Saturday, February 8, 2025
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Doesn’t Sound Like Nico Hoerner Will Be Ready By Opening Day

Apr 16, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) in the on deck circle prior to a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

I appreciate that Nico Hoerner has been straight forward about his offseason surgery. His first update earlier in the offseason didn’t paint a rosy picture and well the latest comments from the Cubs second baseman didn’t make fans feel any better when it comes to Hoerner’s chances of being ready by Opening Day.

Hoerner underwent right flexor tendon surgery in October. While he actually had a strong finish to the 2024 season at the plate, Hoerner did say his throwing was negatively impacted by the arm issue.

This past weekend at the Cubs Convention, Hoerner was asked about his status and whether or not he will be on the field when the Cubs begin their 2025 season against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Japan on March 18.

Right now, it appears as though Hoerner will not rush back from his recovery. The infielder said he still has not started a throwing program and has not been hitting since the surgery.

That development certainly puts a bigger focus on upgrading the bench to begin the 2025 season for the Cubs. While top prospect Matt Shaw is getting the opportunity to earn the starting job at third base, no Hoerner suddenly leaves a giant question mark in the infield. Even if Shaw moves to second base to fill in for Hoerner, then third base becomes a serious issue for the Cubs.

As things currently stand, the Cubs have Luis Vazquez, Vidal Bruján, Gage Workman and Benjamin Cowles on their 40-man roster as the infield depth.

The Cubs attempted to sign veteran infielder Josh Rojas this offseason and he would have been an ideal bench player for the team this season. However, Rojas decided to sign with the White Sox, who had the advantage of guaranteeing him more playing time on their rebuilding roster.

According to recent rumors the Cubs have been interested in signing free agent Yoan Moncada among the available players left on the market.

(Previous Update)

Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner had a surprise surgery following the end of the 2024 regular season and everything we’ve heard about his status for the start of 2025 doesn’t paint a rosy picture for the 2023 gold glove winner. Hoerner was recently on 670 The Score and even he couldn’t confidently say that he would be fully healthy by the time spring training comes around in February.

Hoerner, who played in 151 of the team’s 162 games this past season, underwent right flexor tendon surgery in early October. During his appearance on the Spiegel & Holmes Show Thursday, Hoerner was asked directly if he would be ready when the Cubs report to Mesa, Ariz., to begin preparation for the 2025 season. Here’s how Hoerner responded.

Via 670 The Score.

“There are no worries about February like you’ll be full go by training camp,” Laurence Holmes asks.

“No, I don’t know. We’re working on it. I think projecting that far out ahead is a bit challenging. It’s an injury that most of the timelines I feel like are based on pitchers. So, I think there’s going to be some feel throughout that process, but I’m feeling good about it right now.”

Sure, I’d love for Hoerner to say that he’ll be 100% in four months, but at the same time this is his first ever surgery and like he pointed out most of the timelines for returns are based on pitchers, who primarily get the flexor tendon surgery.

Hoerner said the arm issue mainly effected his throwing, jokingly pointing out his throws during the month of September. Meanwhile, the second baseman hit .355 in the final month of the season, sixth-best among all players in MLB.

So, hopefully Hoerner’s rehab goes as smooth as possible this offseason. Fingers crossed that he’ll be fine by the start of spring training.

(Previous Update)

Ummm, this seems bad. We always expect to hear an announcement or two during the offseason regarding a player needing surgery and you always cross your fingers that it isn’t something big, but this surgery to Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner seems major.

On Monday, the Cubs announced that Hoerner underwent right flexor tendon surgery earlier in October.

This is coming completely out of nowhere because although Hoerner did miss a few games on two separate occasions during the 2024 season he never went on the injured list and played in 151 games. Hoerner did deal with a hand fracture back in June, but he was back in the lineup after only missing a handful of games. No idea if this new development is related.

There’s still no word from the Cubs regarding a timetable for Hoerner’s recovery, but at the very least his offseason program will be affected by this procedure. Will he be ready by spring training? Will this affect his performance at the plate in 2025?

