5 White Sox Prospects Outside Of The Top 100 That Can Make A Future Impact

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Feb 1, 2017

With Spring Training right around the corner, White Sox fans will soon be able to see prospects such as Yoan Moncada, Lucas Giolito and Michael Kopech in action. Obviously these three, along with Reynaldo Lopez, Zack Collins, and Carson Fulmer, will get the most attention, and rightfully so. They are expected change the direction of the franchise in just a few short years, with many fans and experts expecting them to contend for a title as soon as 2020.

While these headliners are going to gain the most attention, the Sox also have a plethora of talented prospects that fall outside of the top 100 that can still contribute in major ways down the road.

Let’s take a look at the top 5 underrated prospects in the White Sox farm system.

5. Dane Dunning

Dunning was one of the throw in pieces in the Adam Eaton deal that brought top prospect Lucas Giolito to the South Side. Attending the University of Florida, he never had a real chance to prove himself as the rotation was so incredibly deep. More often than not he was used as a long relief bullpen piece. However, many scouts feel that he has the stuff to become a back-of-the-rotation starter in the MLB.

Dunning possesses a plus fastball with late running life, and a solid changeup. While his breaking ball is below average as of now, it has shown glimpses of becoming an average third pitch. If things go smoothly for Dunning, he could be a very solid anchor for the rotation as soon as 2019.

Five Reasons The Bears Should Avoid Jimmy Garoppolo

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Erik Lambert

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Feb 1, 2017

Quarterbacks. Quarterbacks. It’s always about the quarterbacks these days. In the eras where it was about running the football or playing great defense, that was when the Chicago Bears were great. Now the storied franchise is like a middle-aged parent still using a fax machine in an age of e-mails, snapchats and text messages.

Why can’t the Bears figure this position out? Is it really that difficult? It seems like every other NFL franchise has done. Hell, the Bears have a Hall of Fame quarterback in their history. Sid Luckman. He was a pioneer at the position Chicago should’ve been at the forefront of those changes. Instead they’ve lost their way and are left grasping for straws.

The 2017 off-season represents their latest attempt to climb out of this endless bog onto green, dry meadows. Options are being listed and ranked. Among the names at the top is New England Patriots backup Jimmy Garoppolo. Most consider him the best trade candidate available. One with the skill set to become a starter in the NFL.

What he’s accomplished to this point offers a ray of hope, but in reality there are also some red flags the Bears can’t ignore.

Jerry Krause Spills All, Shares Gross & Amazing New Stories About Michael Jordan

By

Matt Peck

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Feb 1, 2017

jerry krause stories michael jordan bulls

There are good interviews, and there are great interviews. Earlier today, The Vertical‘s Adrian Wojnarowksi dropped his latest podcast with guest Jerry Krause, general manager and architect of the Bulls during the 1990s dynasty. A few weeks ago, Wojnarowski posted a video essay on Twitter, arguing that Krause’s omission from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is the worst omission in professional sports. They talk about that and much more, as Krause shared stories and insights about Michael Jordan, Phil Jackson and the rest of the pieces that went into making one of the greatest dynasties in sports history.

Let’s dive into some of the best material, starting with one of Krause’s more famously disputed decisions relating to Jordan.

“I Was Afraid”

Just three games into his second NBA season (which was Krause’s first full season as the team’s GM) Michael broke his foot. He missed 64 games, but was eager to come back. Jerry, following the advice of the five different doctors he consulted, urged Michael not to come back that season. In Krause’s mind, that marked the beginning of the disconnect between himself and his franchise player.

“All five [doctors] said, ‘Don’t play him. Jerry, don’t let him play.’ …I didn’t want him to play. Michael, being Michael, said. ‘That’s nuts. I’m going to play.’ …There was a line between Michael and I at that point. I said, ‘Michael, you work for this team. I work for this team. We are employees of this team.’ He didn’t like that. He got mad when I said that.” – Jerry Krause

When Jordan insisted on coming back, the same doctors told Krause to limit him to 10-15 minutes per game. Krause relayed those instructions to coach Stan Albeck, who followed orders and eased Michael back into action. To this day, Krause is relieved that MJ didn’t re-break the bone in his foot.

“Thank God. If Michael had broken that foot again, today [we’d be saying], ‘Who was that guy, he played a year or two with the Bulls? Yeah, I remember him. But he never played after that.’ And that’s what I was afraid of. I was afraid that he’d break that thing again. And I was afraid that I would be the guy who gave him permission to break it. And I didn’t want to be that human being. Because I could see greatness in the young man.” – Jerry Krause

Something Special

Krause expanded upon that last point about greatness, and highlighted the competitive drive he saw in Michael from the beginning.

