With the 18th pick in the 2009 Draft, the Chicago Bears draft…

From the minute the Bears’ season ended, the water-cooler talk began. The Bears finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs by only one game. This was supposed to be a “rebuilding” year with so many questions concerning the offense and an ageing defense. Kyle Orton didn’t play like Peyton Manning but was showing some promise before he injured his ankle on November 2nd against the Detroit Lions. When he returned (perhaps a few weeks early), he transformed into a turnover machine. Orton’s bi-polar play during the 2008 season leaves the Bears with a tough choice this April.

With multiple needs, where will the Monsters of the Midway try to improve via the draft? The Bears’ needs range between Quarterback (QB), Strong Safety (SS), Cornerback (CB), Defensive End (DE), Wide Receiver (WR), Running Back (RB) and last but not least Offensive Guard (OG). 

Matt Forte was a great pickup last year in the second round and is a strong contender for Rookie of the Year. However, Forte had a huge workload during his rookie campaign and durability is always an issue at the running back position. Without a decent backup on the roster, look for the Bears to draft someone to spell Forte for a few drives a game, in order to keep him healthy and productive.

Obviously the needs don’t stop there. The Bears really can’t go wrong withwhatever position the decide to draft in the first round. Bears General Manager, Jerry Angelo has publically admitted that the “heart and soul” (Mike Brown) of this defense probably won’t return next year. Brown’s ability (or lack-thereof) to stay healthy definitely played a part in the decision but that wasn’t the only reason. Angelo said that Brown’s presence was limiting Daniel Manning’s development and that it would probably be best for everyone if Brown moves on. It’s safe to say that Strong Safety is a high priority.

Cornerback shouldn’t be an issue with the Bears with players like Nathan Vasher and Charles Tillman. Due to injuries and underwhelming play, the Bears seemed to play “Musical Cornerbacks” throughout the season. Adding some depth would be wise but not the number one priority.

Previously mentioned, Kyle Orton didn’t cement himself into the “Quarterback of the Future” as everyone hoped he would. The crop of Quarterbacks is quite thin this year, but that’s not to say that there isn’t anyone out there. With Rex Grossman (probably) leaving for free agency, the Bears will most definitely need to address this position in the offseason, either through the draft or free agency. After all, the Quarterback position is the most important on the team and has been a problem with the city of Chicago ever since they last won the Superbowl back in 1985.

The (normally) feared defense was all but scary last season. Perhaps this was due to lackluster play from the defensive line & not applying pressure on the opposing QB, thus leaving plenty of time for receivers to get open down-field. Defensive End is a concern and is a vital part to the “Cover Two” scheme that the Bears run. The Bears hired one of the best Defensive Line coaches on the planet  in Ron Marinelli. Expect to see a much improved Defensive effort because of Marinelli’s coaching/motivation.

Last season, Chicago drafted Offensive Lineman Chris Williams but due to injury, Chris didn’t make it onto the field until the later part of the season. With the entire team and offensive line in particular getting older, look for Chicago to draft another Offensive Linemen to pair with Williams. The offense revolves around the line in both passing and running situations. A good line, means the QB has time in the pocket to make throws down the field which in turn, leads to more scoring. Let’s hope they have better luck than they did with Williams in his first year.

It’s no secret that the Bears’ Wide Receivers were more than lackluster. Brandon Lloyd was more focused on getting a bigger contract. There’s no wonder this guy bounces around the league. He’s another “ME” player who concentrates more on his rap career. Rashied Davis showed promise in the pre-season but had the hands of a linebacker. Davis was a rally killer all year long. Earl Bennett who was drafted in the third round last year, wasn’t given a chance on Sundays. Let’s hope he can get on the field to show everyone why (if) he was worth the pick. Devin Hester was no doubt the Bears’ best receiver last year but his play as a kick/punt returner suffered. Wide Receiver is a top priority whether it’s addressed in the draft or free agency.

There you have it. The Bears have a lot of work ahead of them before the season starts. The draft is on April 24th and 25th. The NFL is a great league because 1-15 teams one year can come back and win 11 the next season (Miami Dolphins 2008). Let’s hope the Bears can improve and make a push for the playoffs in ‘09.

Peavy talks to start up again?

Is Peavy on his way to the North Side? It could be closer than you think. Yesterday, Jim Hendry traded a former “can’t miss” prospect to the Baltimore Orioles for southpaw Garrett Olsen and right hander Henry Williamson. The Chicago Cubs had a line just as long as the season ticket waitlist for outfield roster spots. With the acquisition of fellow speedster Joey Gathright, Felix Pie was sent packing.

Once considered the prized possession of the Cubs’ farm system, Pie failed to adjust to major league hitting. Pie hit .299 in the minors throughout his career but followed the same path as Corey Patterson (another “stud prospect” who didn’t pan out!”