Another big issue is that whether you believe he should be shopped or not this winter, Hoerner undergoing a serious surgery pretty much sinks his trade value during the next 4-5 months.

Hoerner, 27, will begin the 2025 season with two years left on his contract with the Cubs.

Four Blackhawks Prospects Receive Nominations for NCAA’s Most Prestigious Award

Jul 7, 2022; Montreal, Quebec, CANADA; Sam Rinzel after being selected as the number twenty-five overall pick to the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

As the Blackhawks continue to get closer to fielding a competent NHL lineup, much of the focus of the front office and fans alike seems to be on the IceHogs and Chicago’s top AHL talents. That’s not misguided at all – players like Artyom Levshunov, Kevin Korchinski, Landon Slaggert, Ethan Del Mastro, Samuel Savoie and more make Rockford’s lineup a stacked one, and they’re the skaters closest to cracking the NHL ranks. But it can be easy to forget with Chicago’s top-notch AHL prospect pool that the Blackhawks also boast one of the best collegiate groups in the entire league.

On Wednesday, the Blackhawks put the league on notice when nominations for the Hobey Baker award were finally announced. Four Blackhawks were nominated, representing a big season across the country for the group as a whole.

Sam Rinzel

At one point this season, Rinzel was actually listed as the favorite for the Hobey Baker award, and should at least become a finalist, if not win it. Many will point to Zeev Buium as the best defenseman in college hockey, but there’s certainly an argument to be made for Rinzel instead. He’s picked up 24 points in 26 games at Minnesota this season while skating 23 minutes per night in a highly competitive conference. He was a slightly unexpected pick at No. 25 overall in 2022 by the Blackhawks, but their shot on him has since paid off big-time. Now 20 years old, I wouldn’t mind seeing him in Chicago at the start of next season.

Aidan Thompson

Another of the premier names at the NCAA level, Thompson is enjoying an excellent scoring season, putting up 29 points in 22 games. As Denver’s alternate captain, he ranks eighth in the country in scoring and has demonstrated impressive consistency, even starting the season on a 14-game point streak in which he tallied 10 goals and 12 assists. Thompson is almost 23 years old, so his entry-level contract will be two years, like Slaggert’s was a year ago. He’ll be signing that deal soon, but Denver isn’t the worst place for a future Blackhawk to develop.

Ryan Greene

Greene is another player with a great chance to at least become a finalist for the NCAA’s most prestigious award, and he’s certainly beginning to make his case. The co-captain of Boston University has scored in five straight games, bringing his total to 23 points in 21 games. He’s a great asset at both ends of the ice and is one of the better players in the country in the faceoff circle (54.6 percent). After coming up short in his first two trips to the Frozen Four, Greene passed up a contract in Chicago to return for a junior season at Boston, so I’d expect him to join the Blackhawks soon – although it could depend on whether Boston U wins a national championship this time around.

Sacha Boisvert

A somewhat unexpected pick at No. 18 overall by the Blackhawks last summer, Boisvert has been excellent for North Dakota all season. As a true freshman, he leads the team in scoring, picking up 18 points in 23 games. With good size, his physicality has stood the test of a tough NCHC, and he possesses a rare scoring ability for his age. Boisvert may not become a finalist for the award, but at just 18 years old, him being nominated is a big win for both the player and the Blackhawks.

Cubs Trying to Trade for Former All-Star Closer

Sep 20, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Ryan Pressly (55) walks to the mound during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Chicago Cubs are reportedly trying to trade for former All-Star closer Ryan Pressly. The veteran reliever is in the final year of his three-year deal with the Houston Astros and is set to earn $14 million in 2025. His contract also includes a no-trade clause, so finalizing a trade between the Cubs and Astros won’t be so cut-and-dried.

