Javier Baez Pulls Off Some More Wizardry Last Night At The WBC

Gus
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Javier Baez Pulls Off Some More Wizardry Last Night At The WBC

Javier Baez was up to his old tricks again last night at the World Baseball Classic. He helped lead team Puerto Rico to a 4-3 victory over the Netherlands in a semi-final match up in front of 24,865 crazed baseball fans at Dodger Stadium last night.

The win means Puerto Rico will face the winner of the US/Japan semi-final game and if that game is anything like last night’s gem, fans are sure in for a treat.

Fans at Dodger Stadium saw first hand why Baez has taken on the nickname of “El Mago” (the Magician) since his arrival in Chicago in August of 2014. Cubs fans have become accustomed to the crazy defensive plays, the wild slides, the huge home runs, and the lightning quick hands that Baez has displayed the past few seasons and last night, it was on display for the world to see.

Javy first dazzled the crowd in the fourth inning when he pulled a Matrix-type slide to avoid the tag during at attempted steal of third base. (I’m sure you appreciate the irony of this situation as it’s usually Baez who is the one doing the tagging.) Baez was initially called out on the play but once it was reviewed, the tape clearly showed that some how Baez avoided the tag which overturned the ruling and he was eventually ruled safe.

Insane.

Once he was done dazzling fans on the base paths, Javy then showed off more wizardry in the field. With Puerto Rico holding a 3-2 lead in the top of the fifth inning, the Netherlands’ Shawn Zarraga ripped a double to the wall in left-center field. While Wladimir Balentien scored the tying run from second base easily, Jonathan Schoop had no such luck in his attempt to bring the go-ahead tally home from first.

What makes this play so damn impressive is the accuracy of Javy’s cannon throw to home plate. According to Statcast, Baez fired an 89.6-mph strike to the plate to retire the runner and keep the game tied. To put that in perspective, Statcast tracked only two harder assists from second basemen in 2016, both at 91.3 mph.

I’m 100% pulling for the American team to defeat the Japanese in their semi-final match-up because I can’t wait to watch Team Puerto Rico a.k.a. Team Swag show the American team how to have fun playing baseball.

And to be honest, I just really want to see Javy do more shit like this on the field.

Too much sauce.

 

Magic Happens When The Blackhawks Shoot The Puck

Brian Foran
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Magic Happens When The Blackhawks Shoot The Puck

To be honest, I’m still in a bit of a daze from the borderline cinematic conclusion to last night’s Blackhawks and Avalanche game. I’ve sort of just been sitting here, in the same spot on my couch from which I watched the action unfold for the betterment of the past 12 hours motionless, partially comatose and shell-shocked – you could call it – wondering just what the hell happened – how last night’s whirlwind of frustrating and anger-fueled emotions somehow concluded on such an explosive and positive note.

How is it that the Blackhawks’ worst performance of the 2016/2017 season was coincidentally their proclamation of preeminence to the rest of the league? How did the Blackhawks, during a game in which they trailed the NHL’s version of the Cleveland Browns – who some describe as being one of the worst hockey teams of our generation – for the betterment 3 periods, weave such a burlesque and embarrassing performance into a declaration of might?

Well, for one, if you followed me live tweeting the action you’d know I sold my tickets to last night’s game. Let’s call it divine intervention from the Hockey Gods sticking it in my ear for choosing greed over loyalty. But on a more serious note, it’s almost as if the Blackhawks went into last night’s game with the same, stubborn mindset I did – one that figured the Blackhawks could play on their knees with mini sticks and still come out victorious over a team that hardly qualifies as NHL competition.

It seemed that everyone aside from rookie sparkplug Ryan Hartman and starting netminder Scott Darling shared this mindset and subsequently learned the hard way that even the worst NHL team since the 2014 Edmonton Oilers is still very much an NHL team.

After taking a quick and easy 1-0 lead over household name Jeremy Smith and the Colorado Avalanche just 4:33 into the opening period, the Blackhawks – seemingly doing their best impression of me coming home from work on a hot Friday afternoon – kicked up their feet, grabbed a beer and set their tempo to cruise control.

The ensuing two periods were among the more frustrating sequences I have experienced in my days covering the team. “Inexcusable” was the reoccurring word bouncing through my head. Tonight is the night the Blackhawks could become the first team in the Western Conference to clinch a playoff spot while simultaneously taking a commanding 7 point lead over the floundering Minnesota Wild, I thought, rather they’re clinging to the finger tips of lady luck on home ice under the boot heel of a team 54 points below them in the standings. And fortunate the Blackhawks were. If not for the exploits of Scott Darling, you’d need a mathematician specializing in chaos theory to calculate just how ugly the game could have gotten.

