The Yankees are the team closest to getting a deal done with Chicago Wh Sox Robertson-Frazier and Kahnle going if deal completed
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) July 19, 2017
Yankees Closest To Getting Deal Done With White Sox; Todd Frazier, David Robertson, Tommy Kahnle Would Be Involved
Mitch Trubisky “Expected To Sign” Bears Contract Before Training Camp
The Mitch Trubisky contract situation has had plenty of Chicago Bears fans all tied up in knots with concern. The last thing this team needs is for its top draft pick to enter a holdout during the most crucial part of his early development. That being his first training camp. Though Trubisky himself insisted he has no plans to sit out, some remain worried as each day passes without the announcement of a deal.
Though this may not impact the immediate prospects of the Bears offense, there is something to be said about getting off on the wrong foot. The last time a Bears first round quarterback held out training camp, his name was Cade McNown. Anybody who has ever followed this team trembles a little bit at mere mention of that name.
It’s hard not to say that division pretty much set the tone for his brief run with the organization. Nobody wants that to happen with Trubisky. So it’s a blessed relief, according to Adam Hoge of WGN, that he is not expected to miss any time. A deal should be in place before camp begins.
Mitch Trubisky contract should be wrapped up soon
“Rookie quarterback Mitch Trubisky is still expected to sign his contract before training camp begins. In fact, the on-going contract talks shouldn’t prevent him from reporting to Halas Hall Wednesday with the rest of the Bears rookies. There will be no holdout, which both the Bears and the quarterback have maintained all along.
Is it a little odd that Trubisky hasn’t signed yet? A little bit, but he is represented by the same agents as Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota — another No. 2 overall pick — who bargained their client’s signing bonus and offset language and didn’t come to an agreement until eight days before the team reported to training camp in 2015.
The bottom line: expect Trubisky’s deal to be officially announced in the coming week with the quarterback arriving at Olivet Nazarene University on July 26 with the rest of his teammates.”
The history of Trubisky’s agents has been mentioned a number of times already. They have a reputation for digging their heels in until they’re sure they got their client the best possible deal. Combine that with the slow, methodical way GM Ryan Pace negotiates? Yeah, people probably should’ve seen this coming.
At the end of the day it’s wise to listen to the man calling the shots, and that’s Trubisky himself. He said point blank he doesn’t plan on holding out. Odds are he made that clear to his agents as well. That means they have until the beginning of camp to get it done. Sure they’re using as much time as they dare, but the end game remains the same.
Mitch will be there.
Cubs Still Trying To Trade For Tigers Catcher Alex Avila
Ever since the Chicago Cubs parted ways with catcher Miguel Montero, one name has consistently been linked to the North Side. A few weeks ago MLB reporter Jon Morosi first connected the Cubs to catcher Alex Avila and it appears as though both teams are still trying to work out a trade.
There was a lot of talk that the Cubs and Detroit Tigers were discussing a trade for Justin Verlander, but the one thing that went under the radar was the Cubs were also asking about Avila. This was from July 3.
#Cubs inquired to #Tigers on availability of Justin Verlander and Alex Avila, sources say, but sides have not engaged in trade negotiations.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 4, 2017
Fast forward to July 18, and the Tigers and Cubs remain engaged in trade talks.
#Tigers, #Cubs staying in contact regarding possible Alex Avila trade; Avila's .938 OPS this year is best of any @MLB catcher (min. 100 PA).
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 18, 2017
As Morosi noted, Avila is having an outstanding season at the plate with the Tigers. The 30-year-old has played in 68 games this season, slashing .292/.420/.518, with 11 home runs. A great comeback season for the veteran catcher, who had a subpar 2016 campaign with the White Sox.
Avila is on a one-year deal worth $2 million. He’ll be a free agent after the season is over.
The Cubs aren’t desperate for a catcher because Willson Contreras has shown the ability to play at a high level, but I’m sure the team wants to avoid any burn out that could happen with Contreras. Currently, rookie Victor Caratini is backing up Contreras.