After losing out on Tanner Scott and then Kirby Yates to the Los Angeles Dodgers the Cubs continue to have ongoing discussions with several free agent closers in addition to having interest in Pressly. According to The Athletic, the Cubs have seriously considered signing more than 10 relievers this offseason.

Via The Athletic.

The group under consideration this winter, according to league sources briefed on the team’s discussions, has included Kenley Jansen, David Robertson, Ryan Pressly, Phil Maton, Ryne Stanek and Brooks Raley. For context, though, the list of relievers the Cubs have seriously evaluated easily reaches double digits.

Pressly has been a steady performer throughout his career, recording a 3.27 ERA in 650 MLB innings. The righty had 90 saves from 2021-23 with the Astros before he was moved back to a set-up role after Houston signed Josh Hader last offseason.

In 2024, Pressly’s numbers dipped a bit, as he posted a 3.49 ERA in 56.2 innings. While he does have plenty of closing experience, 112 career saves, and postseason success, a 2.78 ERA in 47 playoff games, there were definite red flags that popped up for the two-time All-Star last season.

Pressly’s fastball velocity has slowly been decreasing since 2021, going from 95.5mph down to 93.9mph in 2024. Coupled with that was the fact that Pressly’s strikeout rate, which had been at or above the 30% range for six straight years, finished at 23.8% last year.

Again, just one of several possible targets for the Cubs , but I wouldn’t necessarily put Pressly near the top of the list. Recent trends, age, money and yeah trading for Pressly doesn’t look so attractive.

You know, out of the free agents listed by name in The Athletic article, the oldest one has actually been the most consistent in recent years. Yup, David Robertson, who will be 40-years-old in April, has a 2.82 ERA since the start of 2022. That was the veteran’s first full healthy year in the majors since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2019.

David Robertson 2022-24
2022: 63.2 IP, 2.40 ERA, 30.7 K%, 13.3 BB%, 1.16 WHIP
2023: 65.1 IP, 3.03 ERA, 29.0 K%, 9.3 BB%, 1.19 WHIP
2024: 72 IP, 3.00 ERA, 33.4 K%, 9.1 BB%, 1.11 WHIP

That being said, the age is a concern. The possibility that Robertson falls off a cliff in 2025 is much higher than a pitcher still in his prime. But who knows, maybe the veteran has discovered a new routine, a better plan to stay healthy throughout a long and grueling season and he does have a few more good years in him.

To be fair, that would have been the same concern with signing Yates, who has been good the past few years, but will turn 38 in March.

After missing out on Scott my dream scenario remains trading for San Diego Padres closer Robert Suárez, who is reportedly available. However, outside of fan speculation there has not been a concrete report connecting the Cubs having any serious talks with the Padres for Suárez.

The start of spring training is a few weeks away and at some point the Cubs will have to close on a deal for another high-leverage reliever. It’s a must and they have to get it right.

Chicago Bears Players Attending The Johnson Presser Got Sent A Warning

chicago bears

The excitement around Ben Johnson’s appointment as Chicago Bears head coach is unmistakable. For the first time in decades, it feels like the organization landed the best available candidate. He’s widely regarded as one of the best offensive minds in football and exactly what Caleb Williams needs to take his game to the next level. Johnson admitted the Bears’ young quarterback was a central reason for taking the job. However, that doesn’t mean the head coach has any intention of coddling Williams.

Or any of his players, for that matter.

During his introductory press conference, multiple key team members were in attendance to hear Johnson speak. Among them were Williams, Rome Odunze, and Cole Kmet. All three will likely be central to his offensive plans. In the midst of his speech, Johnson turned to look directly at them. What he said next was an unmistakable message.

“Get comfortable being uncomfortable. The bar has been set higher than it’s ever been set before. The only way for this team and for you as individual players to reach your potential is to be pushed and to be challenged. And that’s exactly what I and my staff plan on doing.”

The Chicago Bears wanted discipline. They’re about to get it.

