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Joe Maddon’s Hometown Of Hazleton Hates Him Right Now

By
Aldo Soto
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A couple weeks ago Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon was featured on NBC’s “Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly” interviewed by Harry Smith and now residents of Hazleton, Pa., are demanding an apology after a comment made about the Pennsylvania town where Maddon grew up in.

The Chicago Tribune picked up the story on Tuesday, as The Times Leader newspaper in Wilkes Barre, Pa., ran an editorial that expressed displeasure in Maddon’s comments about the growing Hispanic population in Hazleton.

This is what Maddon said in the NBC interview that has angered residents of his hometown.

Via The Times Leader:

It was actually a positive piece by correspondent Harry Smith for Megyn Kelly’s new Sunday night show. The theme was how Joe’s work through his Hazleton Integration Project, or HIP, has helped the city’s sizable immigrant population — specifically Hispanics — assimilate into the community and change perceptions.

But then Joe slipped up big time.

“They’re going to save our town,” Maddon said of the newcomers to Hazleton. “You have two options right here. Either you get on board and help us as we’re moving this thing along or you’re going to die. And when you die and go away, then you’re going to get out of the way. You’re not going to be part of the problem anymore. So, it’s either help or die.”

This is how the editorial starts, calling out Maddon for his remarks.

“He’s full of himself,” said one senior citizen and lifelong Hazleton resident.

Another noted: “That was terrible. I hate him. I hope he doesn’t win one game.”

The editorial ends with one demand, an apology from Maddon.

He needs to apologize for insulting the hardworking and fair-minded people of Hazleton — they are many in number, contrary to what the national reports seem to imply. And we want to hear an apology straight from Maddon, not through a spokesperson or a family member. If he has the time to talk to NBC and other outlets, surely he can interrupt this baseball season for a mea culpa to his hometown.

We’re waiting, Joe.

I think the fair-minded people of Hazleton agree with Maddon and it’s the people who don’t like what’s going on there that Maddon was talking about.

Here’s the Maddon interview on NBC.

Will Maddon address the issue? We’ll find out as he meets with the media before Tuesday night’s Cubs game against the San Francisco Giants.

Solution to the Bears Offensive Line Troubles Is Still Available

By
Erik Lambert
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bears offensive line
Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers offensive guard Orlando Franklin (74) blocks Denver Broncos defensive end Jared Crick (93) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears offensive line is in a bit of a gut check at the moment. Though they still have considerable depth to lean on, injuries have begun to take their toll. Kyle Long isn’t fully back from his gruesome ankle injury last season. Now the news hit that primary backup Eric Kush, who played well in his absence, has a torn hamstring. He’ll miss the rest of the season. This puts the team in a quandary.

Not only is the starting lineup affected by Long’s issues, but now their depth takes a serious hit as well. Kush was an excellent reserve in 2016, doing well whenever he was elevated to the starting job. Hence why the Bears signed him to a new deal this offseason. Given the team is breaking in three new quarterbacks, quality blocking is more vital than ever.

Though they did sign rookie Brandon Greene to round out the roster, it’s possible the team may have to get more aggressive to plug the hole. There is one name still on the market who could be perfect for them.

Bears offensive line would benefit from addition of Orlando Franklin

Orlando Franklin made the news recently having been signed and released by the New Orleans Saints in the space of a few days. It was cited to be over health issues. It’s unclear if he’s had more time to recover since then. What is clear is that the 29-year old guard is the best one left on the free agent market.

Admittedly his tenure in San Diego with the Chargers did not end well. His first year saw him miss six games with injury. Yet he played all 16 last year and wasn’t terrible. Besides that he has a productive track record, not to mention a history with head coach John Fox. The two were together for four season in Denver from 2011 to 2014.

Franklin is a big guy with plenty of power who is also mobile for his size. He has logged time at both guard and tackle. That sort of versatility would be most valuable to the Bears. Even though their interior depth took a hit with Kush, it’s still better than their depth on the edges. Adding Franklin could solve both problems.

Even better, after his unfortunate turnabout with the Saints his price almost certainly will have dropped. So the Bears could get an experienced starter as a primary reserve on the cheap. That’s football business 101.

Hawk Harrelson Calling Walk-Off Losses Is The Best Thing You’ll Watch Today

By
Gus
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It’s no secret that baseball on the South side of Chicago hasn’t been very good the past five years. The White Sox haven’t finished above .500 since 2012 and clearly won’t get past that mark this year as they currently sit 27 games under as we approach the third week of August.