It looks like the Cubs and Tigers have been talking for a few weeks, but there might be a reason nothing has come to fruition as of yet. We’ve already seen the Cubs make a big deal for Jose Quintana, as Theo Epstein wasn’t hesitant in trading his No. 1 prospect, but Detroit’s asking price for Avila might be the hold up here.
Two executives from teams that have talked to the #Tigers said Detroit might have to drop its asking price to move some of veteran players.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 17, 2017
The Tigers are 42-49, six games back in their division and several of their players have been in trade rumors. We’re less than two weeks away from the trade deadline, so look for the Cubs to make one last push to get Avila.
Cubs Interested In Marlins Reliever David Phelps
It really does seem like the Chicago Cubs are going to make one more deal before the July 31st trade deadline, as they’ve been connected to another reliever. This time the Cubs are reportedly interested in Miami Marlins right-hander David Phelps, according to USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale.
Of course, the Cubs aren’t the only the team trying to get help in the bullpen, as virtually every single contender is attempting to at the minimum add pitching depth for a playoff run. Phelps fits more than one purpose because he’s under team control through 2018.
Nightengale lists the Cubs as one of six teams that have shown the most interest in Phelps.
The Marlins are drawing the most attention with veteran reliever David Phelps, with the New York Yankees, Red Sox, Brewers, Cubs, Colorado Rockies and Texas Rangers showing the most interest.
(Bob Nightengale)
Phelps is 30-years-old, and currently has a 3.45 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 47 innings. He’s been all right in 2017, but there’s a lot to like when you see his 2016 numbers. Phelps pitched 86.2 innings last year, when he also started five games, and finished the season with a 2.28 ERA. He had 114 strikeouts and only 38 walks. Just dominating stuff. The strikeout numbers are down this season, but still respectable at 25.9 percent.
There was some confusion on Monday, when the Cubs were linked to Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton. In the first half of the season, one of the lone bright spots was the bullpen for the Cubs, so fans wondered why they’d be going after another reliever. It’s pretty simple though. The front office is always thinking ahead and looking for controllable pitching. Yes, the Cubs have Wade Davis, but he’s going to be a free agent after this year and so is Koji Uehara. In the case of Uehara, he’ll be 43-years-old, so the Cubs are going to need at least a few new arms in the bullpen. Getting out in front of it now is great business.
Remember the Mike Montgomery trade last year? It makes sense. David Phelps would help this year and add insurance next season too if the Cubs don’t re-sign a couple of their relievers.
Watch Your Back Mustard, Chicago Dog Sauce Is Here
If you live in Chicago you know the rule. No ketchup on a hot dog, ever. What if we told you that Heinz came out with a Chicago Dog Sauce?
Hell yeah we would try it. We’re a proud city. We know our city history, we wear the flag more than any other city, we love our teams and we really love our food.
Specifically hot dogs with onions, tomato, relish, pickle spear, sport peppers, celery salt and of course mustard.
I figured this “Chicago Dog Sauce” would be a condiment that included all those ingredients in one.
Then I watched the Heinz video.
Much to my dismay, I was wrong.
Heinz duped the hard-working people of Chicago into putting ketchup on a hot dog. I don’t know if these people really liked it or they just didn’t want to waste any food.
What a slimy, underhanded way to get Chicagoans to put ketchup on a hot dog.
Nah, it’s really funny and I would have fell for it too. Good job Heinz.
Follow @Pappy_Hour on Twitter for mostly Blackhawks but sometimes just Chicago related news and musings.
Jay Cutler Will Be Present To Watch the Bears Opening Day
It seems the Chicago Bears Jay Cutler saga isn’t over quite yet. Most fans felt it was finally time to move on from the veteran quarterback. They’d praised, endured and tolerated him for eight years. The time was right for change. So the team cut him. Feelings were that he’d latch on elsewhere, perhaps with a better chance to win.