When he first arrived in 1982, Mike Ditka told the locker room that he was going to find out who really wanted to play this game and who didn’t. It sounds like Johnson has the same intentions. He plans to push everybody in that locker room, with the double intent of making guys better and also weeding out the weaklings. For too long, it has felt like Chicago Bears players aren’t getting pushed enough, which often explains their inability to execute in crunch time and the constant mistakes. Johnson aims to clean all of that up. If guys aren’t willing to take the instruction and put in the work, they won’t be on the team much longer. Guys like Kmet, Jaylon Johnson, and other veterans will probably love that. They crave accountability. This head coach seems ready to provide it. We’re about to find out how well he can motivate.

10 Thoughts On Ben Johnson’s Introductory Press Conference

Nov 28, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson walks the sidelines before the game against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images

New Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson held his introductory press conference on Wednesday morning. Here are 10 key takeaways and impressions.

1. Commanding Presence

Ben Johnson knows how to command a room. His tone, clarity, and detailed responses were incredibly impressive. He communicated with ease and confidence, captivating everyone in attendance.

2. Core Players Showed Support

Bears offensive stars Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet, and DJ Moore sat front row, visibly engaged and smiling. Their presence highlighted the players excitement. Always good to see players smiling.

3. Direct and Personal Communication

Johnson’s interactions stood out for their intensity and sincerity. When he spoke about individuals like Ryan Poles, Kevin Warren, George McCaskey, Caleb Williams, and DJ Moore, he looked them directly in the eye, showing respect and authenticity. It was impactful without feeling overdone.

4. Authenticity at Its Best

Authenticity is important for a head coach, and Johnson didn’t shy away from being himself. Unlike some previous coaches, his natural charisma and leadership style came across as genuine, which players will undoubtedly respect.

5. Fierce Competitor

Johnson expressed his desire to remain in the NFC North, calling it the best division in football. He openly shared his competitive drive to take on rivals Dan Campbell, Kevin O’Connell, and Matt LaFleur, which was simply great to hear.

6. Confident and Comfortable

Johnson’s confidence felt like a breath of fresh air compared to former coach Matt Eberflus. While Eberflus was polished at times, Johnson’s belief in his vision and comfort in his role were loud and clear. It’s evident he’s completely at ease being himself.

7. Witty Yet Purposeful

Johnson’s humor shone through, like when he joked about the trick play involving Jared Goff’s fake trip that resulted in a touchdown against the Bears (Ryan Poles admitted he didn’t find it funny at the time). Beyond the humor, Johnson emphasized his intentionality and how he never takes opportunities for granted.

8. Embracing the Packers Rivalry

Johnson didn’t hold back on his feelings about Green Bay, saying, “I kinda enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year.” This lighthearted jab further endeared him to fans already and showed he understands the significance of the Bears-Packers rivalry.

9. Deep Love for Chicago

Johnson shared that his family has fond memories of visiting Chicago for Cubs games, essentially calling the Bears job the perfect opportunity. George McCaskey revealed that Johnson started and ended his interview by enthusiastically sharing his desire for the role. It’s clear he’s committed to making this team—and city—his home.

10. A Perfect First Impression

While it’s just a press conference, Johnson nailed it. His energy, humor, and authenticity set the tone for what Bears fans hope will be an exciting new chapter. It’s hard not to feel optimistic after such a strong showing.

Perez Deal Official, Marinaccio The Odd Man Out For White Sox

Apr 13, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Ron Marinaccio (97) delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

The White Sox made their deal with left-hander Martin Perez official on Tuesday, announcing that the 33-year-old had agreed to a one-year deal worth $5 million, including a mutual option for the 2026 season. However, a right-hander became a roster casualty as a result. 

To make room on the 40-man roster the White Sox designated Ron Marinaccio for assignment. Marinaccio’s name may not be familiar to many White Sox fans since he did not appear in a big league game for the club last season. After getting DFA’d by the Yankees the White Sox claimed him off waivers with a week remaining in the season. 