Yes the team is rebuilding after they’ve sold off essentially every one of their best players this year to bolster their farm system but that doesn’t give them a pass from playing big league baseball games. I sat through the Cubs rebuild so trust me, I get how frustrating it is watching your favorite team try to compete with guys who have no business being on a big league roster. If I could quote my high school football coach as it pertains to the White Sox, “They don’t have any bullets left in their gun.”

With that said, I could really care less if the Sox win or lose. I respect what Rick Hahn has done by finally giving the Sox of vision of the future and I’ll be the first to tell you that if they’re able to hang on to all of those prospects (which is doubtful), they’ll definitely be able to complete in a few short years.

My only dislike about the White Sox has nothing to do with their players, management, or even their fans to be honest. It has everything to do with their dipshit broadcaster (and biggest homer) Hawk Harrelson. Fair or not, the Sox have been tied together with Harrelson since he took over broadcasting for them 33-years-ago and thankfully he’ll step away from the microphone after the 2018 season.

Part of what annoys me about the White Sox is the fact that many of their fans have bought into Hawk’s mantra of, “As long as we beat the Cubs, it’s a successful season.” I’m not saying all Sox fans buy into that but the fact a lot of White Sox fans I talked to were completely content with their season after they beat the Cubs during the first game of the Crosstown Classic was just comical to me. Harrelson himself was quoted as saying,

“I would rather beat the Cubs more than anybody,” Harrelson said, “so that definitely stamps me as a White Sox guy.”

Yes Hawk, you’re homerism for your beloved White Sox is unmistakable. So to be fair, since Hawk gets so fired up when the White Sox actually do win games, I thought it’d be nice (and hilarious) to listen to Hawk call some White Sox walk-off losses.

I tip my cap to the creator of this video, Andrew Vargha, for allowing me to actually HEAR the disappointment in Hawk’s voice.
I can’t wait until this guy’s broadcasting career is “ovah.”

Hroniss Grasu Getting Another Chance After Heartbreaking Injury

By
Erik Lambert
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ryan pace

It was impossible not to feel immense sympathy for Hroniss Grasu last year. The former third round pick in 2015 looked like he’d made a home at center for the Bears. He was the unquestioned starter going into 2016. Then everything came crashing down. During a routine blocking drill at Family Fest in Soldier Field, an awkward foot plant caused him to tear the ACL in his knee.

Grasu was done for the season. Forced to adjust, the Bears moved rookie Cody Whitehair to center. Then, through an act of good fortune they were able to sign Pro Bowl guard Josh Sitton. Just like that the Bears interior offensive line was even better than before. Whitehair became a stud at center that season and most view him as a rising star.

This was an example of how cold and even cruel the football business can be at times. One unfortunate twist of the leg robbed Grasu of his NFL dream. Coming into 2017 he was slated as a backup, though some even felt his limited versatility might get him cut from the team. Then, in an incredible twist of irony, everything changed.

Hroniss Grasu granted reprieve thanks to injuries

In the space of 24 hours not only is Grasu’s standing on the roster far more secure than before, he’s also in line to regain his job as the Bears’ starting center. No that’s not a joke. The loss of primary backup Eric Kush to a torn hamstring made it possible. Kush had played well last year. He was standing in for Kyle Long at left guard during training camp. That all changed when his leg gave out.

Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune explains why this is such a fortunate development for Grasu.

“Kush had been filling in for Long at left guard with the first-unit offense. Long has been limited since training camp began as he continues working back from ankle surgery. The timeline for his return to full strength remains cloudy. And the Bears have made no promises that Long will be cleared to play in Week 1. So on Monday, Cody Whitehair spent some time at left guard with Hroniss Grasu handling center duties with the first-unit offense.

Whitehair started all 16 games at center a year ago. But he moved into that role from guard only after Grasu tore his right anterior cruciate ligament during last year’s Family Fest practice at Soldier Field.

In a notable twist, due to Kush’s injury, Grasu may now be in position to reclaim a starting role at center with Whitehair potentially moving back to play left guard.”

The loss of Kush and uncertainty of Long makes it possible that Grasu may get back on the field. For how long is the guess of anybody. One would assume the Bears haven’t changed plans for Long, Whitehair and Sitton to be the interior trio for 2017. At the same time this is a great opportunity for Grasu. He has a chance to rebuild his credibility as a starter in the league. Great for him and also for the Bears.