Exacerbating the situation was the Blackhawks refusal to shoot the freakin’ puck. Now it’s only fair I go on record to declare my absolute, undying loathing for fans who continuously yell “shoot!” when their favorite team has offensive zone control. I honestly detest these individuals with every fiber of my being as much as I abhor grownups who block-out children in order to get on television during Chevy Blackhawks Pregame Live segments.

Last night’s performance was so frustratingly despicable for the better part of two periods it reduced me into what I hate most in this world, a loathsome and obnoxious “shoot the puck!” person. Only, in this rare instance was there rationality behind my, what likely sounded like, banshee-esque pleas. The Blackhawks, in particular Nick Schmaltz, were being too cute and passing up far too many high quality, grade-A scoring chances.

In net for Colorado was Jeremy Smith, a 27-year old rookie who started the season third on the Avs depth chart and was only flung into action after a season-ending injury to starter Semyon Varlamov. If the generically underwhelming name Jeremy Smith wasn’t enough to send tremors of terror crawling down your spine, perhaps his numbers this season will. In 7 games played, including last night’s, Smith has posted a 1-5 record, a save percentage of .890 and a goals against average of 3.44. In other words, Jeremy Smith is the archetype of someone you’d want to bombard with shots – something that took the cutsie, pass-happy, through-the-motions Blackhawks 2 1/2 periods to figure out.

The moment the Blackhawks collectively settled on the reality that their counterparts were indeed Jeremy Smith and the 2016-2017 Colorado Avalanche and not Dominik Hasek and the 2002 Detroit Red Wings is when the bombardment and ensuing carnage commenced.

Trading in the extra pass and cute play for the simple, when-in-doubt, good ole-fashioned strategy of just getting the puck on net is what ultimately opened the flood gates for the five goal, third period explosion that announced to the rest of the NHL that there exists an extra, previously unknown gear the already dangerous Blackhawks can kick into when desperate and cornered.

White Sox Keeping Tim Anderson On The South Side For The Long Haul

Emmet McClain
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White Sox Keeping Tim Anderson On The South Side For The Long Haul

A few months back, I wrote an article explaining how the current White Sox rebuild is centered around Tim Anderson and how he could very well end up being the future captain of the team. Well, it looks like the front office of the White Sox are thinking the same thing.

Rick Hahn seems to have a knack for locking up key players to team friendly contracts, i.e. Chris Sale, Adam Eaton, and Jose Quintana. If he continues that pattern, Tim Anderson will be patrolling short stop on the South Side for the long haul. Tim had a great rookie year and should only continue to get better as he gains more experience. It is one thing to acquire core players for the future, but it is equally important to lock them up longterm. It sounds like Rick Hahn is about to do just that. With Tim Anderson and Yoan Moncada manning the middle of the infield, the White Sox will have one of the younger and more entertaining double-play duos in all of baseball.

UPDATE:

Get used to seeing a lot more of Tim Anderson on the South Side, folks.

 

Eddie Belfour To Get “One More Shift” With The Blackhawks

Marc-Louis Paprzyca
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Eddie Belfour To Get “One More Shift” With The Blackhawks

Hockey Hall of Fame member Ed Belfour will be the latest Chicago Blackhawks legend to get “One More Shift” with the organization. The Eagle follows Denis Savard, Jeremy Roenick and Steve Larmer as players from their era who did not win a Cup with the team to receive the honor. Ironically, Belfour’s night will come against the Dallas Stars for whom he did win a Stanley Cup after leaving the Blackhawks.

Belfour is one of the most beloved Blackhawks players for his play, antics and his legendary mask. Through parts of 8 seasons with the organization Belfour played 415 regular season games, which ranks as the fourth most. His 201 wins and 30 shutouts are third best in an organization rich in goalie history.

During his rookie campaign in 1990-1991 he registered a team record 43 wins en route to the Calder (rookie of the year), Jennings (fewest goals allowed) and Vezina (best goaltender) trophies. Belfour would post 41 wins in 1992-1993 and is the only Blackhawks goalie to have multiple 40 win seasons. The Eagle would also earn another Vezina Trophy in 1993 and two more Jennings trophies in 1993 and 1995.