Initially, he held onto a roster spot as an option for a White Sox bullpen filled with question marks, The 29-year-old posted a 3.86 ERA in 23.1 innings for the Yankees last season. He has shown that his stuff can generate swings and misses. In 91.1 innings from 2022 and 2023, Marinaccio owned a 29 percent strikeout rate. His strikeout rate fell to 25.3 percent last season but he was able to cut down on the number of free passes allowed, dropping his walk rate from 13.2 percent to 10.1. 

The addition of Perez tightens up a heavily contested battle for the starting rotation between left-hander Tyler Gilbert, right-hander Bryse Wilson, and a handful of young arms. Gilbert and Wilson both figure to have a role in the bullpen if they miss out on a rotation spot making a reliever with control issues more expendable. 

Marinaccio still has a minor league option remaining, which paired with his gaudy strikeout numbers will be enough to draw some interest from other teams. However, his control issues are clearly a concern. The White Sox have four days to try and trade him before he is placed on waivers.

Tim Anderson Has Found A New Home

Jul 15, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson (7) reacts after a strikeout against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Tim Anderson has a new home. The longtime White Sox shortstop signed with the Los Angeles Angels on a minor league contract this morning, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Anderson will head west and pair up with Angels manager and infield guru Ron Washington in what could be the final opportunity to resurrect his MLB career.

Anderson’s Decline

Anderson’s demise has been well documented. After a successful run as the White Sox’s starting shortstop during which he won a batting title, Silver Slugger, and made two All-Star teams, Anderson’s performance declined drastically in 2023. In 123 games that season, he hit just .245 and was 38% worse than the MLB average offensively. The White Sox parted ways with him after the season, allowing him to reach free agency instead of exercising their 2024 team option. It represented the end of an era for both parties.

Anderson then signed with the Miami Marlins last offseason on a one-year/$5 million contract. The hope was that a change of scenery would be what he needed to get his career back on track. Unfortunately, that was not the case. He was even worse statistically in Miami than in his final season with Chicago. Given their minimal commitment to him, the Marlins DFAed and released him in early July last year. Anderson had been without a team ever since until the news broke today.

New Opportunity

Now 31 years old and several seasons removed from his most recent successful MLB sample size, Anderson must prove himself in spring training to earn a spot on the Angels opening day roster. His circumstances are similar to former White Sox teammate Eloy Jiménez, who signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays earlier this winter. Gone are the days of big paydays for both. They will have to earn their next MLB opportunities.

Angels Crowded Infield Situation

Anderson enters a fairly crowded infield situation with the Angels. Their starting shortstop last season, Zach Neto, had a strong 2024 season. Veteran infielders Luis Rengifo and Kevin Newman are also a factor in their infield. Anderson’s best hope to make the Angels big league roster might be at second base or potentially a utility player who can play multiple positions.

Tim Anderson’s Last Chance

It was unimaginable just a few years ago that Tim Anderson’s career would fall apart so quickly. He went from being an integral part of the White Sox core of the early 2020s to fighting for his MLB career within the span of a couple years. The Angels and White Sox face off on Opening Day on March 27th, so Anderson could have his revenge series immediately. That is, if he even makes the Angels roster out of spring training.

Ben Johnson Fires Shot At Packers In Introductory Presser

ben johnson

When Lovie Smith became the head coach of the Chicago Bears in 2004, he knew he had to convey a message to the fans. This organization had been beaten down by constant losing for most of the previous decade. Something needed to be said that would give them a jolt of excitement. So he stepped to the podium and laid out his goal for the franchise. The first objective? Beat the Green Bay Packers. Since 1994, the Bears had only beaten their eternal rivals twice. That had to change. Smith understood what it meant. It appears Ben Johnson recognizes the same.

Chicago introduced their new head coach on Wednesday, January 22nd. It didn’t take long to realize this was a young man who was well-prepared, confident, and ready for the opportunity. He conveyed a message of deliberate intent. Nobody in the building would feel comfortable anymore. It was about hard work and sacrifice. However, before getting into his plans, he made sure to note how difficult the task is ahead against the NFL’s toughest division.