Instead he all but officially retired by accepting a job to become a color analyst for Fox Sports NFL. He’ll be filling the void left behind by new 49ers GM John Lynch. Ironically the two were once teammates in Denver. So it’s almost too fitting. Not that Chicago fans thought much of it. They were happy he’d found his new calling but felt he’d become a distant memory before too long.
Turns out fate has a funny sense of humor. Barely a couple months after learning this news, during which time Cutler has worked towards getting ready for the season, the higher-ups at Fox decided not to wait on his regular season debut.
Chicago Bears Jay Cutler story has an epilogue after all
According to radio host Greg Brady, current commentator Charles Davis has been assigned to call the Bears’ opening day matchup with the defending NFC champion Atlanta Falcons. His broadcast partner for that game? You guessed it.
Of note, @CFD22 tell us on @BradyandPrice today that Wk1 FOX game for Burkhardt/Davis/Cutler team is at Soldier Field for Falcons/Bears.
— Greg Brady (@sn590gbrady) July 18, 2017
Seems Cutler will be at Soldier Field for one more opening day after all. It’s hard to believe the people setting the games schedule for the broadcast teams didn’t do this on purpose. What a way to generate buzz. The former quarterback of a team for eight years comes right back the same year he’s cut to call the first game that team has a new starter? So many juicy tidbits to chew on.
Of course people will be begging for Cutler to come out and trash the Bears. Odds are though he’ll keep it reasonably clean and fair. Despite the unfortunate breakup there was nothing ugly about it. He harbors little ill-will towards the organization. Not a surprise given the amount of money they paid him for years. Odds are he should be a smart and entertaining listen as the game progresses.
That’s all Bears fans can ask for.
City Workers Disciplined For Parking Scheme During Blackhawks And Bulls Games
Inspector General Joseph Ferguson has said that thirteen city employees have been disciplined for illegally blocking streets near the United Center during Blackhawks and Bulls games.
A quarterly report released on Monday showed that inspectors staked out a total of 16 games from April 2015 to February 2016. In that time, employees of the Office of Emergency Management allowed 62 cars to park for free. All of this took place from the west side of Wood Street between Madison and Warren Boulevard. This area is usually reserved for members of the news media covering games at the United Center.
The city rules that were broken prohibit “supervisors from directing other city employees to perform services for unauthorized purposes or accepting the benefits of such performance and giving preferential treatment in the course of employment to any person.”
Ferguson’s report indicated that the supervisor primarily responsible for the infractions retired after being contacted by Ferguson. His resignation is recorded as “resigned under inquiry.”
None of the employees involved have been named, but four employees Ferguson recommended be fired for lying received 14 day suspensions. Three more were suspended 10 days, two for seven days and one employee for five days. One employee of Streets and Sanitation who took advantage of the free parking received a 14 day suspension.
One management level employee who denied any participation received a 30 day suspension. According to the report “Emails also confirm the management-level employee’s knowledge and participation in the parking scheme.” The employee was not fired because they felt that it was not his intention to mislead.
Emergency management officials vowed to “eradicate the practice of providing preferred parking” in response to the report.
5 Reasons The Bears Will Stick By Plan To Not Start Mitch Trubisky
There can be no doubt that the Mitch Trubisky debut is now something Chicago Bears fans are looking forward to. For the first time in over a decade the team has a brand new first round quarterback. Normally change is something people resist with ferocity. However, after the roller coaster ride that was Jay Cutler for eight years, most finally agreed it was time to try something else.
Like any sudden change, the drafting of Trubisky was hard at first. People criticized it extensively. After sitting back to think about it though? Many fans have come around on the idea. Now they’re starting to clamor for possibilities on when he could play. Perhaps he may even beat out veteran Mike Glennon for the starting job?
According to Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune, that is not the plan.