Some fans are outraged at this trade because Pie was once our “untouchable” prospect. However, those same fans fail to realize that with Kosuke Fukudome, Reed Johnson, Alfonso Soriano, Milton Bradley, & Joey Gathright, Pie (who is out of options) would’ve never seen the light of day on this roster. When a player is out of options, the only way the team can keep the player under their control, is to keep them on the 25 man roster. If the player isn’t on the 25 man roster, then they become a free agent and are free to sign with whoever they like.

Now Hendry, instead of losing Pie for nothing,  managed to grab some more pitching (as the old saying goes, “you can never have enough pitching.”) Olson was heavily coveted by the San Diego Padres a few weeks ago. However, the Padres couldn’t get the Orioles to part ways with him. This is where things get interesting, the Padres are the home of Jake Peavy. Peavy has been the center of attention with the Cubs at the GM meetings and all off-season. It was revealed that Jim Hendry stepped away from the table when the Hot Stove was getting warm.

Since the GM meetings, Hendry has shed himself of salary by trading Jason Marquis and Mark DeRosa. In the DeRosa trade involving Clevland, the Cubs recieved three minor league pitchers. When Pie was traded for even more pitching, the rumor mill began to operate at full swing once again.

My thought on all of these moves is this: WERE GETTING PEAVY! All of the signs are there. We got a stockpile of decent prospects from the DeRosa and Pie trades. We’ve made room on the payroll (Marquis). The only snag in the plan, is that the team still hasn’t been sold. This process has been dragged out for over a year, once its settled (the rumor is that the winning bidder will be announced this week) things will be a lot easier. Hendry will know what he is and isn’t allowed to do concerning payroll.

Enough about Peavy.

Quick Notes:  There have been rumors that Rich Harden has an injured shoulder already (spring training hasn’t even started)! If the Cubs don’t acquire a 5th starter, then the Cubs plan on holding try-outs during the Spring. Players in the running for the last rotation spot include: Jeff Samardizja, Sean Marshall, Chad Gaudin, Garrett Olson, & Angel Guzman. Last week, Carlos Zambrano (Mr. No-No) announced that he would have Lasik eye surgery to correct blurry vision in his right eye. On a lighter note, Jim Hendry was grilled by female Cub fans at the Cubs Convention about why he traded DeRosa and whether or not he could come back to celebrate a World Series victory in 2009. He smiled and said “I knew that was coming.”

Rock Bottom

     When the Chicago Bulls drafted Derrick Rose with the number one overall pick in last years draft, I felt confident that the Baby Bulls would push for a playoff spot. After 37 games, I no longer feel this way. Sure, the Bulls have taken more than their fair share of injuries, but what happened on Saturday night is absolutely unacceptable. Losing to THE worst team in the NBA at home isn’t going to cut it. The Bulls have a chance to redeem themselves on Monday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. With Kirk Hinrich making his comeback from a hand injury that has kept him out for 31 games and with the return of Luol Deng from an ankle injury that has nagged him for 9 games, the Bulls are finally healthy.

     In all of my time watching sports, I have never seen a more selfish team. Three times during the Oklahoma City debacle on Saturday, the Bulls had three 2 on 1 fastbreaks. Instead of making the easy pass for the basket, Larry Hughes who has publicly expressed his frustration over playing time, decided to keep the ball and subsequently missed the easy buckets. Hughes is the ultimate “me” player. There is a reason he has bounced around the league so much. Even with his talent, the “me first” attitude that Hughes portrays, always destroys the team he is playing for.

There are so many problems with this team, that I don’t even know where to start. The logjam of guards needs to be addressed along with acquiring someone who will step up and be a leader for this immature “group” of “professionals”. The Bulls would be in better shape if draft busts, Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomas would reach their potential and play like first round picks. Tyrus, as of late has been improving and will continue to improve if he stops shooting jumpers and sticks with getting fast-break dunks. Noah has made me lose all hope. I’ve officially given up on him. When drafted, we were promised that Joakim would (if nothing else) bring energy and hustle. He is one of the most boring & ”dazed and confused” players I’ve ever witness wear a Bulls uniform. After 37 games, you would think that a professional basketball player (first round draft pick no less) would be in shape and at least look like he belongs in the NBA.

One thing is for sure, the Bulls have hit rock bottom. The good thing about this is, that there is nowhere to go but up. Hopefully with the trade deadline next month, the Bulls can rid themselves of dead weight and people who aren’t committed to the team, along with acquiring some talent to make a push for the playoffs.

What do you have up your sleeve Mr. Hendry?

Hello all, holiday break is over, now it’s back to the grind that is covering Chicago sports.

In 2008 the Chicago Cubs won 97 games and were the most dominate team in the National League. However, when the calender turned to October, the Cubs forgot to show up. Being swept in the first round of the post-season two years in a row has lit a fire under management to improve the team and to finally get us over the hump. So when the Cubs entered the off-season, I was expecting to dump some dead weight and pick up and power left-handed bat along with a stud pitcher to complete our already stacked rotation. Thus far, I’m still waiting. Let’s recap, shall we?

