The Rebuild Begins Despite Jed Hoyer's Rebuild Denial

 

May 24, 2022

The Chicago Cubs (17-24) are playing as expected. There are a lot of holes that need to be filled. It may take some time, but President Jed Hoyer has done a good job stocking the minors. In the coming months, you may be seeing the future Cubs. Inconsistency has been a major problem.

Hoyer’s biggest free agent signing was Japanese superstar Seiya Suzuki. He lit the world on fire at the start of season and was April’s rookie of the month. He has since fallen on hard times. Pitchers make adjustments and word spread on how to get him out. He is also seeing pitches he’s never encountered. A good example is the ease in which White Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito got him out with his deadly change-up. Good hitters adjust and figure out how pitchers are trying to get them out. Being a rookie, it sometimes takes till the end of this or the next season to become acclimated to major league pitching. One thing he has that many rookies don’t, is a great knowledge of the strike zone.  I hate to be a downer but I can only think of two players, Ichiro Suzuki and currently Shohei Ohtani who have had success after playing in Japan.

What was unexpected was the Cubs relievers having more success than the starters. Kyle Hendricks is no longer an elite starter. Although he can be good at times, he has had as many awful starts. He has struggled and put the Cubs behind the eight ball. Hoyer should deal him before you can’t get a big return. Hoyer’s other free agent was pitcher Marcus Stroman who is battling illnesses and his starts have been inconsistent. Drew Smyly had a couple of good starts before coming off the rails, while the jury is still out on Wade Miley. The future lies with Justin Steele. He keeps getting better in his first year as starter and should be the ace of the staff next year. The Cubs do have some reinforcements in Iowa. It shouldn’t be long before the Cubs call up 25 year old Caleb Kilian, who is 2-1 with a 1.31 era.  Next year Keegan Thompson needs to be stretched to join the rotation. 

The Cubs bullpen has been outstanding. They have excellent set-up men for rejuvenated closer David Robertson, who has 6 saves and 1.78 era. Set-up men Keegan Thompson, Rowan Wick and Scott Effross have a combined 1.58 era. Chris Martin, Jesse Chavez are two more reliable set-up men.

The Cubs scored 21 runs against the Pirates, otherwise the offense has been as pathetic as the White Sox. The best hitter on the team is catcher Willson Contreras. Right now he is a little banged up and Yan Gomes is catching. Gomes is not part of the future so I’m wondering why recently called up Brandon Hughes is not catching. The Yankees are looking for catching and could land Contreras at the trade deadline. It may not end up being the Yankees, but he’s almost certain to be gone.  The Cubs have much of the season without their double play combination most of the year. Shortstop Nico Hoerner and second baseman Nick Madrigal were expected to be table setters but have been out most of the season and David Bote’s career is in jeopardy. I didn’t expect first baseman Frank Schwindel to be the hitter he was last year but not as bad as .226. Only an injury kept him from being sent down. Third baseman Patrick Wisdom has nine homers in only 126 at-bats.  He also has struck out a whopping 56 times. Ian Happ in leftfield is having a typical Ian Happ season. His numbers are never overwhelming but he is one of the Cubs most consistent hitters.

One of the Cubs main objectives should be to get younger. Therefore, it was good to bring up Christopher Morel. Morel will turn 23 in June and is filling a hole at second base. When Nick Madrigal comes back, Manager David Ross has to realize that Morel is a better option in centerfield than Jason Heyward. It will be interesting to see if the players Hoyer got in last year’s blockbuster trades pan out.

The Underachieving White Sos

 

May 24, 2022

The labor strife between players and owners shortened spring training. Many early games were postponed or played in frigid temperatures. Despite this many teams have played ¼ of the season. This includes the White Sox and Cubs whose seasons can be described with one word, BRUTAL!

The White Sox (21-20) have not looked like a team capable of reaching the World Series. They trail Minnesota by four games. There is plenty of time left so it’s not time to panic. They are a tad over .500 despite a nine game losing streak. A double header sweep of the Yankees has cushioned the blow of a bad start.

