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Kevin White Advised Trubisky On His Bears Playoff Prediction

By
Erik Lambert
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kevin white bears

It appears the Kevin White and Mitch Trubisky relationship is off to a good start. One thing is vital in a QB-wide receiver connection is truth. The receiver earned some serious brownie points when he recently may have saved the possible future of the Bears franchise from putting his foot in his mouth. Casting serious bait into the water for the media to run with.

When appearing at the Wheaton-Warrenville South High School for the USA Football 7v7 Great Lakes Regional Championship, Trubisky was asked THE question. What are his expectations for the Bears in 2017. Being the confident young man and good teammate he’s trying to be, the answer was pretty obvious.

While that’s great to hear from the quarterback who’s likely going to be the future, it’s also dangerous to say in this era of ravenous media coverage. White, who’s gained some valuable experience in that field as a former top 10 pick who hasn’t lived up to his billing after two years, knew that. So according to the Chicago Sun-Times, he jumped to the rescue.

Kevin White and Mitch Trubisky bond begins over bullet dodge

Receiver Kevin White appreciated the sentiment but knew the quarterback’s words could be misconstrued.

“He’s got to be clear with some things,” White said. “People can take it the wrong way and run with it and make it seem like he’s being cocky or something.”

Protecting the rookie, White pulled Trubisky aside and suggested he clarify he wasn’t making any promises.

“I said, ‘Yeah, I think we’re gonna make the playoffs,’ ” Trubisky said a few minutes later as players filed onto the field. “Obviously we know we have a lot of work to do. I don’t want anyone to construe it in a way that it’s a guarantee or anything.

“But I believe in myself. I believe in my teammates. I know we’ve still got work to do. That’s what it is — I think. As a competitor, you should always go there and think we’re gonna win.”

That’s a much better answer. It still provides the intended message but has the necessary escape routes if somebody were to try twisting what he said. At the same time it revealed to Trubisky that White is somebody he can trust moving forward. That could prove hugely important, especially to the receivers’ career. If there is any relationship that might resurrect his once awesome potential, it would be with someone like the Bears rookie.

Kyle Schwarber Could Return To The Cubs By The 4th Of July

By
Sean Sears
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CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 13: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Chicago Cubs watches his solo home run in the seventh inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during game four of the National League Division Series at Wrigley Field on October 13, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)

The Cubs sent World Series hero and fan-favorite Kyle Schwarber to Triple A Iowa last week, after hitting .171 with a 28.7% strikeout rate and a very un-Schwarber-like OBP of .295. The “War-Bear” was going through easily the most difficult moment of his young professional career – and the guy tore almost every ligament in his knee last season!

Schwarber, who took the demotion all in stride, was adament about working hard and getting back to the Cubs as soon as possible. And so far, Schwarber’s numbers are suggesting a trip to Des Moines, IA might have been exactly what the 24-year-old needed. Currently slashing, .368/.429/.684 with two home runs (which actually both came Friday night), with five RBI. Schwarber, while only playing in five games, clearly do not belong in the minor leagues.

Despite Schwarber striking out nine times since arriving in Iowa, Des Moines Register reporter and friend of Sports Mockery Tommy Birch is reporting that Kyle Schwarber is unlikely to make the I-Cubs road trip this coming Tuesday.

Birch also explained this is mostly off what he is hearing, and not on the performance of Schwarber. So it sounds like the Cubs are planning on Kyle Schwarber returning to the Cubs soon – as in by the 4th of July soon! The Iowa Cubs end their current home stand this coming Monday, playing on the road Tuesday. If Birch is right, the Cubs are planning on calling Schwarber back up before the I-Cubs hit the road,  we can all expect to see Schwarber back in the Cubbie Blues on our Nation’s birthday.

Seems rather fitting, sense Schwarber is featured in New Era’s ad campaign this season…

While Schwarber has shown any adjustments at the plate remains to be seen, but from what I have been able to gather, the Cubs saw this move as a chance for Schwarber to clear his head. Relax some, take a break from the constant pressure to succeed, and get back to hitting the ball.

While the numbers are misleading, everything Birch has reported on Schwarber from Iowa is that the Cubs core-player is putting in the work to make the necessary adjustments to return to his former self. Whether or not Schwarber is back – well, it sounds like we’ll soon find out.

Stan Bowman Answers The Questions All Blackhawks Fans Are Asking

By
Marc-Louis Paprzyca
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It has been a busy couple of weeks for the Blackhawks organization and it continued today with free agency frenzy. Stan Bowman has held to his word that there would be change but has brought back familiar faces in the process. Many fans feel the moves haven’t addressed the need to get faster and improve the defense of the team, but Bowman defended his moves today.