“I could see a drive in him that was different. There are very, very few people I’ve ever known who had a drive in them like Michael had…The arrogance that he carried with him was a plus, because he knew that he could do things that other people couldn’t do.” – Jerry Krause

Bulls fans know all about the magical things Jordan could do on the basketball court. Sure, skill and athleticism were key to his greatness. But people often overlook just how physically tough he was. Krause told one story in particular that really shed light on exactly how tough the guy was. And guess what? It’s also a foot story. Weak stomachs beware…

[USE ARROWS TO CONTINUE READING]

Ryan Pace’s Huge Miss Is Dominating Headlines At The Super Bowl

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Sports Mockery

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Feb 1, 2017

Super Bowl 51 is dominating media coverage and one particular subject everybody is talking about shines a bad spotlight on Chicago’s general manager Ryan Pace.

After enduring a 3-13 season with no quarterback solution in sight, Bears fans have a lot of questions about the future of their team. Pace, the youngest general manager in the league, is the man in charge of leading the Bears into what is expected to be their most important off-season of recent memory.

With two seasons under his belt, Pace has some great accomplishments that are seemingly leveled out by other glaring mistakes. Prized picks Jordan Howard and Cody Whitehair are clear wins, however signing Ray McDonald, Antrel Rolle and drafting Kevin White still remain black eyes on his Chicago resume. Most have forgotten about McDonald and Rolle considering their short time with the team, but nobody has stopped talking about White.

With less than 20 total receptions in two years, while appearing in only four games, White has been decimated with injury. He flashed potential during the short time he did get to play, but after fracturing his left fibula, and having surgery on his left tibia, White’s future remains uncertain.

Somebody’s future who is quite clear was picked right after White and he’s the reason nobody can forget about Pace’s mistake.

A Jay Cutler Trade Partner Is Emerging For the Chicago Bears

By

Erik Lambert

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Feb 1, 2017

One of the bigger decisions at hand for the Chicago Bears going into this 2017 off-season is what to do with Jay Cutler. The 33-year old quarterback failed to capitalize on his last chance with the team in 2016. He endured more of the injury problems and erratic play that marked most of his time here. Now the feeling is stronger than ever that the front office and coaching staff may be looking for the exit door from him.

The question is how? Most are assuming GM Ryan Pace will reach the conclusion to cut him some time before the new league year begins in March. However, some are holding out hope that a taker might be found for a possible trade. In spite of his inconsistent track record, Cutler is still one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league. There has to be at least one team out there who might be willing to take a risk on him for modest compensation.

Thus far the possibilities are significant stretches, either due to money concerns or him just not being the best fit. That may be changing though. A recent development with the Arizona Cardinals makes that the case as word is coming out quarterback Carson Palmer is considering retirement.

“The season for the Cardinals has been over for several weeks, but a huge part of their future still hangs in the balance. As Super Bowl LI approaches and most teams are deep in planning for 2017, Arizona’s brass still don’t have an answer on whether quarterback Carson Palmer or wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald will return for 2017 or retire.
Both are contemplating walking away and have been for some time. Neither has told the team if he plans to return, though both Palmer and Fitzgerald have had frequent conversations with coaches and team decision-makers about it, sources said.”

It’s important to remember that Palmer is 37-years old. His team is coming off a rather difficult season, finishing 7-8-1. This after going to the NFC championship the year before. As players get older, enduring such disappointments becomes magnified. Are they willing to put their bodies through the grind for another year when it looks like the team may have peaked? It’s not an easy decision, and one Palmer seems to be contemplating.

Jody Oehler of Fox Sports 910 Phoenix dropped an interesting bomb shell that, while not definitive certainly sets the stage for a Palmer exit.

Very interesting: @mikejurecki just told me Carson Palmer has listed his home for sale, pulled kids out of school and moved out of state.
— Jody Oehler (@radiojody) January 31, 2017

If that is indeed the case, then the Cardinals are in a serious dilemma. They don’t have a top 10 pick to become a major player for a quarterback in the draft. They also aren’t heavy on cap space either. With Fitzgerald possibly leaving on top of that? It makes their argument for luring in a good free agent even harder. That is why the trade route may be their best bet.

Hall of Fame QB Sums Up Jay Cutler In Just Eight Seconds

By

Erik Lambert

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Jan 31, 2017

It’s really hard to remember a player in the history of the Chicago Bears franchise, or Chicago sports for that matter, who was more divisive than quarterback Jay Cutler. Ever since he arrived with the team back in 2009, he’s created a furious debate among the media, fans, coaches and fellow players alike. Some love him. Some hate him.