Like last year, the Sox have been besieged by injuries. Before the season started Garrett Crochet needed Tommy John surgery and is out for the year. There number one starter from last year, Lance Lynn also came up with a sore arm and isn’t projected to back until June. Yoan Moncada missed the first 27 games and still is trying to get back to the player he was in 2019. The season started with pitcher Lucas Gioito got hurt after 4 innings in the opener and missed two starts. A. J. Pollock, Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez  all got hurt running to first. Pollock went the 10 day IL, Robert missed 7games and Jimenez is out until sometime in June.   Finally Andrew Vaugh was having a good year until he was hit by a pitch causing him to miss 12 games and is just getting back in the groove.

Like last year the White Sox are one of the worst defensive team. It’s not only errors but there are a lot plays that should be made that are ruled hits or not completing sure double plays. Winning becomes more difficult when your opponents are getting four outs per inning In a loss, Cleveland aided by two errors scored six runs to tie the game in the ninth and won the game in the tenth. Tony LaRussa said they didn’t lose because of the defense.

The Sox have had many managers including the confused Terry Bevington and the comatose Robin Ventura. No one has been worse than LaRussa. Managers don’t win or lose games however most know what to do to give their team the best chance at winning. LaRussa makes many bad decisions that figure into games. Now I could write a three page blog and it still wouldn’t cover his blunders. I will give you a couple and move on. When a team slumping at the plate managers like to shake up the line-up. However, anyone who would put Leury Garcia in the third spot has to have the head examined.  In a tie game the opposing pitcher is struggling. With runners on first and second, LaRussa calls for a bunt. Taking the bat out the hands of their best hitter the Guardians walk Tim Anderson.

The best thing the Sox have going for them is starting pitching. Dylan Cease has developed into an elite starter. He had one hiccup against the Yankees. He is 4-1 with a 3.09 era and leads the league in strikeouts. Michael Kopeck last pitched seven scoreless against the Yankees and his 1.24 era is the second best in the league. When healthy Giolito can be really good No one has a change up like his.GM Rick Hahn made a great move signing Johnny Cueto.  He’s had two starts of six innings and has not been scored upon. When Lynn comes the Sox don’t have to start Dallas Keuchel. The bullpen has been shaky but maybe turning the corner as they stronger and the weather gets warmer.

The biggest problem is the White Sox aren’t hitting. Three players in the line-up have averages below .100 . Tim Anderson. Robert and Vaughn are the only hitters having decent years. Jose Abreu is hitting .214 but has always been a warm weather hitter. Yasmani Grandal is hitting below.200.  without the walks.  LaRussa keeps him in the heart of the line-up. Can anyone explain the fascination with Garcia ?    

Exciting Bulls Relevant Again

 

April 29, 2022

In the first round of the playoffs, led by Demar DeRozan’s 41 points, the Bulls upset the Milwaukee Bucks in game two. The Bulls had wrestled home court advantage with this road win. Later it was learned that all-star Kris Middleton was injured and would not return. This actually helped the Bucks, as they inserted Bobby Portis to join Brook Lopez and Giannis Antetokounm up front. The Bulls were completely
outsized. This, combined with poor perimeter shooting gave the Bulls no chance. Giannis is going to dominate most games, but it was arch enemy Grayson Allen’s sharpshooting that doomed the Bulls as they were blown out in the last three games. However, gaining experience in the playoffs is a big positive.

The loss in the playoffs shouldn’t overshadow the fine season. The Bulls improved, posting 46 wins, compared to 31 wins last year, and were a 6 seed in the playoffs. If they don’t get beset by injuries, they win 50 games and they get a 1 or 2 seed. The future looks bright and I’m confident that President of Basketball Operations, Arturas Karnisovas, will fortify this team in the off season.