Belfour ranks third all-time in Blackhawks playoff victories with 35. In 1992 he helped lead the organization to their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1973. He posted a 12-4 record and 2.47 gaa in those playoffs but fell short to the Mario Lemieux led Pittsburgh Penguins.

Belfour went on to play with the San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers. He amassed 484 wins which is third all time and posted 76 career shutouts to rank ninth. The Eagle won a gold medal with Team Canada in 2002 and was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011.

I have one question though. Since he will be skating out with the team for the national anthem, will Frank Pelico play the Canadian National Anthem for Belfour?

 

Lambert Mock Draft 1.0: Bears Make Desired Trade

Erik Lambert
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Lambert Mock Draft 1.0: Bears Make Desired Trade

Sports Mockery hasn’t done a mock draft for the Chicago Bears yet this offseason. Part of that was waiting until the picture cleared somewhat. Would Jay Cutler be cut or traded? Would Alshon Jeffery stay or leave? What would they do in free agency? Most of those questions have been answered and therefor it’s becoming easier to see the direction they will likely go.

Thus here it is. The first official SM mock draft featuring a full exploration from the first round to the seventh. Trades are of course included. Nothing too extravagant. Maintaining a degree of sanity is always welcome in such instances. So without further preamble, here is how things get started.

As usual, with the unexpected.

TRADE:  #3 pick to the New York Jets for #6 pick and DE Sheldon Richardson

Why the Jets would do it – New York needs a quarterback in the worst way. Bryce Petty isn’t the answer and Christian Hackenberg has shown zero signs of being a future franchise player. The tricky part is how to entice them to move up. They can’t afford to give up picks. That’s where Richardson comes in. He’s entering the final year of his deal and holds enough trade value to make it work.

Why the Bears would do it – For starters they have a sizable hole on their defensive line at the end position opposite Akiem Hicks. Richardson would instantly fill that. They have the money to give him a long-term extension too. Thus the Bears have a front of Hicks, Richardson and Eddie Goldman. Potentially lethal. It also puts them in a more justifiable position for what comes next.

1st Round via NYJ (pick #6) – Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson

Having secured another quality piece for the defense, Ryan Pace is finally free to go after his quarterback of the future. Mike Glennon may be the starter for 2017 but the odds of it staying that way are minimal. Besides, everything about Deshaun Watson says he’s exactly the kind of quarterback Pace loves. He’s a winner (28-2 with a national title in two years). He’s smart, cool under pressure, athletic and revered by teammates for his leadership and toughness. That checks every box Pace said he looks for. One can nitpick the good-not-great arm and streaky accuracy, but he has succeeded everywhere he’s been.

Kyle Long Reveals Who He Would Love Bears To Draft

Erik Lambert
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Kyle Long Reveals Who He Would Love Bears To Draft

It’s generally not normal of NFL players to offer their opinions on who they think their teams should or should not be interested in for the draft. Most take the classic approach. They’ll accept whomever the GM and head coach believe can help them win. A boring reply if ever there was one. Then again Chicago Bears fans learned long ago that Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long is anything but boring.

In addition to being a great football player, Long is also one of the teams’ most outspoken. At least when it comes to social media. Generally he sticks to subjects like gaming and what not, but sometimes he just can’t resist “meddling” in the teams’ offseason business. Maybe a little recruit of free agents whenever he gets the chance.

Now it seems the 27-year old wants to add armchair GM to his list of duties as a Bear. When examining the top of the 2017 college draft class, he laid out whom he believes is probably the best player to get.

How Bears Free Agency Moves Have Tipped Off Plans For #3 Pick

Erik Lambert
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How Bears Free Agency Moves Have Tipped Off Plans For #3 Pick

Free agency for all intents and purposes is over. The Chicago Bears may still make a couple moves in the next month or so. That’s common procedure, but the big ones are complete. Almost all primary focus has shifted to the upcoming NFL draft. Easily the most important that this regime has faced yet and maybe the most important in the past decade.

After finishing 3-13, there is no question the pressure is higher than ever to get this ship pointed in the right direction. That is what GM Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox promised. Admittedly they accepted a difficult job, inheriting the oldest team in the NFL two years ago. Since then they’ve rapidly turned over the roster, making it one of the youngest.

Unfortunately such actions can create growing pains. This new Bears team is trying to forge its own identity. The belief is this next draft will provide clarity on what that will be. It’s just a matter of figuring out who they may have targeted for the #3 pick. One way people can narrow that down? By looking closer at how the team operated in free agency.