10/31/08: Cubs allow Kerry Wood (RP) declare for free agency
11/13/08: Cubs trade Jose Ceda (RP) to Marlins for Kevin Gregg (RP)
11/18/08: Cubs sign Ryan Dempster (SP) to 3 year deal (plus player option)
12/16/08: Cubs sign Joey Gathright (CF) to a 1 year deal
12/31/08: Cubs sign Aaron Miles (2B) to 2 year deal
12/31/08: Cubs trade Mark DeRosa (2B) to Indians for Jeff Stevens (RP), Chris Archer (RP), & John Gaub (RP)

So there you have it. We managed to trade our best pitching prospect (Ceda) for the guy who led the league in blown saves last year (Gregg). But even before that, we let our heart and soul of this team (and all-star closer) Kerry Wood walk and sign with the Indians. It gets worse (yes it’s possible)! Then, Big Jim trades away, arguably our best position player (DeRosa) to the Indians for 3 no-name minor league pitchers who all have a low ceiling.

The rumor mill is in full swing with both the believable and the absurd. Many sources close to the Cubs have reported that we’ve come to an agreement with Milton Bradley (who when HEALTHY, is a force and would greatly improve our balance on offense, but would make our outfield one of the worst defensively). The deal is reportedly 3 years at 10 million per year. It worries me however, since Bradley has had a history of behavior problems. Looking at it from the other side though, maybe that’s what we need. Someone who will blow up and shake up the chemistry of this ballclub. It’s something we’ve been missing for the last few years.

Looking at the other options however, make Bradley more attractive. We could always stick with Kosuke Fukudome and pray he returns to his ‘08 first half form. Or we could look at Adam Dunn who would be a monster hitting at Wrigley and is notorious for being a Cub Killer. His defense is what scares me (along with Bradley). I like Dunn because of his impressive on-base percentage along with his home run and walk totals. Combine that with his good health (something he has over Bradley) and you have a solid free agent. Other options are to look in house with the likes of Micah Hoffpauir, Joey Gathright, Felix Pie, or even Sam Fuld.

Word on the Hot Stove is that the Cubs have reached a trade with the Colorodo Rockies to send Jason Marquis (SP) to the Rockies for Luis Vizcaino (RP). This would be good for the Cubs so they could dump some of Marquis backloaded contract.

With all of this said, I’m very disappointed with the way this off-season has unfolded. Never in a hundred years did I expect to lose 2 of our best players for virtually nothing. I know the current ownership situation has hindered what Jim Hendry can do but with teams like the Yankees buying their all-star teams, I fear that the Cubs may not even make the playoffs let alone win the world series. So I ask the question. What do you have up your sleeve Mr. Hendry? Don’t let me down…

Kissed by a Rose…

One year ago, the Chicago Bulls were in the midst of a pathetic season. They fired their coach Scott Skiles on Christmas, shook up the roster with a three team trade & finished the regular season with a disappointing record of 33-49. As a Bulls fan, I found myself wondering if the winning tradition would ever return to the United Center. All of my worries were put to rest on May 20th during the NBA Lottery. The Bulls with a measly 1.7% chance of landing the number one pick, did just that. Not only did they win the lottery, they hit the jackpot!

The next month was littered with the question. Michael Beasley or Derrick Rose? With the lack of a stand-out big man, the choice was clear. The Bulls took the 6-3 pointguard. Plain and simple: they got it right. Rose, who was born and raised in the Windy City, is only two years removed from leading his high school, Simeon Career Academy, to back to back state championships. Oh yeah, he also took the Memphis Tigers to the NCAA Championship Game (as a freshmen) where they lost to the Kansas Jayhawks.

Rose who is nicknamed Pooh (by his grandmother) hasn’t disappointed. From the day he signed his contract, Rose has carried himself like a 10 year veteran (much like Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte). There was some early controversy as to what Rose’s presense would do to the already crowded back-court. However, early injuries to Kirk Hinrich and to a lesser extent Larry Hughes have allowed Rose  to emerge as a superstar.

If anything has changed from last year it’s this, the Bulls have someone to take “the shot.” Derrick who is averaging17.7 points per game along with 6.2 assists per game is anchoring the core of young talent. This team has the “potential” to be great for years to come, as long as these young players can stay healthy and continue to develop their game.

Basketball fans in Chicago haven’t had much to cheer about since the Jordan era but Rose is changing that. Even non-basketball fans are tuning in to watch Rose & for good reason too. Pooh has become a shot-blocking, ankle-breaking (just ask Andre Miller) and clutch shooting highlight machine. If the Bulls are able to land a star Center (Ben Wallace doesn’t count) watch out, Eastern Conference!

A new beginning…

Hello all, I’ve been doing a few blogs over the years. I’ve decided to clean them all up and condense them into one, to form a more perfect blog. In this blog, you can expect to read about my thoughts on all of my Chicago teams. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks for reading.