The signing of Patrick Sharp to a one-year contract today made many fans excited but left others scratching their heads. Bowman has mentioned making the team faster but signed Sharp who is 35 and coming off hip surgery.

When Bowman was asked about the injury he said Sharp has been on the ice and “The injury’s not a concern for us. … Training camp is still a couple months away and he’s well into recovery.” He added that Sharp still has “great speed” when asked about the need to get faster this offseason.

Likely responses but there has to be some concern. It’s common for a one-year contract to have it, but there is a games played incentive built into his contract. This isn’t something that would be built in unless there was even the slightest bit of concern.

Hip injuries are some of the hardest to recover from and most people never get to back to 100%. Sharp has yet to play a game since the surgery and most likely hasn’t skated with or against anyone either. I would like to know how Bowman and the Blackhawks organization made the evaluation that Sharp still has “great speed.” Practice speed and game speed can be quite different.

As far as the defense is concerned, the Blackhawks traded away one of the best stay at home defenseman in Niklas Hjalmarsson for Connor Murphy. A former first rounder of the Arizona Coyotes who has been seen as somewhat of a bust. While he has swift feet, he has yet to prove his worth of a $4 million/year contract.

When Bowman was asked about the defensive concerns going into this season, he responded “We have a number of young players on the doorstep.” He mentioned Pokka, Gustafsson, Oesterle and Rutta as players that he expects to compete for spots during training camp.

I agree that players need to start somewhere but they’ll need to the time to make mistakes and develop. The last couple of years with Trevor van Riemsdyk, Gustav Forsling and Michal Kempny have shown that Coach Quenneville doesn’t have the patience for this. I hope Bowman has stressed this to Q and we can see these players develop, get off the doorstep and get in the door.

While I am not taking Bowman’s quotes at face value, I do trust him. He has more than proven himself as an evaluator of talent and sticks to his word. Sharp will be the mentor he said he will be and the young defenseman are almost ready, they just need the chance.

Follow @Pappy_Hour on Twitter for more Blackhawks news and musings. 

 

 

Chicago Blackhawks Sign Defenseman Jordan Oesterle To 2-Year Deal

By
Matt Barbato
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The Chicago Blackhawks made a couple of splashes early in free agency with the additions of forwards Patrick Sharp and Tommy Wingels. The Hawks also added a young defenseman as free agency got underway Saturday.

The Blackhawks signed defenseman Jordan Oesterle to a two-year deal. The news was first reported by The Athletic’s Scott Powers. The Hawks also added goaltender Jean-Francois Berube. Oesterle will make $1.3 million over the length of the contract.

Oesterle was formerly with the Edmonton Oilers organization and played 25 games in the NHL over the last three seasons. He appeared only twice with the Oilers last season, but scored seven goals and tallied 32 points in 44 games for Edmonton’s AHL affiliate.

The 25-year-old is a left-handed shot and a Western Michigan product.

 

Chicago Blackhawks Officially Bringing Back Patrick Sharp

By
Matt Barbato
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The Chicago Blackhawks might as well throw a homecoming parade when they open the 2017-18 season. Add Patrick Sharp to the list of familiar faces being brought back to the organization.

The Blackhawks agreed to a one-year deal with Sharp Saturday. It’s a team-friendly deal, as Sharp will make only $800,000 in base salary with an additional $200,000 in potential bonuses based on games played, per TSN’s Bob McKenzie. In other words, Sharp could make up to $1 million next season if he meets his games played benchmark.

The team made the official announcement in unique fashion on Twitter Saturday morning.

Sharp will join Brandon Saad in the homecoming court as the Blackhawks attempt to replenish the roster after a disastrous postseason performance. The news was first reported by McKenzie, but the Sharp speculation was originally sparked by The Athletic’s Brian Hedger shortly after the NHL Draft concluded.

You haven’t been a Blackhawks fan for very long if Sharp doesn’t ring a bell. He spent 10 seasons with the Blackhawks from 2005-2015 before being infamously dealt to the Dallas Stars during the 2015 purge following their third Stanley Cup victory.

Sharp fell off drastically after a productive first season in Dallas. He scored 20 goals and tallied 55 total points in 76 games during his debut season with the Stars. However, Sharp played in only 48 games as he dealt with a concussion and underwent hip surgery in March. He scored only eight goals and accumulated 18 points.

The Blackhawks are hoping the 2016-17 season wasn’t an indication of what’s to come for the 35-year-old winger. It’s also uncertain what role Sharp will play with the club. In the past, Sharp served as a top-six forward and racked up 239 goals and 511 points during his 10-year tenure.

There’s a chance Sharp slots in alongside Jonathan Toews and Saad. But he also could serve as a depth forward depending upon how the team feels about Richard Panik, who they signed to a two-year extension in May.