Blackhawks Clinch Playoff Spot After Win Over Avs, Help From Calgary

Brian Foran
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Blackhawks Clinch Playoff Spot After Win Over Avs, Help From Calgary

To be honest, it’s more than three hours before puck drop on Sunday afternoon as I’m writing this. If this isn’t a testament to how confident I am the Blackhawks will win with ease tonight at home versus the NHL’s version of the Cleveland Browns, I’m not sure what is. That said, don’t let me down, Calgary.

And here is me now editing this article hours later. And while the Blackhawks indeed did win, it wasn’t the steamrolling I imagined it would be. And by not easy, I mean holy shit, what a roller coaster of a game that was. My head is still spinning from the final five minutes of the third period.

Aside from the obvious, smartass route of winning a bunch more games than a bunch of other teams in the Western Conference, there was a steady stream of scenarios that laid the groundwork for the Blackhawks’ ability to clinch tonight.

As you’re probably aware by now, the surging Calgary Flames, indeed, did defeat the Los Angeles Kings in regulation, thus solidifying the Blackhawks place in the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Granted, none of this should come as a surprise to any of you, as it’s just as rare these days to see a flying unicorn as it is a Blackhawks loss.

As of this very moment, the Blackhawks hold a 7 point lead on the Wild for tops in the Central Division after yet another Minnesota loss today. Where the standings currently sit, Chicago would be the number 1 seed in the Western Conference and would face-off against the Nashville Predators, the lesser of the two wild card teams, in round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

7 Facts That Prove The Bears and Deshaun Watson Are Destined

Erik Lambert
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7 Facts That Prove The Bears and Deshaun Watson Are Destined

The Chicago Bears have not drafted a quarterback in the first round for 14 years now. They haven’t even drafted one above the fourth round in 12 years. If people were wondering where all the problems could be traced with this team, a lack of investment at the moment important position certainly stands out. Will GM Ryan Pace finally break that streak?

This is what people want to know. He’s said for two years that he’d love to start adding quarterbacks via the draft. Yet for two years he’s done no such thing. A total of 15 picks and counting with a single one. People are starting to wonder if he might be dancing around the subject, becoming much like previous GMs, unwilling to invest valuable draft resources there. Content to keep trying the free agent route with guys like Mike Glennon.

That may be about to change though. There are increasing signs that the Bears could indeed go after a quarterback early in the draft this April. One name that is rising up the list fast is Deshaun Watson. Chicago had four major representatives at his pro day, including their quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone. There are many reasons to think he could be the guy they covet.

Including ones people might not realize.

Blackhawks Score THREE Goals In 34 Seconds To Take The Lead Over Colorado

Matt Barbato
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Blackhawks Score THREE Goals In 34 Seconds To Take The Lead Over Colorado

The Chicago Blackhawks found an insanely unique way to make a 3-1 deficit disappear.

It seemed as if the Hawks were left for dead and headed for a disappointing loss to the abysmal Colorado Avalanche. Then, essentially the blink of an eye or a trip to the bathroom, the game was turned on its head. And it all started with a gift from the referees.

Duncan Keith sent a knuckle puck from the left point that re-directed off of Jonathan Toews’ stick and snuck past Avalanche goalie Jeremy Smith. It appeared to be a 3-2 game.

However, it appeared as if Toews was offside before Richard Panik entered the puck into the zone. Colorado challenged it, but the call was (inexplicably) upheld.

You tell me if this is offsides or not:

The call was upheld, the Blackhawks probably thanked the hockey gods and the score was 3-2.

That’s when the nuttiness at the United Center began.

Seventeen seconds later (cough cough, 2013 Stanley Cup Final Game 6) Panik roofed a rebound from the royal road to tie the game at three.

Seventeen seconds later (no this isn’t a typo), Artemi Panarin took the lead with a turnaround wrister that Smith got a piece of, but not enough to prevent it from skipping across the goal line.

Jonathan Toews put the cherry on top of a whimsical third period with his second goal of the game and 20th goal of the season to put the Hawks up 5-3.

Chicago went from down 3-1 nearly halfway through the third period to a last-place team to up comfortably by two goals in a matter of 3:02. They scored three goals in 34 seconds and won the game 6-3.

Word to the rest of the NHL: Don’t sleep on this Hawks team.

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