For Bears fans, it really is a yin-yang sort of situation. On the one hand there is the quarterback who is the most talented in franchise history. He holds every meaningful mark from passing yards to touchdowns. He’s also led 16 fourth quarter comebacks and won more games than anybody in the Super Bowl era.

On the other hands this is the man with well-documented attitude problems. He’s withdrawn, moody and often reckless. He also has the most losses of any Bears QB to go along with second-most interceptions. Despite years of watching him play, people still can’t reach a common consensus on him. That’s why the question has been posed to several prominent NFL personalities over the past couple months.

Familiar Jimmy Butler Trade Rumor Resurfaces & Picks Up Steam

By

Matt Peck

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Jan 31, 2017

celtics offer 3 pick bulls star jimmy butler

The Bulls front office has gone back and forth several times on the idea of committing to a full-scale rebuild. According to multiple sources close to the team, general manager Gar Forman and vice president John Paxson have differing views on the matter. Forman reportedly put Nikola Mirotic and Rajon Rondo on the trading block in an attempt to bolster the roster for a playoff run in the weak Eastern Conference. Not surprisingly, neither player yielded much interest around the league. Jimmy Butler, on the other hand, now there’s a player who can bring the Bulls a huge haul in a major trade to jump-start a rebuild. And the old Bulls Celtics Jimmy Butler trade rumor just came back in a big way.

K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune cited NBA executives as his sources for the latest piece of trade gossip: the Bulls and Celtics will likely revisit the Butler trade negotiations that transpired before last season’s deadline and again on draft night last summer.

“There are rival executives who believe the Bulls and Celtics will rekindle trade talks centered on Jimmy Butler before the Feb. 23 deadline. The teams held serious talks in June, and the Celtics own the same assets — Jae Crowder, Marcus Smart, the Nets’ first-round picks in 2017 and 2018 — the teams discussed then.” – K.C. Johnson

The Time Is Now

If Forman and Paxson really don’t believe in Butler’s ability to be the #1 guy on a championship caliber team – as ESPN’s Nick Friedell suggested Monday – then it makes sense for them to trade him while his value is at its peak. That’s right now, given his age (27), his current level of play and the incredibly team-friendly contract he’s on for two more seasons.

As Johnson notes above, the Celtics still have the same pieces that the Bulls wanted when the teams repeatedly negotiated terms of a Butler trade last year. But the situation for each team has changed. Sources close to the Celtics’ camp believed that general manager and president Danny Ainge wasn’t willing to part with Jae Crowder, who happens to be Jimmy’s former Marquette teammate. That could still be true, but it’s also possible that Butler’s increased star power alters the package Boston offers.

Ainge might be willing to pay a higher price for Butler now, especially if he sees the newly-minted All Star starter as the missing piece for his team to challenge Cleveland for the East’s throne. Isaiah Thomas is playing at an MVP level, and Al Horford’s offseason arrival gave the Celtics a much-needed frontcourt presence. With the Cavaliers’ recent slide, the Celtics are just 2.5 games back of the #1 seed. Butler could help Thomas and Horford complete that takeover.

Youth, Youth, Youth

The bigger question is: do the Bulls want different pieces this time around? If trading Butler means dedication to a rebuild, Forman and Paxson will want an abundance of youth. To that end, they’d certainly demand at least one of the Celtics’ many first round picks. They own Brooklyn’s first round picks in 2017 and 2018. The Nets (9-39) appear to have the best chance at the #1 overall pick this summer. That could allow the Bulls to nab Washington’s Markelle Fultz or UCLA’s Lonzo Ball as the centerpiece of a new generation.

Along those lines, the Bulls probably won’t demand a starting-caliber player and an established rotation player like they did for Butler last year. If the focus is on “younger and more athletic”, GarPax likely would target point guards Marcus Smart (22), Terry Rozier (22) or Demetrius Jackson (22). They might also be interested in rookie wing player Jaylen Brown (20), whom the Celtics took with the #3 pick in 2016. Conversely, the Bulls brass could deem Avery Bradley (26) and Crowder (26) to be too old for their new direction.

Whatever the combination of draft picks and young players, Bulls fans can be sure that GarPax won’t shake on it unless they feel 200% confident that they’re getting equal or greater value in return for Butler. They might not see him as a leader of champions, but the rest of the league is starting to see that potential and GarPax know it.

