to be in the race. With both teams currently having an open position at manager, they should both be making calls to Girardi. The Nationals are in a championship window that is closing fast. Should Girardi come to the Capital, they would once again be as good a bet as any other team to win the Fall Classic. However, Bryce Harper is sure to be on the move regardless of what happens after next season. Would Girardi want to stay knowing that?

The Phillies are another intriguing option. Although they are still a couple years away from competing, they have a young up-and-coming core like the White Sox and have the foundation set up for future sustained success. Furthermore, they have a boatload of money to spend and some say they have a legitimate chance to go after all-world player Mike Trout when he is a free agent. Surely the Angels don’t want to see Trout walk for nothing, and if that is the case, then the Phillies have the prospects to work out a trade for him as well. A combo of Girardi at the helm with Mike Trout on the team would send the Phillies rebuild into overdrive.

The Wild Cards

One wild card team I can see making a push for Girardi would be the Atlanta Braves. They currently have Brian Snitker as skipper of their club, but Girardi is obviously the better option with a prettier resume. Girardi could be a perfect fit for the young up-and-coming Braves. We saw what he did with the young Yankees team this season. He could have a similar effect with Atlanta. And while Snitker has only managed Atlanta for a year and a half, Girardi could put them on the next level.

And finally we have the White Sox. To some, Girardi seems like the perfect fit. He speaks Spanish, so he would not have a problem transitioning to a Spanish-heavy clubhouse. He also has proven he can work with young players and get the most out of them. Girardi is definitely an interesting option for Rick Hahn to think about, but at the end of the day, I think he stays with Ricky Renteria. Renteria also speaks Spanish and some say he was one of the biggest reasons why the White Sox were able to sign Luis Robert. Furthermore, his team clearly loves playing for him. The phrase “Ricky’s boys don’t quit” didn’t appear out of nowhere. Finally, he always stands up and fights for his players.

This is just one of many ejections Renteria had this year while sticking up for his players. Many times it seemed like his ejections sparked rallies from the team. He might not be the most well-known manager in baseball, but I think he remains the perfect fit for the White Sox. His culture brings chemistry to the clubhouse, he sticks up for his players, and his team loves to play for him.

Ricky’s boys didn’t quit on him last year. Expect similar things in 2018.

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