Then he fired a shot directly at the Packers.

Ben Johnson has good reasons to gloat.

He took over as the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator in 2022. In the six subsequent meetings against Green Bay, Johnson went 5-1. His offense averaged 24.83 points per game in those meetings. Such numbers haven’t occurred for the Bears in those meetings for most of the past three decades. Ben Johnson isn’t a fool. He knows the Packers have long been the gatekeepers in the NFC North. If you want to reach the Super Bowl, they are always the first hurdle you need to clear. It appears he’s not afraid of the challenge they present. Such confidence was nowhere to be found with guys like Matt Eberflus, John Fox, or Marc Trestman. Maybe Lovie channeled some of that magic into him.

NFL People Expect Ryan Poles To Make A Big Splash In Free Agency

ryan poles

Ryan Poles survived what could’ve been his downfall. Matt Eberflus reached a disastrous end as head coach. Nate Davis was cut midseason. Caleb Williams was sacked 67 times. It was a complete fiasco, and much of the blame fell at the feet of the Chicago Bears GM. Despite this, ownership decided to give him another chance. They felt he’d done enough over the past three years to justify seeing this thing through. That meant finding a new head coach and shoring up the more problematic areas of the roster.

Poles got to work immediately, hiring Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to take over the team, a massive coup in the eyes of many. He should be an immediate help for Williams. Next is figuring out how to fix the offensive line, and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN has heard from people around the NFL about what they think happens. Expect Poles to make a push to land free agency’s top offensive lineman.

The NFL team executives, scouts and personnel figures ESPN spoke to in recent days have thoughts about the biggest storylines:

Bears will sign Trey Smith in free agency

Chicago is all-in on improving its offense with the hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach. High on general manager Ryan Poles’ list of improvements will be an underachieving offensive line. Chiefs free agent guard Trey Smith could be an immediate fit.

They need help there at guard after the Nate Davis fiasco, and Trey is far and away the best option,” an NFL personnel evaluator said. “And they probably need more than him.”

Ryan Poles has a clear path and an advantage.

Fixing the interior offensive line is the obvious course for Chicago. It was the primary reason the blocking fell apart last season. Smith is a Pro Bowler and exactly what they need. Ryan Poles also played a pivotal role in drafting him. He was in Kansas City as director of player personnel in 2021 when they took the Tennessee guard in the 6th round. That connection, along with the presence of Johnson, Williams, and a fat contract, are sure to convince the 26-year-old that he can continue his successful career here. There will be competition. Plenty of other teams have money to spend and major needs on the offensive line. Poles must be prepared to make the strongest possible pitch. Money can’t be an object. Not this time.

Ben Johnson’s Explicit Exchange With Lions Star After Joining Bears

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson watches practice during mini camp at Detroit Lions headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

The Bears scored a major win this offseason by landing the top prize in the coaching carousel, Ben Johnson. Considered the number one coaching target for the past couple of years, Johnson was lured away from the Lions, a divisional rival, in a move that shocked many around the league. During his introductory speech at Halas Hall, Johnson affirmed his decision, saying, “This is exactly where we wanted to be.”

While Bears fans are thrilled, Lions fans have expressed frustration, labeling Johnson a traitor for leaving Detroit. However, it’s worth noting that talented offensive coordinators like Johnson often move on to bigger opportunities. It’s just how the NFL works.

The news sparked some playful banter between Johnson and Lions star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who discussed their exchange on the St. Brown Podcast. Unlike the bitterness seen in other departures—such as Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s comments about former Bears OC Shane Waldron—St. Brown and Johnson kept things spirited.

During their conversation, St. Brown joked that the Lions would “fuck him up twice a year,” to which Johnson fired back, “I’m gonna fuck you up.” It was a funny and competitive exchange, highlighting the respect and rivalry between the two sides.

I don’t know about you, but this is exactly the kind of energy I want from my head coach.