Author’s Reaction

I don’t think the Bulls should trade Jimmy. As previously stated, he’s an incredible value who can still get even better. His work ethic is proven, and the improvement in his game from season to season is insanely high. The Bulls will pay him pennies through the 2018-19 season even though he’s arguably a top ten player in the league. How do you trade that guy away?

Who knows where the Bulls would be right now if GarPax hadn’t backtracked on their plan to give Fred Hoiberg a younger roster that better fit his coaching style. If the Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo signings never happened, Chicago could’ve spent that money on mid-tier free agent shooters who could space the floor around Butler. Essentially, do what the Rockets are doing – quite successfully – with James Harden. They can still execute that plan, albeit a year late, if they keep Butler. Send Rondo on his way, let Wade use his player option to hit the market and sign elsewhere, and actually commit to building around Jimmy. Use the money you would’ve spent on Wade and Rondo next season to bring in some shooters. Sign or draft a young point guard who can shoot to help Butler with the scoring load every night.

All that being said, if the Bulls front office is dead set on moving Butler and starting from scratch, the Celtics have the best pieces to offer. I’d want the Bulls to negotiate with them before any other team.

Why Vic Fangio Might Twist Arms Trying To Get Bears To Draft This Guy

By

Erik Lambert

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Jan 31, 2017

The final say for whom the Chicago Bears decide to make their top pick in the upcoming NFL draft rests with GM Ryan Pace. That much has been made clear over the past two seasons. At the same time it doesn’t mean others won’t have their opinions heard when the time comes. From the personnel directors to the scouts and head coach John Fox as well.

One man they’re sure to listen to is defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. After all, he’s gotten more results from the players he’s been given the past two years than anybody else on the coaching staff. His defense looks like it might be a couple moves away from becoming one of the best in the league. It’s a matter of finding the right pieces.

It will be hard to know what they are unless they ask Fangio himself. Provided they do that, there is a strong chance they’re going to be hearing one name a lot. Likely because he’ll remind the old coach of somebody he had great experiences with before.

REPORT: Elena Delle Donne Involved In Massive WNBA Trade

By

Dan Fappiano

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Jan 30, 2017

Elena Delle Donne is one of the best players in the WNBA today. The 2015 MVP has appeared in 105 games over her four year career, averaging 20.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 1.4 threes per game. Delle Donne is a weapon on both offense and defense and one of the elite players in the WNBA.

While she may be a star, Delle Donne wasn’t happy with her situation in Chicago and has been requesting a trade. On Monday she got her wish.

According to a new report from Howard Megdal of the New York Times, Delle Donne was traded to the Washington Mystics.

The Sky reportedly received Stefanie Dolson, Kahleah Cooper and the second overall pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft for their star player.

Dolson has been in the WNBA for the past three seasons, appearing in 102 games. She has averaged 8.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. She was voted to the 2015 All Star Game.

Cooper was the seventh overall pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft. She appeared in 30 games her rookie season, averaging 6.2 points and 3.1 rebounds per game while shooting .467 from three.

The second overall pick is incredibly valuable for the Sky. The player drafted likely won’t have as an immediate impact as Delle Donne, but she could turn into the next star in Chicago. Currently Draftsite has South Carolina center Alaina Coates going #2.

Coates has averaged 13.7 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game this season.

Overall, the Sky is receiving a massive haul for Delle Donne. Getting two top 10 picks and an All Star is a trade rarely seen in any sport. This deal is one of the biggest in WNBA history.

The Sky did well to realize Delle Donne’s value and capitalize in the trade market. It’ll be interesting to see how Chicago fairs after losing their best player. Delle Donne is an absolute stud, but the players the Sky brought in could end up being just as good collectively.

As for Delle Donne, the Washington Mystics did not make the playoffs in 2016 and have never actually won the WNBA championship. She will look to change the culture in Washington and hope to bring the Mystics their first championship.

While Elena Delle Donne may no longer be on the Sky, fans should remember just how talented she is. Some have even called her the “female Kevin Durant”.

Unfortunately she was unhappy in her situation and was eventually moved. Atleast the Sky were able to get three impressive assets in return.

Feel free to continue the conversation on Twitter: @DFappiano14

Gar Forman & John Paxson Don’t Believe Jimmy Butler Can Be #1 Star

By

Matt Peck

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Jan 30, 2017

bulls trade jimmy butler timberwolves necessary survival

ESPN Bulls insider Nick Friedell dropped all kinds of bombs on Bulls fans today when he chatted with the guys from Mike & Mike on ESPN Radio. First, he predicted that despite the outcry from his fanbase, the loyal Jerry Reinsdorf won’t fire Fred Hoiberg, Gar Forman or John Paxson before next season. Given the underwhelming showing from GarPax’s “retooled” roster this year and the growing belief that Hoiberg can’t control his locker room, Jerry could justly sack all three of them. Could, but won’t.