Having two centers who can start instead of one is never a bad thing.

Chicago Bears Roster Breakdown From Locks to Long Shots

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears roster

The Chicago Bears roster is going to remain fluid for the next month. Preseason action is about to begin and there are plenty of spots that remain wide open from offense to defense and even special teams. Nobody is certain where a lot of guys stand, including the coaches themselves. Everybody knows their job could be on the line this year. That means they have to put together the absolute best 53-man lineup they can.

So we’re going to break it down. Every single player lumped into a category they fit best. Who is a lock to reach opening day? Who’s in the fringe, who is a long shot and who are those that might be traded or slipped onto the practice squad? There might be a few surprises along the way that fans won’t expect.

Don’t worry. All will be explained.

Long Shots

  • Connor Shaw
  • Benny Cunningham
  • Josh Rounds
  • Mike Burton
  • Titus Davis
  • Rueben Randle
  • Mycole Pruitt
  • Cyril Richardson
  • Taylor Boggs
  • Mitchell Kirsch
  • Kapron Lewis-Moore
  • Hendrick Ekpe
  • Alex Scearce
  • Dan Skuta
  • Isaiah Irving
  • Johnthan Banks
  • Rashaad Reynolds
  • Chris Prosinski

Nobody likes to throw out the phrase “camp bodies” too often because it belies the intensive hard work these young men put in to stick on an NFL roster. At the same time, either due to lacking talent or tough competition they just don’t look hopeful. That’s why they’re in the long shot category. These are the players who, barring a glowing preseason performance these men aren’t long for the roster.

Perhaps the most disappointing occupant is Connor Shaw. He’s become a favorite among fans in the past year, lauded for his tireless work ethic and leadership. Unfortunately his odds of beating out Mark Sanchez for the third spot are slim. The Bears view Sanchez as an ideal mentor to Mitch Trubisky, not to mention valuable experience as a backup.

On the Bubble

  • Mark Sanchez
  • Jeremy Langford
  • Ka’Deem Carey
  • Victor Cruz
  • Markus Wheaton
  • Daniel Braverman
  • Tanner Gentry
  • Deonte Thompson
  • Josh Bellamy
  • Zach Miller
  • Daniel Brown
  • Bradley Sowell
  • Tom Compton
  • William Poehls
  • Jaye Howard
  • C.J. Wilson
  • John Jenkins
  • Lamarr Houston
  • Sam Acho
  • John Timu
  • Jonathan Anderson
  • Christian Jones
  • Bryce Callahan
  • Cre’Von LeBlanc
  • Sherrick McManis
  • B.W. Webb
  • Adrian Amos
  • Deon Bush
  • DeAndre Houston-Carson
  • Harold Jones-Quartey
  • Connor Barth

It’s no surprise that this portion of the list is the largest. Put simply the Bears roster is still in a state of volatile flux. That’s what happens coming off a 3-13 season. This means there will be a lot of turnover where guys are on short-term deals who are guaranteed nothing. There are certain names who can be considered fair bets to make the cut like Sanchez, Cruz, Houston, LeBlanc, Amos and Barth.

Most of that is due to the fact that they each can fill an important role without much competition. Some surprise names on the list include Jeremy Langford who is suffering through another nagging injury. Zach Miller? A respected veteran but also now faced with a loaded depth chart behind him. Meanwhile the wide receiver, cornerback and safety competitions are wide open, thus it’s impossible to predict who sticks.

Practice Squad

  • Ben Braunecker
  • Dieugot Joseph
  • Rashaad Coward
  • Deiondre Hall

People might be shocked by some of the names on this list, particularly Deiondre Hall. At the same time it’s easy to forget he’s in his second year so the practice squad is still an option. The Bears are in the midst of switching him to safety and that could take time. Stashing him on the PS might be a good way to do that without using a valuable roster spot.

The same goes for Ben Braunecker. He still has intriguing value at tight end and is progressing steadily. He’s just not quite there yet. He hasn’t found a role. Why not hide him away on the squad for a bit to see how things shake out? It’s a common tactic teams use all the time.

Trade chips

  • Kyle Fuller
  • Hroniss Grasu

Now being part of this category doesn’t mean it will happen. It’s a reflection of the value each man still has and may draw some attention from other teams. Otherwise both can be considered “bubble” players as well. Fuller is 25-years old with two years of starting experience. He had strong moments during those two years and appears fully recovered from knee surgery. The same goes for Grasu who started at center for them in 2015. He’s still young and athletic with upside worth exploring.