The Bulls immediately get better as forward Patrick Williams becomes a starter. Lonzo Bell should eventually heal from his injury to facilitate their offense. Rookie Ayo Dosunmu was better than expected and should improve. Alex Caruso will be the leader of a tenacious defense. Center Nicola Vucevic was inconsistent most of the year. He is a terrific post-up player, the problem is he spends the majority of
possessions on the outside where his shooting is dismal. You wouldn’t get much in a trade so he stays.

DeMar DeRozen posted the best scoring average in his career. Late game heroics and clutch fourth quarter scoring propelled the Bulls to many victories. However, I cringe every time he brings the ball up court. He is not very good and you know that the play call is for him to dribble to his deadly mid- range shot. The problem here is that he is not a three point shooter, so he can’t pull up or step back. He often gets double teamed because he doesn’t get rid of the ball. Add to that he turns the ball over multiple times. The Bulls desperately need a lights out 3 point shooter and I would trade DeRozen in a heartbeat for that type of player.

The biggest question is do you sign Zach LaVine to a max contract? LaVine is a prolific scorer and improved his defense. His ball handling still leaves much to be desired and he commits multiple turnovers. He, for the most part, disappeared in the playoffs. There are other issues surrounding LaVine. Due to injury, he sat out two games, but selfishly participated in the all-star game. He likely will be having surgery to repair his leg and knee injuries. It would prudent for Karnasovas to see who else is available to replace LaVine before giving him a max contract.

Bears Angst

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April 22, 2022

The NFL season opened March 16 and the Bears' new regime went to work. Allen Robinson signed with the Rams. I know he was hurt most of last year but my guess is he will flourish with the Rams with Matt Stafford as his quarterback. The same day they released nose tackle Eddie Goldman. The next move was the trade of the oft injured Khalil Mack. It’s no coincidence that these three were the highest paid players on the roster.

 By trading Mack, new GM Ryan Poles pretty much signaled the Bears wouldn't be competitive in the two years left on Mack's contract. In this era, there have been many instances of teams going from worst to first (Cincinnati Bengals) but the Bears think they have to rebuild first. I hate the fact that the Bears hired another GM who is in training.  The Bears freed up money, though they weren’t going to spend in the first wave of free agency. This is where they may have acquired a playmaker to help out quarterback Justin Fields. Poles messed up his first foray by signing defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi who failed his physical.

Coach Matt Eberflus and Defensive Coordinator Alan Williams have their work cut out for them. The Bear defense returns only four starters from last year. Trevis Gipson, a 2020 draft pick, looked good last year and should one of the starting Defensive Ends..

Here is who the Bears have added on defense:

Linebacker Nicholas Morrow – Coming off his best year with the Raiders. Signed a one year prove-it deal for $3 million.

Defensive Tackle Justin Jones - Signed for $12 million over two years. More affordable than Ogunjobii but a marginal player at best. 

Defensive End Al-Quadin Muhammad - Though no Khalil Mack, he is a solid option to help out on the pass rush.

It would be amazing if Eberflus and Williams can get the defense to rank in the top 15 in the league. This is easier said than done. Poles primary focus should be locking up the Bears best defensive player, Roquan Smith.

Where Poles has failed more is on the offensive side of the ball. Fields will be wasted until he gets some playmakers. What Poles doesn’t realize is having a proficient offense with a 15^th ranked defense probably gets you in the playoffs.

The Bears ranked last in the league in sacks allowed. Last year’s first pick, Teven Jenkins, was injured for most of the year. Drafted as a Left Tackle and basically in his first year, the Bears have him playing Right Tackle. Larry Borom will be on the left .The Bears signed former Green Bay Packer Lucas Patrick to replace Sam Mustipher at Center. He may join veteran Cody Whitehair at guard.

The Bears did sign a couple of receivers but are still looking for wide receivers in the draft:

Byron Pringle – Despite being the fourth option on the Chiefs, he is coming off a breakout season. He is signed for only one year. He is perfect for the Bears as his base salary is only $4million to 6 with incentives.

Equanimeous St. Brown – Signed for less than $1million, he is basically a depth option.