The Blackhawks promised change after their season ended in flames against the Nashville Predators. General manager Stan Bowman definitely delivered on that. The Blackhawks have now re-acquired Sharp and Saad while dishing Artemi Panarin to Columbus and Niklas Hjalmarsson to Arizona.

Blackhawks fans better start digging through their closets and dressers to reclaim their suddenly valuable Sharp jerseys. The “Sharp Dressed Man,” is coming back to Chicago.

Chicago Blackhawks Sign Chicago Native C Tommy Wingels

By
Matt Barbato
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The Chicago Blackhawks have already brought back two former Stanley Cup champs in Brandon Saad and Patrick Sharp this offseason. They also brought a Chicago native home as free agency officially got underway Saturday.

The Blackhawks have agreed to a one-year deal with former San Jose Sharks and Ottawa Senators center Tommy Wingels, Saturday. The news was first reported by Fox Sports Midwest’s Andy Strickland.

An Wilmette native, Wingels finished the 2016-17 season with the Senators after playing his first six professional seasons in San Jose. He’s coming off of a down season during which he scored only 7 goals and tallied only 12 points, his lowest output since the 2011-12 campaign.

Wingels will serve as a solid depth option for the Hawks. He has 15-goal potential, but has scored only 14 combined goals during the last two seasons. The 29-year-old is mediocre in the faceoff dot however, posting a 41.9 win percentage throughout his career.

Wingels typically plays a bottom-six defensive role and his arrival increases the likelihood that Marcus Kruger and his $3.083 million cap hit will be traded at some point this offseason. Wingels and Laurent Dauphin should both play depth roles next season for Chicago.

Trubisky Contract Comment Will Endear Him to Bears Fans Even More

By
Erik Lambert
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mitch trubisky

Fans are getting a little antsy regarding the Mitch Trubisky contract situation. He’s the only notable pick remaining who has yet to sign his rookie deal. It has people concerned that he may be forced to miss critical practice time because the Chicago Bears are deadlocked on language of the contract. GM Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox have both insisted they aren’t worried about the situation. There’s still plenty of time.

Admittedly this is true. The season doesn’t start for two months. Pace is notorious for being a methodical negotiator who takes his time. Smart money (pun intended) says he’ll get it done without much hoopla. Still, Trubisky himself continues to field questions on the subject. For what it’s worth he doesn’t sound overly concerned or even aware of it.

He told the Chicago Sun-Times and other outlets during a visit to Wheaton Warrenville South High School that his stance is crystal clear on what he plans to do regardless of the progress.

Trubisky contract is a non-issue and he will not miss time

Mitch Trubisky won’t hold out.

The Bears quarterback, who has yet to sign his rookie contract, said Friday he’ll attend training camp on time, starting when the team reports July 26.

“I’m not going to miss any practices or anything like that,” he said at Wheaton Warrenville South High School. I’m excited to sign my contract as soon as possible, however that goes down. “But I don’t see that being held out through training camp; even if it did, I’m going to be practicing and all that. I’m looking forward to getting it done as soon as possible.

“I’m a Chicago Bear, no matter if they let me sign or what. I guess not, but I am.”

Say this for the young man. He has kept to the company line throughout the process. Then again it sounds like his actual feelings on the subject. Trubisky just wants to play football. He’s not overly concerned about the money situation. That will sort itself out in time. For what it’s worth, that was the ultimate truth of the notorious Joey Bosa holdout last year.

People gloss over that. Sure, it was ugly PR and he ended up missing practice and even actual game time because of it. Even so that didn’t stop him from dominating upon arrival, leading all rookies in sacks. The bottom line is if Trubisky is meant to be a good player in the NFL, something like a stall on his contract negotiations won’t stop him.

Bulls Re-sign Cristiano Felicio to 4 Year Deal Worth A Lot of Money

By
Matthew Milakovich
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fred hoiberg nightmare decision bulls rotation

Let’s get excited everyone. GarPax followed suit with the rest of the NBA and made a huge move today!

They re-signed Cristiano Felicio!

Bulls Re-sign Cristiano Felicio for $32 million dollars

To those who follow the NBA the move doesn’t come as a surprise whatsoever. The Bulls have been expected to retain the 6’9″ center for a while now. Nor is the exorbitant amount they re-signed him for really. Nor is the ineptitude of the Gar Forman/John Paxson union and their decision making. I repeat, none of this is a surprise.

Now sure, Felicio has potential.

But is that potential worth $32 million?

Of course one can argue yes. Perhaps in the next few years Felicio develops into a more athletic version of Omer Asik. The most recent over-achieving backup center of the GarPax era. After all, for everything Gar Forman and John Paxson have done wrong, they have for whatever reason been able to find players who VASTLY over-achieve– a la Jimmy Butler. We must always give credit where credit is due.