Lock

  • Mike Glennon
  • Mitch Trubisky
  • Jordan Howard
  • Tarik Cohen
  • Cameron Meredith
  • Kevin White
  • Kendall Wright
  • Adam Shaheen
  • Dion Sims
  • Charles Leno
  • Kyle Long
  • Cody Whitehair
  • Josh Sitton
  • Bobby Massie
  • Eric Kush
  • Jordan Morgan
  • Akiem Hicks
  • Eddie Goldman
  • Jonathan Bullard
  • Leonard Floyd
  • Pernell McPhee
  • Willie Young
  • Danny Trevathan
  • Jerrell Freeman
  • Nick Kwiatkoski
  • Prince Amukamara
  • Marcus Cooper
  • Quintin Demps
  • Eddie Jackson
  • Pat O’Donnell
  • Patrick Scales

Last but certainly not least are the men who are all but guaranteed a roster spot. In it are included the entire 2017 draft and most of their biggest free agent additions like Glennon, Wright, Sims, Amukamara and Demps. Being in the lock category basically means these are the men that the Bears will be counting on to form the core of the team this year. It’s through them that success or failure will come.

There are of course some surprising additions to the list like Pat O’Donnell and Kendall Wright. It just feels like they haven’t earned such confidence. At the same time there’s plenty of reason for their inclusions. O’Donnell because he has zero competition on the roster. Wright because he has a personal relationship with offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains and plays well in this offense.

Nonetheless it’s a fairly strong group overall. One that could produce some good football if it’s able to stay healthy this year.

Brewers Lose To Twins On A 2-Out Balk In The 7th Inning

By
Aldo Soto
-

The Chicago Cubs beat the San Francisco Giants 5-3, and jumped 1.5 games ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers after they hilariously blew a 4-1 lead to the Minnesota Twins.

It’s not funny that the Brewers lost, but it’s really funny how they did it. So, after going ahead 4-1, with a Keon Broxton RBI-double in the fourth, the Twins responded by scoring a pair of runs in the bottom half of the inning. Then, in the seventh inning the Twins tied the game at four and were threatening to take the lead, as Eddie Rosario got to third base with only one out. However, Ehire Adrianza popped out to the shortstop and Brewers reliever Oliver Drake was one strike away from escaping the jam with the game still tied.

With two outs and a 2-2 count on Jason Castro, Drake balked and that allowed Rosario to score the eventual game-winning run from third.

And well, this makes it 100 times better.

Javier Baez Hits A 2-Run Inside The Park Home Run!

By
Aldo Soto
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Javier Baez totally thought he drilled a two-run home run off Matt Moore, but he had to hustle to get it after admiring his rocket to right-center field. Baez eventually raced around the bases for a two-run, inside the park home run, giving the Chicago Cubs an early 2-0 lead against the San Francisco Giants.

Baez now has 16 home runs this season.

The Cubs Had A Great Night The Last Time They Faced Giants Pitcher Matt Moore In San Francisco

By
Aldo Soto
-

The 3-1 comeback in the World Series was obviously amazing and so was Miguel Montero’s grand slam against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS, but the wild ride in the 2016 MLB playoffs for the Chicago Cubs took off in San Francisco. Tonight, the Cubs return to face lefty Matt Moore and the Giants and boy does that bring back some great memories from the bay.

Joe Maddon will still talk about how he wasn’t looking forward to facing Johnny Cueto in Game 5 of the NLDS and even one player will admit it too, but that day never happened thanks to an epic ninth-inning rally in Game 4. It was actually pretty doom and gloom that October night, as the Giants began the ninth with a 5-2 lead. San Francisco was three outs away from forcing a Game 5 after a masterful start by Moore, who pitched eight innings and only gave up two runs.

Good thing Moore came out after eight.

Still get chills watching that.

The Cubs had a rough home stand going 2-4 against the Diamondbacks and Nationals, but they’re now starting the easiest stretch of their schedule. Hopefully they get on another roll and what better place to start than where their wild run started last October.