It’s never a good sign when you sign players to one or two year contracts. These are stop gap players. Even if they have great years, other teams will offer more than the Bears. To that end, Poles said he likes to build through the draft. This will be hard to do with only six picks, none in the first. I guess Virginia McCaskey will continue to be pissed off while George Halas is spinning in his grave.

After Five Years Bulls End Playoff Drought

 April 15, 2022

In the two years since the Bulls hired Arturas Karnisovas (AK) as President of Basketball Operations, Zach LaVine and Coby White are the only two players left on the roster he inherited. Karnisovas has done a great job putting together a competitive Bulls team without a rebuild. In his first year, trying to make the playoffs, he traded for all-star center Nicolas Vucevic. That may have worked if Zach LaVine wasn’t out of the line-up for the last 14 games.

After a year of watching, AK went to work. He signed 24 year old point guard Lonzo Ball to run the offense. Forward DeMar DeRozan was signed to ease the burden on LaVine to score points. A move that was under the radar was adding Alex Caruso, whose defensive tenacity made him a favorite of Bulls fans. The Bulls did not have a first round pick however, they found first round talent when they drafted Ayo Dosunmu in the second round.

I felt the team would be better, hoping they could play .500, be a 7-10 seed and in the play in round of the playoffs. The team ended up ten games over .500 and secured the number 6 seed in the playoffs. They exceeded my expectations and normally I would have been extremely satisfied.

The Bulls started the season on fire and had the best record in the Eastern Conference. DeRozan is having the best season of his career. He hit a couple of game winning baskets with the clock expiring. He was also Mr. Clutch and was among the leaders in points scored in the fourth quarter. Many of the wins were predicated by the defense. I was dreaming of what could have been a 50 victory season with a high playoff seed. Disaster struck as Ball and Caruso, their best defensive players, got injured in the same week. Both were expected to be out for six weeks. Caruso is back but has been playing hurt and Ball will not return until next year. It didn’t help that LaVine has been playing with an injury as well.

The Bulls have been struggling ever since, especially against the top seeds. The only thing the Bulls have going for them is Caruso and LaVine have had time to heal. Budding star Patrick Williams is also ready to go full bore. Vucevic needs to be more consistent. In the first two close games against the Milwaukee Bucks he put up 20 points. With all this going for them, the Bulls still probably don’t win one game, let alone the series.

With AK in charge, I am excited regarding the future. I’m sure he will be active to improve this team to compete with the upper echelon. For continued success, you have to avoid injuries and with the continued improvement on the part of their young core.

Baseball is Back

 

April 7, 2022

After weeks of acrimonious negotiations, baseball finally has a collective bargaining agreement. The major disagreements between billionaire owners and millionaire players were about money. Baseball is a multi-billion dollar industry so there should plenty of money for both sides. After the previous agreement ran out the owners locked out the players and didn’t come to the negotiating table until a month later. I think all along owners wanted a late start where they could deduct money on a per game basis. They wanted the players to agree to 16 teams making the playoffs, getting TV money to broadcast mediocre teams. A 16 team playoff format dilutes the importance of the 162 game season. Thankfully the players countered and the owners accepted a 12 team format.

Last season the only chance the Sox would have had against the Astros, was home-field advantage. Outfielders Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert each played less than half a season. Catcher Yasmani Grandal, was the hottest hitter on the team when he got injured and missed a month. However, the most crucial injury was to catalyst shortstop Tim Anderson. He only played 123 games and was in and out all of September. Without these injuries, they probably would have had home field advantage.

So the key for the upcoming season is to stay healthy. Things were going smoothly this preseason and then the injury bug popped up. Reliever Garrett Crochet is going to have Tommy John surgery leaving Aaron Bummer as the only lefty in the bullpen. Lance Lynn has a knee injury that requires surgery and will out approximately 8 weeks. I expect Dylan Cease to have a break out year and Lucas Giolito can be very good. After that it’s a crapshoot. Dallas Keuchel needs to turn things around from his worst year and they need about 150 innings from Michael Kopech The Sox did sign free-agent reliever Kendall Graveman another link to all-star closer Liam Hendriks.