Not Our Guy

Then Mike Greenberg asked Friedell about Chicago’s rising star, Jimmy Butler. Essentially, “He’s an elite player, and only 27 years old, so why in the world would you trade Jimmy Butler instead of building around him?”

Friedell’s response isn’t quite what you’d expect to hear, given the fact that Butler just earned his first selection as an All Star starter.

“They have had multiple chances to commit to Jimmy… I don’t think that Gar and Pax believe that Jimmy can be the #1 star on a team, at least on a championship caliber team. Knowing that, when you look at this roster and all those draft picks they’ve made recently… none of these guys are panning out. So if you know that you need a rebuild… your best asset on this team right now is Jimmy Butler. And if you’re not convinced that he can be the #1 star on a title team, then you’ve got to look and see if you can move him. I think that’s where they stand right now.” – Nick Friedell

If Forman and Paxson truly believe that, they need to get their eyes checked. Maybe schedule a lobotomy while they’re at it. Butler has done nothing but improve, improve and improve some more since winning the NBA’s Most Improved Player award following the 2014-15 season. He’s now on the same level as LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in conversations about the league’s best two-way wing players. He expanded his offensive game, and he guards the opponent’s best player every night.

Lead Us

So what is it, exactly, that’s preventing Forman and Paxson from getting completely on board with the idea of building around Butler? Maybe it’s the leadership qualities, or lack thereof.

“Last year, Jimmy tried to take that next step in his leadership role and he struggled. Guys like Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose were looking at him like, ‘What happened to the humble kid from Tomball, Texas?’… Dwyane Wade comes in this year, I think he’s been a big help for Jimmy in getting him more comfortable in the framework of the locker room… I just don’t think the Bulls have ever been fully confident in Jimmy being that leader inside the locker room.” – Nick Friedell

Wade’s presence has undoubtedly helped Butler figure out what it means to be a leader in the NBA. Or has it? Taj Gibson implied that the younger guys on Chicago’s roster are frustrated by Wade not regularly participating in practices. In a somewhat hypocritical Instagram post, Rajon Rondo reminded everyone that real leaders don’t point the finger of blame at the younger guys. They put the blame and responsibility on themselves, and they pick the younger guys up. So is Wade really leading by example? If Butler followed Wade’s lead with those postgame rants to the media, are his leadership qualities just as questionable as those of his elder Marquette brother?

Leave Us

Remember, the Bulls front office fined Butler and Wade for their comments, and Hoiberg took them out of the starting lineup. Forman, in his very brief time with the media, scolded them for publicly calling out their teammates. Maybe the leadership issue is actually a very big one in the eyes of Butler’s employers. Enough of an issue that the Butler trade rumors actually carry some weight.

If they got the right package back of draft picks and younger guys on longer deals, I think they’d make that move. I’d look to a team like Boston, because they have the pieces to do it. – Nick Friedell

Plenty of potential Jimmy Butler trades between the Bulls and Celtics exist, as Friedell notes above. But Boston certainly wouldn’t be the only team in the league to express interest, should the Bulls make it known that Butler is available. The team refuted the latest report that such trade lines are open, but that might change if the Bulls continue to sputter along in an aimless season.

In the ongoing debate about whether or not Butler is an “untouchable” franchise player in the NBA, the latest from Friedell suggests the Bulls front office doesn’t think so. Let the debate continue. The trade deadline is now less than a month away.

Tick…tock…

Sports Mockery Chicago Sports News

Sports Mockery Chicago Sports News

5 White Sox Prospects Outside Of The Top 100 That Can Make A Future Impact

5. Dane Dunning

Five Reasons The Bears Should Avoid Jimmy Garoppolo

Jerry Krause Spills All, Shares Gross & Amazing New Stories About Michael Jordan

“I Was Afraid”

Something Special

Ryan Pace’s Huge Miss Is Dominating Headlines At The Super Bowl

A Jay Cutler Trade Partner Is Emerging For the Chicago Bears

Hall of Fame QB Sums Up Jay Cutler In Just Eight Seconds

Familiar Jimmy Butler Trade Rumor Resurfaces & Picks Up Steam

The Time Is Now

Youth, Youth, Youth

Author’s Reaction

Why Vic Fangio Might Twist Arms Trying To Get Bears To Draft This Guy

Gar Forman & John Paxson Don’t Believe Jimmy Butler Can Be #1 Star

Not Our Guy

Lead Us

Leave Us

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