Jay Cutler May Have a Chance To Play Against the Bears

By
Erik Lambert
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jay cutler chicago bears

The Jay Cutler Chicago Bears narrative might not be over yet. It was inevitable that the conversation was going to shift at some point. The Miami Dolphins made it official recently when they passed Cutler on his team physical. Most assume it’s just a matter of time before he assumes the starting job before the season opener.

Expectations for Cutler at this point range from reserved to reasonable. It’s felt if he achieved similar level to what he became under Adam Gase in 2015 with Chicago, the Dolphins will be in good shape. They have a running game to lean on and a solid defense too. Rust factor and lack of training camp preparation may play a part. Still Gase is known for his ability to adjust and his connection with Cutler will help.

So what about the long-term outlook? Cutler signed a one-year deal with Miami at this point but at 34-years old he’s not too old. Some feel if he plays well he could stick around for longer. This would be most desirable from the QBs’ perspective. Why?

A Jay Cutler Chicago Bears showdown is possible in 2018

For this year the narrative is cold. Cutler has bigger fish to fry in the AFC. However, there is a strong possibility he may have an opportunity to get some closure next year. A chance to show the Bears they gave up on him too soon.

Of course it’s not exactly Brett Favre returning to Lambeau Field with the Vikings but it’s still something to talk about. There are plenty of Cutler fans out there who’d love to see him take on the Bears. At the same time some Cutler haters would love to see it too. Each for completely opposite reasons.

Try to imagine the hype surrounding that matchup. Mitch Trubisky vs. Jay Cutler. New guard against old guard. The story writes itself. If nothing else it would be loads of fun to watch.

The Cubs Have A Carl Edwards Jr. Problem But It’s Not The End Of The World

By
Aldo Soto
-

This has been said a lot since last November, but I can’t imagine how some Chicago Cubs fans would be acting if the Cleveland Indians completed their comeback in Game 7 and ended up winning the World Series. These people are hilariously on the verge of jumping off the ledge after every loss and the perfect storm of Cubs panic was sparked on Sunday, when Carl Edwards Jr. blew the game against the Washington Nationals.

The walks have always been an issue for the young right-hander, but what made Edwards great was his ability to maneuver his way around trouble with strikeouts and weak contact. However, since July, he’s gotten into more trouble and hasn’t been able to work out of it. Edwards walked 16 batters in his first 31.2 innings this season, but in his last 13 innings he’s walked 14. The last three times Edwards has pitched, he’s been right in the middle of blowing the game.

It’s never great when one of your best relievers suddenly sucks and that’s exactly what happened to the Cubs during the last month. I’ll give Joe Maddon a pass for sending Edwards in on Friday and keeping him in after he created a mess because you do have to show some confidence in your guys. However, having Edwards come in on Sunday simply didn’t give the Cubs the best chance to win. He’s bad right now and has been bad for an extended period of time. Edwards can’t be in high-leverage situations…right now.

The Cubs do have a Carl Edwards Jr. problem, but they have several solutions. For one, Edwards has to be demoted…not to the minors (no really, some fans were calling for this) but to a lesser role out of the bullpen. Build up his confidence by having him come in less stressful scenarios. Plus, Maddon has other guys he can go to in late-inning spots like newly acquired Justin Wilson, Hector Rondron and Pedro Strop.

By the way, Rondon has been a perfect example of a guy who was awful for an extended period of time and was then put in low-leverage spots and has emerged as being a quality option for Maddon again. Since the end of May, Rondon has pitched 24 innings and has only allowed earned runs in four of 24 appearances. He’s not dominant, but he’s been reliable and far superior than his performance from the first two months of 2017. So hopefully, the Cubs can hide Edwards away and he works out his control and command issues.

Also, Pedro Strop has been awesome and the hate he receives is completely uncalled for. He has a 2.41 ERA in 41 innings and has only allowed one earned run in his last 20 appearances. Show that man some love, damnit!

Anyway, Sunday’s loss was shitty, it sucked, but stay off the ledge. The Cubs aren’t sending Carl Edwards Jr. to the minors. The Cubs don’t all of a sudden suck. Chill out. The goal is to make the playoffs and then hope baseball randomness helps your team. The Cubs are still positioned to do that. And who cares if they can’t beat good teams in the regular season. Remember the 2015 New York Mets that beat the Cubs and made it to the World Series?

People should know better by now. MLB is not the NBA. The best teams aren’t even guaranteed to advance to the League Champion series let alone automatically be in the World Series.

So, take a deep breath, the Cubs are fine. Make the playoffs and then enjoy the ride.

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