The White Sox have one of the best line-ups in baseball and score plenty of runs. They added one time all-star and contact hitter Josh Harrison to fill the hole at second base. The Sox traded reliever Craig Kimbrel for right fielder A.J. Pollock. I prefer seeing Andrew Vaughn playing right field. He is capable of having a monster season.

Cubs President Jed Hoyer said the Cubs have the resources to sign free agents. He signed mediocre pitcher Wade Miley, not exactly the monster move their fans were looking for. Hoyer then was able to persuade Marcus Stroman, one of the best free-agent pitchers available. Hoyer has to be commended for signing a 5-tool outfielder Seiya Suzuki from Japan. It may take some time but once he gets acclimated, he will a cornerstone of the rebuild. Suzuki will lay right field with Jason Heyward moving to center. It is time for the Cubs to eat his contract. They have to find out about 27 year olds Clint Frazier and Michael Hermosillo.

Second year players, first baseman Frank Schwindel and third baseman are both 29 years old. In only 328 at bats Wisdom hit 28 homers. He will probably hit at least 30 this year. Problem is, he struck out 187 times. Schwindel hit .342 with 13 homers 

The offense may put up runs but maybe not enough to cover pitching deficiencies. Kyle Hendricks had a few hiccups last year. He has to regain the form that made him elite. Marcus Stroman is an excellent number two.  Wade Miley was supposed but three but he is currently injured. I would venture to guess that next up are Alec Mills and Justin Steele. The Cubs will have to monitor Steele so as not to overwork him in his first year. In two years he will be their number one. Keegan Thompson may slide into Miley’s spot. This is much better than trotting out Jake Arrieta. The starters can be very good but the bullpen is full of questions. It will be a bullpen by committee with no definitive closer.                 

Final Four & Other Stuff

 

March 31, 2022

There are four teams left standing in the NCAA tourney. All the teams are no strangers when it comes to competing for championships. The Cinderella team of the tourney, Saint Peter’s Peacocks, upset Purdue to become the first #15 seed to make it to the elite eight. North Carolina, who beat #1Baylor, blew out the Peacocks to advance to the final four. They will face arch-rival Duke with legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski who is in his last year as their coach. 

The other game features Villanova vs. Kansas. This is the only game so far with a #1 against a #2. Kansas, with excellent coach Bill Self, is favored. However, he has no national championship banners. His counterpart, Jay Wright, has won two at Villanova.

I see that former Bears GM Ryan Pace was hired by the Atlanta Falcons. I wonder what impressed them: his bad first round draft picks or his mismanagement of the salary cap? His job title is “Senior Personnel Executive,” meaning he won’t he won’t be making big decisions.

I also saw former Bears coach Matt Nagy got a job. My feeling here is that his former boss, Kansas City’s coach, felt bad that he was unemployed. Nagy is going from head coach to Senior Assistant/Quarterbacks Coach. Kansas City doesn’t really need a QB coach with Patrick Mahomes. Like Pace, Nagy will not be making any decisions. Both their careers are spiraling downward.

Chicago still has a hockey team. The Blackhawks are having a hard
time getting rid of the stain from covering up a sexual abuse case. On the ice they are one of the worst teams in the NHL. Former disgraced GM Stan Bowman kept trying to upgrade his defense, paying no attention to the offense. The Hawks have been shut-out 6 times and average less than three goals per game. Bowman’s assistant Kyle Davidson was named interim GM as the Hawks went searching for their next GM. Rather than get fresh eyes on the team they gave the job to Davidson. His first move in rebuilding the Hawks was trading the team’s third best offensive player, Brandon Hagel, for draft picks. What makes this even more stupid is that Hagel is only 23 years old. From the looks of it, the picks will not be high enough and it will take a couple of years before they are ready. This will be my last time talking about the Hawks until they are relevant again.