Mitch Trubisky debut like later rather than sooner
“First and foremost — for those just tuning back in after last year’s 3-13 finish — this is not an open quarterback competition. It’s not veteran Mike Glennon versus second-overall pick Mitch Trubisky with coach John Fox dangling the car keys between them.
It’s Glennon’s job on Day 1, and the team plans for the depth chart to remain stacked that way. All season, in fact.
Now, in fairness to Trubisky, the club has no incentive to put a hard ceiling over the rookie’s head. Fox always should feel comfortable playing the quarterback who gives his team the best chance to win. If Trubisky develops at an accelerated rate, a pace unforeseen after spring practices, the Bears certainly would take it.
But, until further notice, Glennon’s grip on the job remains strong because he is the only one of the two trained in an NFL offense. Even if this were an open competition — which, again, it is not — Glennon has a head start that Trubisky shouldn’t be expected to overcome quickly.”
There isn’t really much to debate there. It’s pretty plain. The Bears had a plan when they signed Glennon for $18.5 million guaranteed and then drafted Trubisky. It was a way to take two big swings at the most important position in sports. Glennon gets his chance to play a season as starter. If he pans out, great. If not the Bears now have another young prospect waiting in the wings to take his chance.
There is plenty of logic behind the idea. However, there are also other reasons why the Bears are going to resist every urge to start the rookie this year.
Experience
Let’s just get the obvious one out of the way. The biggest knock on Trubisky coming out of North Carolina. He only started 13 games. By contrast fellow first rounder Deshaun Watson started 30 just in his final two years with Clemson. Teams still aren’t sure what to make of him. How can he possibly be ready for a jump to the pros with so little game experience? That fear will be a motivational tool to keep him sidelined until the coaches are confident he has the offense mastered.
John Fox
It’s always important to keep John Fox in mind regarding any decision like this and know the history. To date the 62-year old coach has never successfully developed a rookie quarterback into a starter. With his job on the line in 2017, there’s little reason to think he mode of operation is going to change. His greatest successes came with veteran free agent quarterbacks like Jake Delhomme and Peyton Manning. Smart money says he’ll go back to that well one more time with Glennon. He’s seen the blueprint before.
Iffy receivers
The ideal situation would be for Trubisky to step in when the Bears offense is armed to the teeth with weapons. As of now they can’t say that’s the case. Jordan Howard and the offensive line look strong. Problems stem from the wide receivers. The two biggest issues are injury history and lack of experience. Kevin White has problems with both. Victor Cruz and Markus Wheaton both have extensive injury concerns. Cameron Meredith is in just his third year and doesn’t have the security blanket of Alshon Jeffery on the other side anymore.
It’s certainly a group with loads to prove. Can they be trusted to make the plays for a young quarterback who might not be perfect all the time? No. No they can’t.
Stiff schedule
Then there’s the fact that the Bears schedule doesn’t warrant allowing a rookie to play QB, especially through the first half of the season. Their opening four games will be against three playoff teams in Pittsburgh, Atlanta and Carolina. The other is against Tampa Bay who crushed them 36-10 last year. If that weren’t enough, seven of their games will be against defenses that featured a top 10 pass rush. Given how inconsistent Trubisky was facing heavy pressure in college, perhaps it’s best to not throw him out there unprepared.
Honoring their word
The NFL is at a tipping point these days. Several GMs have already been fired with reasons cited as poor relationships in regards to handling players. Ryan Grigson and Dave Gettleman being the most recent examples. More than anything it’s so rare for a team to actually stick by their word these days. The Bears have a chance to break that trend by giving Mike Glennon an honest to god chance to play out the 2017 season. Why? They said they would. It may seem too simple, but that doesn’t make it less right.
Anthony Rizzo Hits A Home Run For The Third Game In A Row
The Chicago Cubs are hitting on all cylinders after the All-Star break and that includes Anthony Rizzo. After clubbing a few dingers against the Baltimore Orioles, the first baseman hit a home run in his third straight game on Monday against the Atlanta Braves.