But $32 million still sounds like a bit of money, even with the spoils of riches the NBA’s newly struck TV deal affords.

In Comparison, Javale McGee, a highly serviceable and fellow athletic backup center for the Golden-State Warriors; earned a whopping total of $1,403,611. Quite a bit less than $8 million a year. Especially considering their stats aren’t far off from each other.

Take a look at their stats, per Yahoo Sports—

Javale Mcgee:

Offensive-

PPG              AST           G              Min. PG           FGM              FGA            FG%

6.10.2779:362.74.165.2

 

Offensive Rebounds                 Defensive Rebounds                Total

1.31.93.2

 

Cristiano Felicio:

Offensive-

PPG             AST            G             Min. PG               FGA           FGM            FG%

4.80.66615:461.93.357.9

 

Rebounding-

Offensive Rebounds                Defensive Rebounds               Total

1.92.84.7

 

Only time will tell whether Felicio is worth his paycheck or not, in all reality it truly isn’t that big a deal. That $32 million isn’t as much as it used to be.

Just look at Stephen Curry’s new contract worth an icy $201 million.

God bless America right?

Happy fourth of July everyone.

Cheers!

 

 

Bob McKenzie Just Dropped A Bombshell Regarding Patrick Sharp

By
Matt Eastman
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Tomorrow is July 1st, which in the world of the NHL is the beginning of the summer free agent signing splurge. It’s a time that often seems to inspire as many regrets as success stories.

Now, if you have been following the Chicago Blackhawks’ offseason, you are well aware Stan Bowman shocked the hockey world last weekend by shipping off Niklas Hjalmarsson and Artemi Panarin in two blockbuster trades.

I won’t delve into that, but if you are looking for an excellent breakdown of the free agency period which is just about upon us….check this out from our very own Blackhawks Insider Brian Foran. He slaps you across the face with a fat blog oozing with info.

OK, enough of the shit, let’s cut right to it. I was just minding my business, eating a magnificent gyro, when my phone started blowing up with messages regarding the one and only Patrick Sharp.

That one, yeah that one.

Needless to say, “Uncle Bob” dropped this bombshell:

If you’re unfamiliar with TSN’s Bob McKenzie, he’s widely regarded as the most trusted source of hockey information on any media platform. So, what he says doesn’t necessarily go, but it’s damn worth your time to read and pay attention to.

As always, we here at Sports Mockery will update  you as this story unfolds tomorrow. In order to take on Sharp, a few things would need to happen. He would need to agree to take a pretty nice pay cut and the Blackhawks will need to move Marcus Kruger and/or Marian Hossa’s contract to open up enough room to bring ole No. 10 back.

UPDATE:

Mitch Trubisky Named The Star QB Who Gave Him Best Advice

By
Erik Lambert
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mitch trubisky draft

The Mitch Trubisky draft story was a wild one. Here’s a young man who somehow rose to the top of the 2017 class despite starting just 13 games at North Carolina. His mock draft predictions were all over the place. Nobody knew what to expect when the lights went on in April. That included the man himself. Like so many young players about to enter the NFL, Trubisky was nervous.

He wants to succeed. So who better to at least give him some tips on how than the best quarterbacks in the game? In the days leading up to the draft, he reached out to several top names. Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck were among them. Each provided him valuable tips on what he would encounter and would have to do to excel.

However, in a mild surprise they weren’t the ones who provided the best advice in his mind. That came from a fellow Ohioan out in Pittsburgh.

Mitch Trubisky draft advice heavily credits Ben Roethlisberger

Trubisky thinks arguably the best wisdom came from Roethlisberger, who like Manning, is a two-time Super Bowl champion.

“One of the best pieces of advice I got was from Ben Roethlisberger,” Trubisky said. “We have the same agent so I was able to throw with him when I was preparing for the draft. He said, ‘You just have to go in there and be yourself. You have to be confident in your abilities and what you bring to the table. And your career is going to go how you want it to go.

“It sounds cliché, but I think that really resonated with me because you have to take charge of your future, your plan, and what you want to bring to an organization. You have to go in there, be confident, shape things the way you want them to go and have a voice and then people will follow. That was huge for me.”

Roethlisberger may not strike people as the right guy to ask for advice. Then you look at his list of accomplishments. Not only a five-time Pro Bowler with every Steelers passing record. He’s also a two-time Super Bowl champion. Maybe the guy knows what he’s talking about. The fact he came out of the same state with the same list of concerns only makes it more appealing to someone like Trubisky.

Of course the two men are different athletes with different styles. Hence why the advice was so fitting. The only way Mitch gets where he wants to go in Chicago is by doing things his way.

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