Rizzo now has 23 home runs, leading the way for the Cubs in 2017. This solo shot gave the Cubs a 3-1 lead in the seventh inning.
Anthony Rizzo hits a home run for the 3rd straight game. #Cubs pic.twitter.com/O46aQEyWoO
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) July 18, 2017
When Rizzo goes on a streak he gets crazy hot at the plate. It’s great to have a guy in the middle of your order who is always going to be consistent. That’s what Rizzo has been since he’s taken off in 2014.
You can just bank on a good season from Rizzo no matter what kind of a start he gets off to. Remember when some fans were worried about him in April?
Rizzo season by OPS…
2014: .913
2015: .899
2016: .928
2017: .908He's like the easiest guy to predict in the majors.
— Matt Clapp (@TheBlogfines) July 18, 2017
Aside from Rizzo’s continued power surge, the Cubs got more clutch hitting, as Ben Zobrist gave the team a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning with a two-run single to center. Then, Addison Russell made it 4-1, with a pinch-hit, RBI-double in the eighth. That came with two outs.
Jose Quintana’s Debut Can Teach Cubs Pitchers A Big Lesson
By now, we’ve all surely heard about Jose Quintana’s exceptional debut for the Chicago Cubs. An incredible display of command and pitch location baffled the Baltimore Orioles’ offense into submission as the Cubs swept the opening series of the second half in Baltimore.
Quintana’s line from yesterday’s start: 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 12 K
A few things to observe: He rested the bullpen by eating up innings, going seven strong. He struck out 12, tying a franchise record for most strikeouts in a debut. And he didn’t allow any runs. All that is great.
But, to boil it all down, what truly enabled all of his success yesterday? The simple yet refreshing fact that he didn’t walk anybody.
Sound cliché? Well, the Cubs’ pitchers have struggled with walking hitters for years. Sure, there are plenty of instances when they don’t. But far too often on the North side have we witnessed a starter falling apart or the bullpen imploding due to falling behind and getting into “hitters” counts, or just straight up handing out free passes.
I hope Cubs pitchers were paying attention yesterday. They could surely learn a thing or two from that performance.
Take the starters, for instance. Jake Arrieta has walked 38 hitters in 108 innings this year. That’s more than three per nine innings. Jon Lester has walked 37 hitters in 108 innings. Again, that’s more than three per nine innings. Eddie Butler has walked 28 in 54.2 innings. That’s almost five per nine innings!!! That’s literally unacceptable.
It’s also why we’ve seen so many four, five, and barely six inning starts from Cubs starters this year. Falling behind and walking hitters eats into the pitch count and limits how far they can really go. It also leads to stressful, workmanlike innings that can take a toll, not only over the course of a start but over the season. Last year, it seemed they had their command virtually every start. This year, it seems to be a blessing when they do.
Let’s also examine the bullpen, because walks can be even more killer when it comes to relief pitching. Hector Rondon has walked 13 in 35.2 innings. Over three per nine innings. Pedro Strop has 15 walks in 33.2 innings. That’s four per nine innings. Justin Grimm is also averaging over four per nine innings. And Carl Edwards Jr. is averaging over five per nine innings! Yes, Edwards has unhittable stuff. But still, it’s a recipe for disaster in the long run.
Remember the days of Ryan Dempster and Carlos Marmol in the back end of the bullpen? Remember how much of a heart attack it used to be? Cubs relievers are currently still playing with that kind of fire. They really need to turn it around if the Cubs want to continue to turn their season around.
Quintana struggled to start the season. But ever since he has reverted back to his usual self over his last eight starts, he’s averaging just 2.2 walks per 9 innings. And this is why he has been so dominant since. Getting ahead of hitters, putting them in a vulnerable position, and being able to finish them off with his nasty repertoire of pitches is exactly how a starter draws it up. It’s easy to talk about. But it’s hard to do. Yet Quintana has been doing it. And it’s time for the rest of the pitching staff to take notes and get on his level.
